Director of Pedagogy

Posting date: March 18, 2026

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• Job Type: Full-time
• Location: Cambridge
• School/Unit: Harvard Kennedy School
• Department: Academic Deans' Office
• Salary Grade: 059
• Job Function: General Administration
• FLSA Status: Exempt
• Term Appointment: No
• 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 Kennedy School?

The John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University is one of 12 graduate and professional schools at the university. Harvard Kennedy School’s mission is to improve public policy and leadership so people can live in societies that are more safe, free, just, and sustainably prosperous. By combining cutting-edge research, the teaching of outstanding students, and direct interaction with practitioners, we have an impact on solving public problems that no other institution can match. When you work at Harvard Kennedy School, you make a difference.

Job Description

The Director of Pedagogy is a senior member of SLATE (Strengthening Learning and Teaching Excellence), the HKS teaching and learning initiative within the Academic Deans’ Office. The position will advance the teaching mission of HKS by leading the design and delivery of a range of pedagogy-related services and programs for HKS faculty.

About SLATE:

As the central hub for teaching at HKS, SLATE helps faculty refine and strengthen teaching practice; develop and disseminate case-based curricular materials; leverage digital learning and educational technology in residential, blended, and online formats, and foster teaching innovation at HKS.

About the Role:

The Director of Pedagogy will lead the design, delivery, and continuous improvement of faculty development programs and services. The successful candidate will have a demonstrated track record of coaching and helping faculty in applying evidence-based approaches for course design, promoting active and inclusive learning practices, and leveraging diverse assessment methodologies in a range of qualitative and quantitative disciplines.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide one-on-one confidential consultations to faculty, including on course design, assignment design, assessment strategies and more.
• Offer tailored confidential guidance for individual or groups of faculty in identifying/updating learning goals, analyzing classroom management, integrating student feedback, and experimenting with instructional practices, for example, to encourage diverse viewpoints in the classroom.
• Design, implement, and evaluate key SLATE programs and initiatives, including the annual two-day New Faculty Institute, one-day Re-New Faculty Institute, and Teaching Week.
• Nurture a vibrant HKS teaching community by strategizing, planning, and organizing teaching seminar series, faculty learning communities, and in partnership with other members of SLATE, facilitate thematic or timely content-specific teaching workshops and seminars.
• In collaboration with the SLATE team, help advance the practice and adoption of signature pedagogies, such as the case method, and experiential learning etc.
• Support SLATE team in helping faculty leverage technology tools, including teaching with AI.
• Design and conduct course assistant trainings, workshops, and practice teaching sessions for Teaching Fellows and Course Coaches.
• Serve as a thought partner to the Sr. Director of SLATE in ensuring the team is alert to emerging teaching needs or trends and offer targeted, just-in-time support for faculty questions and concerns as they arise.
• Empower teaching innovation and support scaling of promising or best practices by stewarding the HKS innovations in teaching award.
• In keeping with SLATE’s data-driven approach, develop and curate evidence-based teaching guides and custom practical resources designed specifically for the HKS context.
• Support institutional and strategic priorities as they arise, including designing faculty surveys, facilitating focus groups, and conducting curriculum review efforts, etc.
• Stay abreast of trends in pedagogy, the scholarship of teaching and learning, and in collaboration with other members of SLATE, help iterate and refine SLATE services.
• Other duties as needed.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

Advanced degree and at least 8 years of related experience (faculty development or teaching in an institute of higher education)

Important Application Instructions: Complete applications must include a cover letter.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Professional coaching training/certificate preferred.
• Experience coaching faculty in a professional school or teaching in a professional school preferred.
• Teaching experience or background in one or more of the quantitative or qualitative disciplines taught at HKS.
• Teaching experience or training in pedagogies taught at HKS, e.g. case method, experiential learning, reflective learning practice, etc.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Self-starter, agile, creative, and curious team player.

Additional Information

• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education
• Other Information: This is a hybrid position based on our campus in Cambridge, MA, required to work on campus at least 3 days/week.
• Important Application Instructions: Complete applications must include a cover letter.

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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.