Course Director Jobs in Massachusetts (NOW HIRING)

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Why join Harvard Medical School?

Harvard Medical School's mission is to nurture a diverse, inclusive community dedicated to alleviating suffering and improving health and well-being for all through excellence in teaching and learning, discovery and scholarship, and service and leadership.

You'll be at the heart of biomedical discovery, education, and innovation, working alongside world-renowned faculty and a community dedicated to improving human health. This is more than a job - it's an opportunity to shape the future of medicine.

About the Office for Graduate Education:

The Educational Innovation and Scholarship (EIS) team sits within the Office for Graduate Education at HMS, which oversees the HMS-based master's and PhD programs. 

The Office for Graduate Education (OGE) is seeking a dynamic and experienced educator and leader as the Director of Educational Development and Scholarship. The Director will lead a portfolio of educational training initiatives that support graduate students and postdoctoral curriculum fellows in developing expertise in evidence-based curriculum development and instructional practices, while simultaneously advancing pedagogy/curriculum innovation and educational scholarship across OGE PhD programs. These initiatives include oversight of the Curriculum Fellows postdoctoral training program (CFP) and leadership of a new graduate education certificate program, among other emerging educational programs aligned with institutional priorities. The Director mentors trainees engaged in these programs, supporting their work and development as educators. The Director must have deep knowledge of best practices in instructional design and pedagogy for adult learners, demonstrated experience mentoring trainees, and the ability to foster professional growth across diverse career trajectories. The Director must be able to work collaboratively within a complex academic environment to develop and advance strategic educational priorities, including initiatives related to GenAI and open inquiry. The Director serves as an essential member of the HMS Office for Graduate Education (OGE) Educational Innovation and Scholarship (EIS) team, reporting to the Assistant Dean for EIS, and contributes to strategic decision making and implementation of educational initiatives within the EIS portfolio.

Part I. Strategic Leadership and Program Development

In partnership with the Assistant Dean for EIS, the Director leads the design, implementation, and refinement of educational training and faculty development programs aligned with institutional priorities and complementary to EIS initiatives. This includes oversight of a re-envisioned postdoctoral CFP and leadership of a graduate education certificate program for trainees pursuing teaching roles. The Director collaborates with the EIS team to deliver faculty development in evidence-based teaching and educational scholarship. The Director ensures alignment with the mission to enhance teaching and learning across PhD programs and identifies opportunities to adapt programming in response to evolving priorities, including GenAI, open inquiry, and inclusive teaching. They partner with faculty and leadership to engage trainees in curricular innovation and coordinate these efforts with existing review processes.

Part II. Mentorship and Professional Development 

The Director mentors' trainees (e.g., CFs, certificate participants) to support OGE priorities and career goals. They provide guidance in teaching, instructional design, educational scholarship, and career development, including support for OGE projects, teaching portfolios, and education research. The Director fosters a community of practice within OGE, creating opportunities for peer learning, reflection, and feedback, and supports trainee contributions to graduate education initiatives.

Part III. Instruction and Educational Contributions

The Director develops and/or teaches courses, workshops, and "nanocourses" addressing priority areas in graduate education. They serve as Co-Course Director (with the Dean for Grad Ed) for the Responsible Conduct of Science course and may teach foundational courses in teaching and learning. The Director partners with faculty and program leadership, including T32 programs, to enhance curricula and teaching and supports convening stakeholders to share best practices and implement innovations.

Part IV. Administrative and Operational Responsibilities

The Director works with EIS and OGE staff to ensure effective program operations, including logistics, communications, and tracking participation. They contribute to program evaluation and continuous improvement using data to assess impact.

As part of your application, we recommend including a cover letter, curriculum vitae, teaching statement, and contact information for three professional references that will help us better understand your qualifications and background. This can provide valuable insight into your experience and interest in the role.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience required.
• Minimum of 7 years' relevant work experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• PhD in the life sciences or related field.
• At least 8 years of teaching and/or administrative leadership experience in higher education. 
• Possesses excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Experience managing in a complex matrix organization and collaborating with faculty.
• Experience mentoring graduate students and/or postdoctoral fellows around career and professional development.
• Exhibits the highest level of integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality in work. 
• Deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all areas of work.
• Demonstrated expertise in evidence-based instructional design and inclusive teaching practices.
• Demonstrated record of educational scholarship and publications.
• Demonstrated interest in or experience with emerging areas in education, including generative AI and open inquiry.

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education
• Staying Informed About Your Application: Due to the high volume of applications, we may not always be able to reach out right away, but you can track your status anytime through the Careers@Harvard portal.

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Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University's Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 058. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• Generous paid time off including parental leave 
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one 
• Retirement plans with university contributions 
• Wellbeing and mental health resources 
• Support for families and caregivers 
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement 
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.