Senior Associate Dean, Professional and Lifelong Learning

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world‑changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

The John

F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University is one of 12 graduate and professional schools at the university. Harvard Kennedy School’s mission is to improve public policy and leadership so people can live in societies that are more safe, free, just, and sustainably prosperous. By combining cutting‑edge research, the teaching of outstanding students, and direct interaction with practitioners, we have an impact on solving public problems that no other institution can match.

When you work at Harvard Kennedy School, you make a difference.

Our faculty, students, staff, and about 23,000 degree‑program alumni, and more than 66,000 Professional and Lifelong Learning (PLL) participants tackle a diverse range of public challenges in the United States and around the world.

• Work closely with the Dean, Executive Dean, and Academic Dean for Teaching and Curriculum to set the strategic direction for the department, create and implement innovative new program initiatives, and advance technology‑enhanced learning with a focus on both the domestic and international marketplace and with direct P&L responsibility. Determine key market and partner relationships and expand upon existing collaborations with a global perspective.
• Nurture and enhance organizational culture, identity, and cohesiveness. Manage, motivate, and develop a staff of approximately 40 employees in marketing, program development, program management, and finance and administration. Ensure the alignment of all areas of the organization.
• Lead the senior management team in further developing and executing a global and domestic strategy through program portfolio growth and innovation and strategic alliances, including the development and implementation of a business‑to‑business strategy.
• Represent PLL throughout HKS, Harvard University, and with external constituents including key clients. Build and nurture relationships with faculty and research center leadership and leverage their expertise to develop new product lines.
• Serve as an ambassador for HKS, representing the School, and specifically PLL, to business and government leaders around the world.
• Manage the business proactively to advance the School’s educational mission, ensure service excellence to participants, and achieve financial goals.
• Actively participate in setting the future direction of HKS's collective approach to education and impact.

• Master’s degree required.
• At least 10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience including managing large, cross‑functional teams.
• Deep familiarity with the field of executive education and/or corporate training.
• Experience developing, launching, or scaling education, training, and/or professional development programs.
• Proven ability to further develop and execute a strategy with P&L responsibility.

The successful candidate will bring a balance of experience creating enthusiasm around shared vision with innovative operational expertise. They are an experienced general manager with proven energetic and collaborative leadership style with success in motivating and managing a service‑oriented team.

• Must have experience creating strong relationships across a complex organization.
• Strong operational skills required, including financial analysis and reporting.
• Exceptional interpersonal, organizational, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to work well with senior leaders, faculty, and a deep commitment to establishing strong relationships with all constituents of the program.
• Respectful, supportive management style with a commitment to motivating and developing team members.
• Experience with international programs or global markets.
• Familiarity with public policy or government sectors preferred.

Harvard University…