Managing Director, Vpal

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree.

• Minimum of 15 years of relevant experience, including leadership roles. Management experience and coaching professional-level direct reports and their teams.

Additional Information

PLEASE NOTE: 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.

VPAL is not able to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

Position Description

Major responsibilities of the Managing Director include but are not limited to:

Managerial Responsibilities:

• Lead, direct, and manage the department's 70+ person staff.

• Oversee all aspects of the department's $22+ million budget.

• Develop and execute on department goals and objectives.

• Create and maintain high morale within the organization.

• Ensure training and development plans are in place for staff at all levels.

Strategic Direction:

• Collaborate with VPAL / Deputy VPAL on department strategy.

• Act as thought partner to VPAL / Deputy VPAL on all aspects of department initiatives.

• Reality test new ideas and initiatives.

• Manage faculty-related issues as directed by the VPAL.

Build Relationships:

• Ensure and develop strong relationships with key stakeholders within Harvard University leadership, Harvard schools, and external constituents.

• Engage with faculty across the university in the support of VPAL efforts.

Financial Oversight:

• Oversee VPAL's financial portfolio, ensuring that resources are used effectively and efficiently, maintaining a strong financial position while making strategic investments in people and projects.

• Responsible for the oversight of the department's annual budget, and multi-year financial plans.

• Negotiate contracts on behalf of the department.

• Partners with the Senior Director of Finance to develop complex and nuanced financial models as needed.

• Work with the Vice Provost to coordinate efforts with the University Development Office to define fundraising priorities, develop philanthropic proposals, and support work with donors.

Supports University-Wide Initiatives:

• On behalf of VPAL, coordinate a wide variety of University-wide initiatives.

Job Summary

The Office of the Vice Provost for Advances in Learning (VPAL) creates and catalyzes deeply engaging and scalable learning experiences that make a difference at Harvard and beyond. Working closely with faculty, VPAL's staff (1) work with Harvard faculty to create impactful online courses, (2) support Harvard Schools in ongoing efforts to improve residential teaching and learning, (3) develop software tools that support both the classroom and administrative aspect of teaching and learning and (4) support a variety of faculty committees convened to provide institutional advice, guidance, and oversight [see https://vpal.harvard.edu/].

Reporting jointly to the Vice Provost for Advances in Learning and the Deputy Provost for Strategic Initiatives, the Managing Director, VPAL is a key leadership position responsible for leading and managing all the Department's production and administrative staff and functions, including Course Creation, Marketing, Human Resources, Finance, and Technology, as well as oversight of LabXchange. The Managing Director is a trusted advisor and strategic thought partner to the Vice Provost and works closely with them to plan and manage VPAL's strategic initiatives and develop its short and long-term financial and operational plans. The Managing Director sees the big picture, thinks strategically while balancing day-to-day needs and objectives.