Advise on strategy, planning, and problem-solving.
Ensure programs and student services are high quality,
innovative, inclusive, and accessible to student artists from
beginners to advanced practitioners.
Reduce operational barriers and create conditions that enable
the success of program leaders and student initiatives.
Help oversee and project manage new strategic program
initiatives and priorities as assigned by the OFA Director.
Attend OFA and student arts events to understand and support
student art-making across campus.
Oversee strategy and support to activate arts programs and
spaces within the campus’ residential life system.
Advise and support student arts and cultural organizations on
program development, member retention, fundraising, compliance,
touring, and succession planning.
Project manages special initiatives, outside of specific
programs, as assigned by OFA Director.
Resource Management (50%)
- Oversee OFA space and facilities planning and usage.
- Support appropriate risk management, safety, accessibility, and
operational continuity practices across OFA programs and
facilities.
- Partner with College and FAS offices on renovations,
relocations, and other facility projects.
- Partner with OFA and College leadership and FAS federated work
streams to identify and meet arts-based resource needs and to shape
resource planning and prioritization aligned with strategic and
programmatic goals. Oversee and allocate workflow to federated
positions (such as IT and finance).
- Serve as primary OFA client manager for technology operations,
partnering with HUIT and internal IT staff to support programs,
communications, and administrative needs.
- Promote process and systems improvements that enhance
collaboration, efficiency, and user experience across OFA
units.
- Provide guidance to Programs and OFA Director on program-level
budgets, forecasting and financial performance, ensuring
responsible use of funds and alignment with program goals.
- Advise OFA Director on fund allocation, budgeting, and
fundraising.
- Ensure consistency and compliance in HR, operations, and
financial policies and procedures in collaboration with finance
staff and FAS/College partners, including effective use of
restricted and current-use funds.
- Coach managers on employee relations issues and support
initiatives that promote staff morale, professional development,
and team cohesion.
Strategic Leadership (10%)
- Serve as a member of the OFA senior leadership team; advise the
Director on organization-wide strategy, planning, and policy.
- Serve as an active co-leader in the Director’s absence and
represent the OFA on College, FAS, and University committees and
working groups.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the OFA Director.
Working Conditions:
The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its
discretion and based upon operational needs and objectives and
consistent with College Policy, which requires 5 days on-site in
Cambridge, MA during term time (first day of classes through
commencement), with the exception of student breaks. 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 about the College policy 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.
Qualifications
Basic Qualifications:
- Master or equivalent degree.
- Minimum of 8 years’ experience managing operations in a large
or complex organization.
- Senior-level management experience in an arts organization or
educational setting.
Additional Qualifications and Skills:
- Broad knowledge of the arts, with deep knowledge in at least
one artistic discipline.
- Masters Degree a plus.
- University or non-profit experience strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated experience in facilities/space planning and
operations, including work with multiple institutional
stakeholders.
- Strong project management, organizational, and process design
skills; proven ability to lead complex, cross-functional
projects.
- Experience supervising staff with diverse skill sets and
responsibilities.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to make
sound decisions in a complex environment.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to
communicate effectively with a wide range of constituencies and
translate technical or policy information for non-experts.
- Demonstrated commitment to community building and viewpoint
diversity and familiarity with best practices in these areas.
- Ability to handle multiple priorities, manage change, and
exercise sound judgment and political acumen.
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.
Other Information:
The Office for the Arts at Harvard (OFA) cultivates a vibrant
ecosystem for artmaking, empowering students to live creative and
meaningful lives, regardless of experience or career path. Through
its programs and services, the OFA mentors and teaches, supports
student-led art, connects students with accomplished artists,
commissions new works, and forges partnerships across local,
national, and global communities. By nurturing students as artists
and cultural leaders, the OFA affirms the arts as essential to a
Harvard education and champions creativity as a force that enriches
society and strengthens the communities we share.
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 059. 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.
