"Executive Director of Teaching and Learning"

Job Summary

Provides visionary leadership and operational oversight for all aspects of instructional technology, course design, media production, and faculty development. Shapes and implements pedagogy strategies that support online, on-campus and hybrid courses.

Job-Specific Responsibilities

The Executive Director of Teaching and Learning advances the mission of the Division of Continuing Education (DCE) by providing visionary leadership and operational oversight for all aspects of instructional technology, course design, media production, and faculty development. The Executive Director shapes and implements teaching and learning strategies that support over 1500 courses annually, comprised of a mix of online, on-campus, and hybrid modalities, across Harvard Extension School, Harvard Summer School, and Harvard Professional and Executive Development. This role leads multi-disciplinary teams, collaborates with partners across and beyond Harvard, and drives innovation to ensure an exceptional and evolving educational experience.

This person should have extensive expertise in applying research-based approaches to course development and innovation in teaching methods, emphasizing active and inclusive learning environments, diverse assessment techniques, and effective integration of educational technologies for a wide range of audiences including adult education and a track record of successful leadership of diverse teams.

Key responsibilities are:

• Strategic Leadership & Innovation
  • Provide strategic leadership in setting and advancing the vision for DCE’s teaching and learning initiatives, ensuring alignment with institutional goals.
  • Continuously research, analyze, and report on emerging trends and innovative practices in online education.
  • Lead the selection, implementation, and deployment of innovative technologies supporting course delivery and pedagogical excellence.
  • Represent DCE Teaching & Learning in university-wide groups and external organizations focused on pedagogy.
• Team Leadership & Collaboration
  • Lead, supervise, and develop high-performing teams specializing in instructional technology, course/curriculum design, media production, and faculty development.
  • Collaborate with academic units to identify and execute strategies to enhance programmatic outcomes.
  • Foster a collaborative culture and promote professional growth within the Teaching and Learning team.
• Operational Execution
  • Partner closely with DCE’s Technology and Innovation team and Software Development teams to maintain strategic alignment and maximize the impact of technological enhancements.
  • Interface with Academic Technology support and classroom video production to ensure excellence in course delivery.
• Program and Portfolio Management
  • Develop and implement initiatives to ensure faculty are effectively trained, supported, and integrated into teaching and learning innovations.
  • Manage multiple complex projects simultaneously, leveraging data and stakeholder input to guide continuous improvement.
• Research & Assessment
  • Gather, synthesize, and apply data from diverse sources to inform decision-making.
  • Conduct research to evaluate the effectiveness of courses, instructional technologies, and teaching methodologies.

Working Conditions

This position will be based in Cambridge, MA. Hybrid workplace models in place at DCE with a minimum of 2 days per week on campus. DCE or department may adjust these as necessary or appropriate.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 10 years’ relevant work experience
• Supervisory experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• PhD or equivalent terminal degree strongly preferred.
• Extensive experience in teaching and learning, instructional design, online education, or related fields.
• Minimum of 5 years of leadership experience.
• Demonstrated record of strategic leadership in a complex academic environment.
• Superb written and verbal communication skills; proven ability to convey complex ideas to diverse audiences.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and managing change in dynamic environments.
• Advanced expertise with online learning technologies and platforms.
• Experience working in continuing education settings.

Additional Information

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week (Monday-Friday, 9-5pm)
• Compensation Range/Rate: $150K-$175K
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education
• Other Information: A cover letter is required for consideration. All formal offers will be made by FAS Human Resources.
• Work Format Details: This is a position that is based at a Harvard campus location with some remote work options available. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States.