Assistant Director, Professional Programs

The Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering (SEAS) seeks a dynamic, collaborative, and entrepreneurial self-starter to accelerate and develop professional programs as part of a small new team tasked with expanding educational programs to reach new audiences. The ideal candidate will have experience with launch and delivery of educational programs along with business development experience, strong relationship-building skills, and experience collaborating with partner organizations and/or educational institutions.

The Assistant Director for Professional Programs will have direct responsibility for a small portfolio of ongoing educational programs and will launch new programs in partnership with schools at Harvard University and/or outside partners. A strategic focus along with operational savvy will be essential. This position reports to the Assistant Dean for Professional and External Programs and will supervise one support staff member. May supervise additional staff in response to changing business needs.

Job Specific Responsibilities:

• Along with the Assistant Dean for Professional and External Programs, meet regularly with SEAS faculty to learn about research and teaching and cultivate faculty relationships for potential program offerings. Attend related talks and seminars. Develop strong working relationships with faculty, staff, and external clients associated with the program.
• Support SEAS short course development and pilot projects by working with internal partners (e.g. the Harvard Vice Provost for Advances in Learning and the Harvard Division of Continuing Education) and external partners on the development of blended, online, and in-person programs.
• Work with Assistant Dean on developing cross-University partnerships and University projects in professional and lifelong learning.
• Consult with SEAS faculty and SEAS Director of Industry Partnerships to explore and develop custom executive education potential offerings.
• Inform stakeholders of program related activity and/or decisions.
• Build and help implement longer-term strategic business plan with portfolio of SEAS offerings with Assistant Dean in consultation with faculty advisors for professional programs.
• Administer and monitor Harvard Business Analytics Program blended learning program with partners in Harvard Business School and the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. Assess opportunities for additional potential new programs, iterations and spin-offs with these partners.
• Lead review and assessment of new program proposals, curriculum and new format designs. Research and develop program content and materials, analyze program mapping and demand, recommend improvements.
• Develop specialized reports and analyze statistics to define and evaluate program success and track and comply with any reporting requirements.
• Lead the strategic direction of program delivery to improve programs and department processes, policies and procedures.
• Lead development of marketing and sales outreach strategy.
• Manage vendor relationships and lead contract negotiations for goods and services.
• May manage program budget to achieve financial goals.
• Responsible for effective staff management, including hiring and orientation, training and development, workflow and performance management, and the promotion of an inclusive and innovation work environment.
• Ensure compliance with University policies and procedures and applicable legal rules and regulations rules and regulations.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 7 years’ relevant work experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• BA/BS in marketing, communications, or related field. Master’s degree preferred. STEM orientation is a plus.
• Strategic outlook informed by broad experience in professional learning.
• Ability/flexibility to handle multiple projects, deadlines and responsibilities.
• Experience in higher-education or related educational program development, experience with launch and delivery of new programs preferred.
• Expertise in online learning, familiarity with learning platforms and modalities, short and long professional programs and/or executive education program delivery.
• Strong knowledge of and interest in graduate-level professional education.
• Strong organizational skills, project management skills and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with people of diverse cultures and backgrounds.
• Excellent written and oral communications and presentation skills.
• Marketing and communications experience preferred.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and online communication tools.
• Supervisory experience preferred, with a strong interest in managing and developing staff.