Resident Dean of First Year Students, Elm Yard, & Assistant Dean of Harvard College

19-May-2023

Faculty of Arts and Sciences

62599BR

Position Description

Job Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

• Responsible for the academic progress and the personal welfare of the undergraduate students in their Yard area (approximately 400-550 students) and serves as an academic advisor for a set group of students.
• Serves as a member of the Administrative Board of Harvard College, which meets regularly during the year to consider undergraduate petitions for exceptions to College rules, as well as unsatisfactory academic records and matters of College discipline.
• Regularly works with partner offices on academic issues affecting individual students
• Provides support through meals, Yard activities, office hours, and regular student contact.
• Plays a critical role in both individual and community crisis management and disciplinary incidents and serves in an on-call capacity.
• Responsible for matching suitemates and completing housing assignments for all First-Year students assigned to their area of the Yard.
• Participates in the recruitment and training of 70 resident proctors and directly supervises approximately 20 proctors throughout the academic year.
• Responsible for specific projects to enhance the First-Year Experience Office and align it with the mission of Harvard College.
• Assists senior management in formulating student service policies and procedures; makes recommendations to improve overall administration.
• Attends weekly FYE meetings and regularly meets with the Senior Assistant Dean of Residential Life and First-Year Students to discuss student and staff needs.
• Collaborates with the Senior Resident Dean to identify and create support plans for students who experience significant challenges throughout the year.
• Communicate with parents and families regarding student concerns, when necessary.
• Reports to the Senior Assistant Dean of Residential Life and First-Year Students.

Basic Qualifications

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

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Master’s Degree in relevant field preferred
• Ability to advise and counsel undergraduate students about academic opportunities and support resources.
• Interest and experience in academic administration and residential or student life
• Communication skills (both written and verbal
• Previous experience in residential environment with holistic advising responsibilities with undergraduates
• Familiarity with residential crisis management and college disciplinary responsibilities.
• Successful candidates bring a variety of life and work experiences to the position.·     
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills are required.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite

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

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in an office setting
• Required to work some nights and weekends when on-call

Additional Information

Harvard College is a residential college comprising of four areas of the First-Year Yard, twelve upper-level Houses and the non-residential Dudley Community. Residency is required in the first year. After the first year, 97% of students live on campus. Each House and area of the Yard employs a Resident Dean, who serves under the direction of the Dean of Harvard College or their designee.

The Resident Dean of First-Year Students (RDF) is a full-time administrative appointment within the First Year Experience Office (FYE) that requires residing on campus. Their primary responsibility is fostering the academic progress and personal welfare of first-year undergraduate students in the Yard. The RDF works closely with the Dean of Students Office (DSO), the Administrative Board and Honor Council, Counseling and Mental Health Services, University Health Services, the Academic Resource Center, and the Advising Programs Office. The role is directly supervised by the Senior Assistant Dean of Residential Life and First-Year Students.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard’s Total Rewards website 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.

Job Function

Faculty & Student Services

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code

S0358P FSS Student Services Officr IV

Department

Residential Life, Dean of Students Office

Union

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Pre-Employment Screening

Criminal, Education, Identity

Schedule

Monday-Friday,  9am-5pm, occasional night and weekends

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.

EEO 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.