"Dean for Students"

Job Description

The Office of Student Affairs (OSA) at Harvard Medical School (HMS) is dedicated to fostering academic excellence, personal growth, and professional development in every medical student. Through a comprehensive and longitudinal program, OSA provides academic advising, learning support, career guidance, and wellness resources designed to help students thrive at HMS and beyond. The office also coordinates major student events, supports residency applications, and ensures an inclusive and supportive environment that reflects the school’s mission to educate and inspire the next generation of physician leaders.

We are seeking an accomplished and visionary academic leader with extensive experience in undergraduate medical education, a proven commitment to student development and wellness, and the ability to lead collaboratively within a complex academic environment. This position offers the opportunity to lead and inspire a dynamic team dedicated to supporting students throughout their medical education journey, while shaping institutional strategies for advising, wellness, and career development.

The Dean will engage in innovative program design that enhances both academic and personal success, represent Harvard Medical School nationally and internationally on matters related to student affairs and medical education, and influence the development of future physician leaders who embody excellence, service, and compassion. Reporting to the Dean of Medical Education and responsible for shaping and advancing the strategic direction of student affairs, the Dean will work closely with faculty and administrative partners to ensure that HMS continues to provide a world-class learning experience, one that nurtures intellectual curiosity, personal integrity, and professional excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a strategic vision for student affairs in partnership with the Dean for Medical Education.
• Lead a longitudinal advising program that supports academic, personal, and professional development through the Academic Societies.
• Chair the Council of Academic Societies, overseeing recruitment, training, and evaluation of Society Advisory Deans and Advisors.
• Provide faculty oversight for the Office of Learning Resources and Support (OLRS) and the Clinical Learning and Coaching Program (CLCP).
• Design and oversee comprehensive career advising initiatives in collaboration with the Director of Career Advising.
• Develop and promote a holistic wellness program for students in partnership with the Director of Wellness.
• Oversee the preparation of Medical Student Performance Evaluations (MSPEs) and serve as the institutional lead for residency application and matching platforms.
• Chair the Mistreatment Rapid Response Team, ensuring timely, fair, and thorough responses to all reports of student mistreatment.
• Collaborate with other HMS offices to coordinate major academic and community events for medical students.
• With the Senior Director of the Office of Student Affairs, create and foster a culture of excellence, equity, and collaboration.
• Ensure compliance and accreditation standards are met across all student affairs functions.
• Represent HMS and the Office of Student Affairs in University-wide councils, national medical education consortia, and other relevant forums.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• MD or equivalent degree.
• Current academic rank of Assistant Professor, Associate Professor or higher.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in undergraduate medical education (UME) leadership (e.g., teaching, curricular development, assessment, or advising).

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Prior experience in student affairs leadership or administration strongly preferred.
• Exceptional leadership and communication skills.
• A record of fostering inclusive, student-centered learning environments.
• Proven ability to lead effectively in a complex, highly collaborative academic setting.
• The ability to inspire confidence, build consensus, and lead change within a diverse academic community.
• A collaborative spirit and commitment to HMS’s mission of excellence in medical education and service.

Additional Information

• Cover letters are strongly encouraged as part of the application process.
• Term: This is a 5-year term position from the date of hire, with the possibility of extension, contingent upon work performance and continued funding to support the position.
• Standard Hours/Schedule: Please note this is a part-time, 24.5 hours (.7 FTE) per week position.
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education
• Other Information: Please note that we are currently conducting a majority of interviews and onboarding remotely and virtually. We appreciate your understanding.
• Staying Informed About Your Application: Due to the high volume of applications, we may not always be able to reach out right away, but you can track your status anytime through the Careers@Harvard portal.

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 063. 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.