Job Information
Harvard University Assistant Dean for RPL in Cambridge, Massachusetts
62341BRAuto req ID:62341BRJob Code:361058 Administrative Manager Department Office Location:USA - MA - Cambridge Business Title:Assistant Dean for Religion and Public LifeSub-Unit:------------ Appointment End Date:30-Jun-2025Salary Grade (https://hr.harvard.edu/salary-ranges#ranges) :058Time Status:Full-time Union:00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary Basic Qualifications:
Bachelor’s 's degree in relevant professional field and at least 7 years management experience, including supervisory experience, preferably in academic, public, or nonprofit setting.
Administrative experience, with demonstrated accomplishments in strategic planning, program development and evaluation, and budget oversight.
Candidates wishing to be considered must supply a cover letter in addition to a resume.
Additional Qualifications and Skills:
Terminal degree or earned doctorate in a related field preferred (e.g., religious studies, ethnic studies, ministry studies, higher education administration, counseling, law, religion, social work).
Familiarity with a range of professional fields, commitment to principles of religious literacy, and vision for the potential of advancing religious literacy in public life.
Teaching experience in an academic setting.
Demonstrated ability to forge new partnerships and develop new programmatic initiatives in an academic or professional environment that elevates the leadership of others.
Demonstrated accomplishments in developing cultivating donor relationships, grant-writing, and securing funding.
Personal commitment and prior experience as an effective facilitator, coach, and supervisor.
Demonstrated commitment to inclusion and anti-racism in all aspects of programming.
Exceptional interpersonal and networking skills.
Excellent writing, editing, and communication skills.
Willingness to embrace diversity, inclusion and belonging and support efforts to make Harvard a welcoming place for all.
Proven ability to work with a wide range of stakeholders, including professionals from diverse fields, faculty, administrators, students, and alumnae.
Must thrive in small entrepreneurial environment that is mission driven.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Your cover letter and resume should be combined into a SINGLE DOCUMENT under the resume tab. Cover letters are required for every position at Harvard Divinity School.
We regret that the Harvard Divinity School does not provide Visa sponsorship.
Additional Information: Harvard Divinity School seeks to respect, understand, and learn from all cultures, beliefs, and faith backgrounds, including those who are unaffiliated with a traditional denomination, of the members of our diverse community. HDS actively seeks and welcomes people of color, women, the LGBTQIA+ community, persons with disabilities, and people at intersections of these identities.
Founded in 1816, Harvard Divinity School is most religiously diverse divinity school in the United States and is one of 12 graduate/professional schools at Harvard University. HDS is grounded in pluralism and fosters the kind of thoughtful, respectful exchange of ideas that is vital for human flourishing. The School’s degree programs prepare students for careers in academia, ministry, and a wide range of roles across the nonprofit, private, and public sectors.
Department:Religion and Public LIfePre-Employment Screening:Education, IdentitySchedule:Monday-Friday, 9 AM - 5 PMJob Function:General Administration Position Description:
Lead Religious Literacy and Professions Initiative (RLPI), including building and implementing strategy to ensure long-term programmatic and financial sustainability with the goal of deepening reach and impact.
Working together with the Associate Dean, develops and implements the strategy and mission for the RLPIs annual activities; manages the overall day-to-day RLPI program operations and activities, including internship program; onboards, manages, and evaluates program staff, student employees and other temporary staff.
Responsible for effective staff management, including supervision, hiring and orientation, training and development, workflow and performance management, and the promotion of an inclusive and innovative work environment.
Advance strategic partnerships and nurture relationships to expand reach and impact of RPL and RLPI.
Responsible for appropriate budget management and ensures compliance with all financial requirements, policies and procedures.
Serve as a key liaison between the RLPI and Harvard University Schools and interact with faculty, NGO leaders, practitioners, other academic institutions, individuals, and partners in the US and in regions of programmatic focus.
Develop and manage RLPI initiatives, including experiential learning, training materials, and emerging continuing and executive education with HDS faculty, external internship supervisors and others in the fields such as education, journalism, media & entertainment, humanitarian action and government.
Teach one or two courses per year, which will carry a separate appointment as lecturer, with a focus on core courses for Religion and Public Life and other relevant topics, as agreed upon with the Dean.
Develop student programs, involving Harvard students actively in the work of the RLPI, and other research activities, projects and publications related to RLPI.
In coordination with HDS Office of Development and External Relations and Associate Dean for RPL, actively contribute to RLPI fundraising, including donor cultivation, new opportunity identification, proposal development and report-writing.
Build RLPI’s knowledge base through development of a program of research, practitioner knowledge and publications designed to advance the program’s mission and goals. Serves as content expert to students, external stakeholders, and others.
Lead on curriculum and case study development, and academic content of the RLPI’s initiatives; design and implement evaluation for RLPI products and materials.
School/Unit:Harvard Divinity School EEO Statement:We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.Working Conditions: This position is based in Cambridge, MA and requires an on-campus presence. A hybrid schedule, involving some remote work, may be possible after three months, subject to business needs and manager review/approval. HDS may adjust flex schedules as necessary or appropriate. Harvard has an established Flexwork Policy (https://hr.harvard.edu/flexwork) .
Please Note: We are currently conducting interviews virtually for selected candidates. Final interviews may be conducted on campus.
The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines. Job Summary:
This position is a fully benefits-eligible term appointment beginning January 2, 2024 through June 30, 2025 with a strong possibility of renewal.
Reporting to the Associate Dean for Religion and Public Life, the Assistant Dean for Religious and Public Life oversees the administrative and programmatic aspects of RLPI to advance an ambitious agenda of curricular and programmatic activity for the Religious Literacy and the Professions Initiative (RLPI) which includes the certificate in religion and public life. Working with the RPL team and across Harvard graduate schools and in partnership with HDS and Harvard faculty as well as a network of professionals and professional organizations, the RLPI includes a program of coursework, a practitioner program, student experiential learning opportunities (including internships and field placements), annual symposia, public events, a robust program of online training opportunities, and professional/executive learning opportunities. The RLPI seeks to realize, over time, transformation in the public understanding of religion within both “secular” and faith-inspired fields of engagement in order to yield fresh insights into contemporary challenges.
The Assistant Dean is expected to teach at least one or two courses per year with a focus on core courses for Religion and Public Life and other relevant topics as agreed upon by the Dean, carried as a separate Lecturer appointment concurrent with this role.
Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging:Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.Benefits:We invite you to visit Harvard’s Total Rewards website ( https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:
Flex-work options at HDS, including an optional summer compressed workweek (end of May through mid-August)
Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.
Work Format:Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)