Preceptor

Preceptor

Title
- Preceptor

School
- Faculty of Arts and Sciences

Department/Area
- Economics

Position Description
- The Department of Economics seeks applications for a preceptor in Principles of Economics (Ec10). The appointment is expected to begin on or around September 15, 2026. The preceptor will be responsible for supporting the delivery, instruction, and continuous improvement of one of Harvard's largest and most visible undergraduate courses. Reporting to the Senior Preceptor and working closely with faculty course heads and departmental academic leadership, the Preceptor serves as a member of the instructional leadership team responsible for teaching, instructional development, assessment, and course administration.

The Preceptor also collaborates and coordinates with the broader Economics Undergraduate Program, as needed. Ec10 enrolls approximately 1,400 students annually and is supported by a large instructional team consisting of faculty and Teaching Fellows. The Preceptor contributes to the instructional mission of the course through direct teaching, development of instructional materials, support of assessment activities, Teaching Fellow support, and management of course operations necessary to deliver a consistent and high-quality learning experience  position also assumes responsibility for course administration and operational coordination.

A core objective of the role is to develop and implement technology-enabled systems, automation, and AI-supported workflows that reduce manual administrative effort over time. As operational processes become increasingly automated and scalable, the balance of responsibilities is expected to shift toward greater instructional contribution, curriculum development, and pedagogical innovation.

Core Responsibilities

• Teaching & Course Development
• Collaborate with faculty course heads and the Senior Preceptor on course planning, instructional materials, assessments, and curriculum refinement.
• Support the adoption of innovative teaching practices and instructional technologies.
• Instructional Operations & Course Administration
• Execute the administrative and logistical functions necessary to support the successful delivery of a large-scale undergraduate course.
• Manage key course operations including section allocation, classroom scheduling and room reservations, examination administration, course communications, and instructional logistics.
• Coordinate the preparation, organization, and distribution of course materials and instructional resources.
• Process Teaching Fellow and course assistant appointments and support related instructional staffing activities.
• Coordinate course-related events, review sessions, guest lectures, and instructional programming, including room reservations, event set-up, catering, materials preparation, and related logistics.
• Work closely with faculty, Teaching Fellows, and departmental staff to support a consistent and effective student experience across all sections of the course.
• Teaching Fellow & Instructional Support
• Assist in the training, onboarding, and support of Teaching Fellows.
• Develop instructional resources, documentation, and processes that promote consistency in teaching and assessment.
• Serve as a resource regarding course policies, procedures, and instructional expectations.
• Innovation & Continuous Improvement
• Analyze course data, student outcomes, and operational processes to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Lead the development and implementation of technology-enabled and AI-supported solutions that improve efficiency, scalability, and course delivery.
• Identify opportunities to automate repetitive administrative activities and streamline course operations.
• As administrative processes become increasingly automated, expand instructional contributions through course development, curriculum enhancement, and other academic initiatives.
• Undergraduate Program Involvement
• Be knowledgeable of the broader resources of the Economics Undergraduate Program.
• Collaborates as needed with the Economics Undergraduate Program, including the Director of Studies, Associate Director of Undergraduate Studies, the Undergraduate Program Coordinator, and the Concentration Advising Team.

The position is for one year. Reappointment may be possible on a yearly basis for up to eight years (within the eligibility guidelines of the FAS), contingent on performance, enrollments, curricular need, position availability, and divisional dean authorization. This is a 10-month academic-year appointment aligned with the undergraduate teaching calendar. The role requires regular on-campus presence and may involve evening or weekend work associated with examinations, instructional activities, course events, and other academic responsibilities.

Basic Qualifications
- Advanced degree in Economics or Public Policy required. The successful applicant should have experience in teaching principles of economics.

Additional Qualifications
- Demonstrated teaching experience at the undergraduate…