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Harvard University

Director of Student Success

🇺🇸 Hybrid - Cambridge, Massachusetts 🕑 Full-Time 💰 TBD 💻 Administrator 🗓️ October 14th, 2026
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Edtech.com's Summary

Harvard University is hiring a Director of Student Success to lead the Office of Student Success for graduate students at Harvard Griffin GSAS. Reporting to the Dean of Students, the director monitors student standing, advises students and academic programs on concerns, and interprets school policy for faculty and administrators. The role also oversees conduct processes, student support services, and the school's Diploma Awarding Ceremony.

Highlights
  • Advise students and 58 Harvard Griffin GSAS academic programs on resolving student issues, supporting well-being, and completing degree requirements.
  • Serve as subject matter expert on the student affairs side of academic issues, programs, policies, and procedures, in partnership with Academic Programs.
  • Manage the school's Community Standards and codes of conduct under the Dean of Students, advising students when infractions occur.
  • Act as Secretary of the Administrative Board, overseeing meetings and correspondence, recording actions taken, and helping communicate decisions.
  • Support students facing crises or urgent student life issues alongside the Office of Student Services, and take a turn in the on-call rotation.
  • Manage the MBTA Student Pass Program, student funding requests, conduct record verifications, and Dean's Certification requests.
  • Oversee the Diploma Awarding Ceremony at Sanders Theatre on Commencement Day, with 600+ graduates, 1,200+ guests, and 50+ event staff to supervise.
  • Represent the school and advocate for graduate students on committees and with offices such as Global Support Services, Financial Aid, the FAS Registrar's Office, and University Health Services.
  • Oversee an Assistant Director and a support staff member while leading division-wide assessment activities and projects.
  • Bring a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience plus seven years of relevant work, with a master's degree and five years of higher education experience preferred.

Director of Student Success Full Description

Job-Specific Responsibilities:
The Director of Student Success reports to the Dean of Students. Directs all programs and services within the Office of Student Success while providing support to students. Monitors the status of Harvard Griffin GSAS students and serves as a resource for faculty and administrators in the academic departments as well as other University offices in the communication and interpretation of Harvard Griffin GSAS policies. Works closely with Dean of Students and members of the Harvard Griffin GSAS Senior Leadership Team in development and implementation of policies and procedures.

Student Success Management
  • Serves as a subject matter expert and oversees the student affairs aspect of academic issues, programs, policies, and procedures in partnership with Academic Programs.
  • Advises 58 Harvard Griffin GSAS academic programs and their students in resolution of student issues and concerns.
  • Advises individuals and groups in support of students' well-being, success, and completion of degree requirements.
  • Leads and facilitates division-wide assessment activities and projects.
  • Oversees an Assistant Director and a support staff member.
Policies and Procedures
  • Under the supervision of the Dean of Students, manages Harvard Griffin GSAS Community Standards and codes of conduct and advises students when infractions occur.
  • Serves as Secretary of the Harvard Griffin GSAS Administrative Board and has oversight of meetings and correspondence with Board members; records actions taken and assists in communicating decisions as appropriate.
  • Oversees Harvard Griffin GSAS Student Affairs Administration policies and procedures and liaises with the Office of General Counsel as required.
Student Support
  • Partners with the Office of Student Services and Academic Programs, advises students in need of support services. Assists with the management of student crises or immediate student life issues.
  • Manages the MBTA Student Pass Program, student funding requests and other student services.
  • Manages conduct records verification and Dean's Certification requests. Assists students requesting to see their educational record.
  • Serves on the on-call rotation.
Events Management
  • Contributes to large-scale University-wide events and activities such as Orientation.
  • Oversees Harvard Griffin GSAS Diploma Awarding Ceremony at Sanders Theatre on Commencement Day attended by 600+ graduates and 1200+ guests including management and supervision of 50+ event staff.
Harvard Griffin GSAS Representation
  • Represents Harvard Griffin GSAS and advocates for graduate students on multiple committees, working groups and with University offices including Global Support Services, the Office of Financial Aid, FAS Registrar's Office, Harvard International Office, University Health Services and other University partners.
  • Serves on Harvard International Emergency Management Team (IEMT) and Harvard Griffin GSAS Local Emergency Management Team (LEMT).
  • Provide ad-hoc guidance towards department-wide initiatives and special projects as assigned
Programming
Designs and implements programs to enhance the quality of the student experience and promote student success; manages the processes, outreach, content, and finances.

Working Conditions:
  • Work is performed in an office setting
  • May be required, on occasion, to work nights and weekends
Physical Requirements:
  • Sitting using near vision use for reading and computer use for extended periods of time
  • Lifting (approximately 20 to 30 pounds), bending, and other physical exertion

Basic Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience required
  • Minimum of 7 years' relevant work experience
Additional Qualifications and Skills:
  • Master's degree preferred.
  • 5+ years related experience in higher education preferred.
  • Knowledge of and experience working directly with students in a university setting
  • Demonstrated ability to work with diverse constituencies and build effective relationships with campus partners, administrators, and students.
  • Strong organizational, problem-solving and negotiating skills and the ability to work with individuals and groups.
  • Ability to work under pressure in a complex institutional environment.
  • Superior oral and written communication and customer service skills
  • Strong presentation/public speaking ability
  • Strong analytical and report-writing skills
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, advanced Excel skills
  • Adaptability and flexibility
  • Willingness to enthusiastically contribute to a team-based, goal-driven culture and environment.

Additional Information
Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Criminal
Other Information: Applicants should include a cover letter along with a resume at time of application.

Work Format Details
This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University's Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges
This position is salary grade level 058. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.

Benefits
Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:
  • 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

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement
Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.
Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.