Assistant Director, Doctoral Programs

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Why join Harvard Business School?

Harvard Business School, located on a 40-acre campus in Boston, was founded in 1908 as part of Harvard University. It is among the world's most trusted sources of management education and thought leadership. For more than a century, the School's faculty has combined a passion for teaching with rigorous research conducted alongside practitioners at world-leading organizations to educate leaders who make a difference in the world.

Through a dynamic ecosystem of research, learning, and entrepreneurship that includes MBA, Doctoral, Executive Education, and Online programs, as well as numerous initiatives, centers, institutes, and labs, Harvard Business School fosters bold new ideas and collaborative learning networks that shape the future of business.

Job Summary:

Harvard Business School’s Doctoral Programs consist of 120+ students across 7 different programs. Join a small, dynamic and dedicated team, where you will have the opportunity to focus on a range of higher education administration; the Doctoral Programs Office manages admissions, course planning, registration and enrollment, student services, progress tracking, career planning, and commencement. This job is for you if you are interested in many different aspects of higher education and care deeply about the student experience!

This role focuses primarily focuses on student advising, and plays an instrumental role in admissions and professional development. The position reports to the Director, Doctoral Programs.

• Serves as the primary contact for current students on departmental policies and requirements, academic resources, research, and job market planning; refers students appropriately to staff, faculty, and University resources for assistance.
• Partners with faculty advisors and chairs to ensure the success of each student and to maintain policies and program requirements. Provides recommendations and implements changes to the program.
• Conducts annual yearly meetings with students and supports the annual planning and progress review process with faculty chairs.
• Advises students in assigned programs, partnering with colleagues in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.
• Plans and oversees complex student events, including month-long orientation program and professional development opportunities.

• Works closely with the Doctoral Programs leadership team to build a broad, diverse, and large admissions pipeline; advises prospective students. Represents the programs at recruiting events and leads regular information sessions.
• Evaluates applications and provides detailed notes to faculty chairs; participates in first-round interviews.
• Supports faculty throughout the admissions process by serving as a liaison as faculty evaluate, interview, and make admissions decisions; manages interview scheduling, logistics, and communications with applicants and recommenders.
• Maintains admissions data and tracks decisions throughout the cycle; partners with GSAS Admissions and HBS IT to ensure a smooth transfer of admissions data to HBS systems; updates admissions analyses and reports annually.
• Manages the Admitted Students Program, the annual yield event. Works with the team to support logistics.
• Build trust and collaboration by being present on-site and engaging directly with colleagues and various constituents.
• This role is responsible for other…