As the Chief Student Engagement Officer, you'll be at the forefront of transforming the student journey at the Division of Continuing Education (DCE). Reporting directly to the Dean, and as a member of the Executive Leadership Team, you'll collaborate with academic, technology and existing student support and operational teams to craft and execute strategies that enhance every aspect of the student experience. Your leadership will be instrumental in ensuring that students feel supported and empowered from their initial inquiry through to graduation.
Position Description
Strategy Development: Lead the creation and refinement of our student experience strategy throughout the entire student lifecycle, staying ahead of trends in technology and student engagement to position DCE to be ready for the students of the future.
Program Leadership: Work with teams to design, deliver and evaluate nonacademic student programs that align with DCE's goals, ensuring a seamless, integrated approach to student success.
Research & Analytics: Conduct user research to understand student needs and use data analytics to continuously improve the student experience.
Decision Making: Serve as the primary authority on matters related to the holistic student experience, especially those involving processes and technology.
Collaboration & Implementation: Work closely with cross-functional teams to implement strategies that enhance the student journey.
Quality Assurance: Ensure the highest standards in all aspects of student experience and development, making data-driven decisions to foster student success.
Leadership & Vision: Promote a culture of student-centeredness across DCE, representing the division both internally and externally.
Directly supervise the Deans of Office of Student Affairs and Office of Student Policy and Governance: Provide direct leadership, mentorship, guidance and operations oversight.
Basic Qualifications
A bachelor's degree
Minimum of 10 years relevant work experience
Additional Qualifications and Skills
A master's degree preferred in a relevant field.
Experience managing student experiences for adult, part-time, and online/hybrid learners, strongly preferred.
A strong track record of collaboration across executive and cross-functional teams.
Expertise in using data to drive decision-making and enhance student engagement.
Excellent presentation and written communication skills.
Deep commitment to and understanding of student success.
Familiarity with Salesforce and its applications in student experience management.
A deep understanding of student development theory and a commitment to creating environments that promote student learning and success.
Ability to think strategically about future trends in nontraditional student experiences
Working Conditions
The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines
Additional Information
We will not provide visa sponsorship for this position.
To be considered for this role, a resume and cover letter must be sent with application.
All formal offers will be made by FAS Human Resources.
About Us
The Division of Continuing Education (DCE), a Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) division, serves the purpose-driven modern learner across their lifetime. DCE comprises four academic units serving ~30,000 domestic and international students annually, which allows Harvard to meet the learning needs of intellectually curious and highly motivated students from high school
through retirement. Established in 1910, the Harvard Extension School (HES) is one of Harvard's twelve degree-granting schools. It offers access to Harvard faculty for a diverse community of adult learners, enrolling about 15,000 students. HES offers over 1,000 open enrollment courses-85 percent accessible online-and provides flexibility through noncredit, undergraduate, and graduate courses, including degrees, certificates, and a premedical program. The Harvard Summer School, founded in 1871, offers ~450 credit and noncredit courses on the Harvard Campus and online, catering to 10,000 high school, college, and adult learners. Additionally, it provides more than 15 international study abroad programs, hosting up to 300 students each summer. Harvard DCE Professional & Executive Development delivers over 140 noncredit programs annually, reaching over 3,600 participants through online platforms and its executive development center in Cambridge. The Harvard Institute for Learning in Retirement offers ~140 peer-taught courses to ~550 active members.
At DCE, you'll be part of a team that's not just meeting the needs of today's learners but anticipating the needs of tomorrows. If you're passionate about creating meaningful, data-driven student experiences and are excited about the opportunity to shape the future of lifelong learning, we'd love to hear from you.
Benefits
We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:
Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.
Department Office Location: USA - MA - Cambridge
Job Code: FS0361 Student Services Director
Job Function: Faculty & Student Services
Work Format: Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)
Commitment to Equity Diversity Inclusion and Belonging: Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.
EOE Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.
