"Director, Personal Enrichment Programs and Assistant Dean, Harvard Institute for Learning in Retirement"

Job Summary

Academic and program leadership over all aspects of Harvard Institute for Learning in Retirement and new growth opportunities in Harvard DCE Personal Enrichment.

Job-Specific Responsibilities

The Director, Personal Enrichment Programs and Assistant Dean (D&AD) for the Harvard Institute for Learning in Retirement (HILR) serves as the senior leader of the emerging portfolio of non-credit Personal Enrichment (PE) programs as well as the strategic architect of a distinctive peer-led academic community within the Division of Continuing Education (DCE). Reporting directly to the Chief Marketing, Strategy, and Executive Education Officer, the D&AD is responsible for creating the strategic plan for PE and advancing HILR’s mission to deliver rigorous, inclusive, and socially engaging educational opportunities for older adult learners.

This hands-on position ensures academic excellence by overseeing the participant-developed curriculum, alignment with Harvard’s academic standards, and supporting volunteer-led operations. The D&AD is responsible for supervising and overseeing the daily operations of a compact HILR team to ensure objectives and goals are met efficiently and effectively. Acts as a leader, coach, and point of contact for staff. Also provides guidance and support to Participant Committee Chairs.

Academic and Program Leadership

Oversees the academic quality and integrity of the HILR program by working closely with the Curriculum Committee to ensure a rigorous, engaging curriculum and producing biannual course catalogues. Oversees admissions to ensure policies, practices, and priorities that sustain the peer-learning model, reviewing all application and interview reports, setting capacity for each admission cycle, and guiding the work of the Admissions Committee. Serves as academic liaison to DCE leadership and the broader Harvard community, ensuring alignment with University standards.

Academic Operations

Develops and oversees class schedules for approximately 80 courses per academic term, managing course placements for over 500 participants. Administers classroom allocations across seven classrooms at 34 Concord Avenue. Plans, coordinates, and executes approximately 12 speaker events annually, including sourcing speakers.

Community Engagement and Communications

Fosters a dynamic and inclusive learning environment for over 500 HILR participants. Conducts internal communications and manages community engagement strategies, including writing community emails and event listings, setting policy for the participant website, reviewing, revising, and articulating program policies and instructional resources as needed, and organizing community celebrations. Engages on-site with the Participant community on school days.

Personal Enrichment Portfolio Development and Management

Responsible for setting the strategic growth priorities for the Personal Enrichment portfolio of non-credit programs and coordinating the delivery of new PE programs efficiently leveraging DCE resources and capabilities. Identifies new opportunities, plans for program pilots and proofs of concept, and integration of successes into the portfolio.

Facilities and IT Management

Manages operations at the 34 Concord Avenue campus location, collaborating with internal stakeholders—including Facilities, IT, and Operations—to optimize space utilization and ensure classroom and technology resources are accessible and fully functional. Liaises with Administrative IT regarding the program’s technical and administrative platforms.

Financial Oversight and Fundraising

Manages the unit’s operating budget in collaboration with the DCE Finance Office, with the goal of financial sustainability and responsibility for financial stewardship of HILR. Oversees the internal HILR fundraising campaign, collaborating as needed with DCE Advancement, and ensuring compliance with Harvard guidelines.

Strategic Outreach and Marketing

Works in partnership with DCE Marketing and FAS Communications to attract new applicants and raise awareness of HILR. Represents HILR at events and in communications with internal and external audiences.

Working Conditions

This position will be based in Cambridge, MA. On campus attendance is required when HILR classes are in session and as needed otherwise. Remote work is permissible at other times. DCE or department may adjust these as necessary or appropriate.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

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

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Advanced degree in relevant field.
• Proven supervisor and team management experience.
• Demonstrated commitment to academic integrity and community-building.
• Minimum of 5 years of team leadership experience in a higher education environment.
• Academic curriculum development experience.
• Volunteer engagement experience.
• Strong public speaking and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively supporting and engaging older adult learners.
• Strong strategic thinking skills, high emotional intelligence, and collegial leadership style.
• Ability to be adaptable and flexible when facing ambiguous or rapidly changing situations.