Assistant Director of Student Services

Posting date: January 12, 2026

002105SR

1. Job Type Full-time
2. Location Cambridge
3. School/Unit Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences
4. Department Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
5. Salary Grade 057
6. Job Function Faculty & Student Services
7. FLSA Status Exempt
8. Term Appointment No
9. Union 00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences?

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) is the historic heart of Harvard University. It is the home of Harvard’s undergraduate program (Harvard College, founded in 1636) as well as all of Harvard’s Ph.D. programs (the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1872), Harvard Athletics and the Division of Continuing Education. The 40 academic departments and 30+ centers of the FAS support a community unparalleled in its academic excellence across the broadest range of liberal arts and sciences disciplines. Together, the FAS seeks to foster an environment of ambition, curiosity and shared commitment to knowledge and truth that elicits excellence from all members of our community and prepares the next generation of leaders through a transformative educational experience.

Job Description

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

The Assistant Director of Student Services reports to the Director of Student Services at Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS). This position also works closely with the Program Coordinator and with the Student Affairs Team to support the Harvard Griffin GSAS mission. This position is in frequent contact with the Dean of Students, faculty and staff in academic departments and Harvard Griffin GSAS staff, to support students. The Assistant Director also collaborates with Student Affairs, Title IX, Residential Life, Harvard Griffin GSAS Student Center, as well as Harvard Griffin GSAS leadership, and campus and community partners (HUPD, CAMHS, AEO, ARC, and more).

Duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

Coaching & Advising:

• Coaches/advises students (as well as faculty and staff) on matters related to student concerns, resource referral, and provides ongoing case management.
• Independently facilitates problem-solving for high levels of personal and academic concerns.

Case Management, Planning, & Assessment:

• Updates/creates records/reports in student information system of student meetings, provides ongoing case management, tracks data, excels at email communications, and creates action plans associated with individual students.
• Maintains excellent documentation. Understands University policies and protocols and exhibits confidence of when to consult. Researches best practices to create and update protocols as appropriate.

Care Advocacy & Relationship Building:

• Co-facilitates meetings (with the Director) with departmental faculty and staff and campus partners (Financial Aid, CAMHS, AEO, HUPD, ARC) for regular meetings concerning student trends, collaboration, projects, and case management.
• Advises faculty, staff, and partners to determine action steps for student support.

Crisis Management:

• Deep understanding of University and community resources. Serves in an on-call capacity to respond to HUPD/HUHS as needed and independently navigates crisis response.
• After-hours response to urgent concerns while exercising expert level decision-making and highly-skilled judgment calls to determine next steps and communication to leadership.

Crisis Prevention:

• Preventive care including presentations and initiatives for students, student leaders, faculty, and staff.
• Coordination with internal and external stakeholders to ensure appropriate referrals are made and deliver strong presentations to increase contact with the office for student support.
• Independently researches best practices and, at the discretion of the Director, implements initiatives to further the mission of the office.

Strategy & Other Duties as Assigned:

• Contributes to the strategy of the Office along with Director. In the absence of Director, would step into supervisory role of Program Coordinator and may represent Director at meetings.
• Works on independent daily tasks and divisional projects, other duties as assigned (e.g., Harvard Griffin GSAS Welcomes, supporting departmental and divisional initiatives, etc.).

Working Conditions:

Physical Requirements

• Sitting using near vision use for reading and computer use for extended periods of time

Working Conditions

• Serves in an on-call capacity to respond to HUPD/HUHS as needed and independently navigates crisis response including a nights/weekend rotation.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 5 years’ relevant work experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Master’s degree in relevant field (preference given to higher education, counseling, social work, or similar)
• Relevant work experience in educational guidance, social work, or counseling
• Crisis management skills, experience being on-call and implementing emergency protocols
• Experience working with diverse students, colleagues and external organizations
• Skilled at facilitation, public speaking or presenting for large/small groups
• Ability to learn and utilize Maxient or other CRM case management systems
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, advanced excel skills
• Excels at organization, time and priority management, and communication skills (both written and verbal)

Additional Information

• Cover letter: Please submit a cover letter along with a resume as part of your application.
• Location: This position will be based in Cambridge, MA and require an on-campus presence. Individual flexible and remote work options for this role will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed in a state in which Harvard is registered to do business.
• Standard Hours/Schedule: Full-time position
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Criminal

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 057. 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. Because here, you are what matters. 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

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.

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.