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Job Summary

The Director of Programs is the Office for the Arts' senior program administrator in charge of overseeing and supporting all OFA programs and student services. The position facilitates and guides planning with program managers, solves programming issues, helps program leaders address unexpected challenges and opportunities, and attends their events.

Reporting to the OFA Director, the position advises on major strategic issues and is a critical leader in implementing the OFA's strategic plan objectives and works collaboratively with the Department Administrator on program resources. This position serves as active co-leaders with the Director for Administration in the Director's absence. The Director of Programs is responsible for ensuring that all of the programs remain vibrant and vital, as well as adaptive and innovative in responding to the needs of our students, the evolving nature of art-making, and the times in which we live. Fundamentally, the position is deeply committed to supporting colleagues and helping to enable their success.

Position Description

Directs Programs: 30%

Manages eleven program leaders across the performing and visual arts at the OFA. These include:

• Administrator for OFA Dance
• Director of the OFA Ceramics Program and House Arts
• Manager of College Theater
• Student Services Coordinator
• Director/Conductors of:

• • Harvard Radcliffe Orchestra
  • the Harvard Choruses (staff of 7)
  • Kuumba Singers of Harvard,
  • Baroque Chamber Orchestra (staff of 2)
  • Harvard Jazz Band (staff of 2)
  • Harvard Wind Ensemble and Band
  • Harvard Pops

Working with this team, the Director of Programs advises, strategizes, and problem solves across all of the OFA's performing and visual art programs. This person ensures the vitality of OFA programs and student-facing services, fosters innovation, reduces barriers that impede program and student service ideation and implementation, and ensures that programs and services reach the full spectrum of student artists from beginners to the most accomplished artists. The Program Director helps to create the conditions that enable the success of program leaders.

Strategic Plan Implementation: 20%

Working closely with and under the guidance of the Director, helps lead implementation of strategic program goals across all OFA programs and services in alignment with the OFA Strategic Planning Report of 2023. This involves translating goals set forth in the report into new initiatives, engaging key stakeholders including students in the development of these initiatives, and working strategically with key OFA leaders.

Special Event Production Lead: 10%

Serving as the lead producer for special arts events as opportunities arise. These are often unexpected artistic events triggered by inquiries, world events, and happenings within the College. On some of these occasions, the Director of Programs is expected to spark ideas, build creative teams, develop the artistic and production plan, and see it through to closure.

Fostering Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging: 15%

Fostering a culture of diversity, inclusion, equity and belonging across programs and services. This pertains both to the staff culture itself and the ways in which our programs foster DEIB values and opportunities for all students.

Planning and Guidance: 15%

Advising the OFA director on OFA-wide strategic matters. Serving as a member of the OFA's senior leadership team.

Basic Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree
• Minimum eight years of senior level management in the arts, preferably in a large and complex organization
• Knowledge in at least one artistic discipline

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Experience as a practicing artist
• Broad knowledge of the arts
• Higher degree a plus.
• Ability to work closely with students and teaching artists, to listen closely, to recognize opportunity, problem solve, and build a sense of team and shared purpose
• Ability to translate planning objectives into tangible program steps
• Excellent communication skills. A keen listener and facilitator deeply committed to supporting colleagues and helping to enable their success
• Excellent organizational and people skills
• A supportive and collaborative attitude
• Experience in understanding and overseeing program budgets and financial performance of subunits
• Demonstrated commitment to creating communities that embody values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging

Additional Information

The Office for the Arts at Harvard supports student engagement in the arts and integrates the arts into University life. Through its programs and services, the OFA teaches and mentors, fosters student artmaking across all disciplines and abilities, connects students to accomplished artists, and creates inclusive communities that celebrate the rich diversity of Harvard College. By supporting the development of students as artists and cultural stewards, the OFA works to enrich society and shape communities in which the arts are a vital part of life.

The OFA is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment. Applicants from underrepresented populations are strongly encouraged to apply.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• 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

On-Site


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.

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.

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