Dean of First-Year Students

About the Role

Reporting to the Danoff Dean of the College, the Dean of First-Year Students provides oversight of the first-year experience and is responsible for setting the tone for students’ transition to undergraduate life at Harvard College. This role oversees the First-Year Dean’s Office (FDO), including professional staff, residential staff, and student leaders, and provides leadership for first-year advising, residential life, student welfare, and student programming. The Dean of First-Year Students plays a key role in coordinating student support, governance, crisis response, and initiatives that strengthen the first-year experience, working in close partnership with the Dean of Students and the Dean of Undergraduate Education.

As a member of the Dean of the College’s leadership team and acting as the lead institutional ambassador for first-year students, the Dean of First-Year Students contributes to the broader vision for undergraduate student life and helps shape students’ first year at Harvard.

Responsibilities

• Manages the First-Year Dean’s Office, including an annual budget and supervision of approximately ten staff members. The FDO includes four Resident Deans, the Senior Assistant Dean of Residential Life and First-Year Students, and the Assistant Dean for First-Year Academics, as well as advising, orientation, and administrative staff members and 65+ Proctors.
• Lives in residence and works closely with the four Resident Deans who support the academic and personal wellbeing of first-year students.
• Liaises with the Dean of Students and Dean of Undergraduate Education to ensure seamless coordination on academic matters and residential experience across all four years.
• Coordinates with Admissions, Yard Operations, Athletics, Dining Services, Health Services, Office of Physical Resource Planning, Harvard University Police, and other campus partners to elevate and advocate for the needs of first-year students.
• Presides over ceremonial occasions including Convocation and welcoming events for students and families.
• Uses official Dean’s residence to host receptions throughout the year.
• Supervises numerous first-year activities (orientation, outdoor program, urban volunteer program, arts program, residential education, and intramural program).
• Produces publications related to the first year (Handbook for Parents, Guide to the First Undergraduate Year, etc.).
• Actively engages in the academic mission with an expectation to teach three courses over 5 years within the University and contribute to the needs of an academic department in other ways, including advising senior theses and reading/research courses, as well as serving on departmental committees.
• Works closely with the Dean for Administration and Finance and the Office of Physical Resource Planning on space-related issues.
• May serve on various College committees and task forces.
• Reports to the Dean of the College and serves as a member of the College senior leadership team.

Working Conditions

The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs and objectives, requiring 5 days on-site in Cambridge, MA during term time (first day of classes through commencement), with the exception of student breaks. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard-registered state. This position is in residence in Cambridge.

Physical requirements include sitting for extended periods using near vision for reading and computer use, as well as occasional lifting (20 to 30 pounds), bending, and other physical exertion.

Qualifications

• Basic Qualifications:
  • Terminal degree required.
  • Experience in student engagement in a residential setting.
  • 10 years of relevant higher education experience.
• Additional Qualifications and Skills:
  • PhD preferred.
  • Familiarity with Harvard College preferred.
  • Willingness to teach as a Lecturer in one of the faculties of the University.
  • Experience advising and counseling undergraduate students about academic opportunities and support resources.
  • Interest and experience in academic administration and student life.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Preference given to candidates who have taught undergraduates and have worked in a residential environment with holistic advising responsibilities.
  • Familiarity with residential crisis management and disciplinary responsibilities.
  • Demonstrated significant achievement in college administration and dedication to enhancing the quality of undergraduate life.
  • Familiarity with issues of diversity and the transition from high school to college is beneficial.
  • Proven track record of working collaboratively, excellent communication skills, and both vision and a willingness to adapt essential.

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental, and financial wellbeing, including:

• Generous paid time off, including parental leave.
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one.
• Retirement plans with university contributions.
• Wellbeing and mental health resources.
• Support for families and caregivers.
• Professional development opportunities, including tuition assistance and reimbursement.
• Commuter benefits, discounts, and campus perks.

Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week.

Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.