Deputy Director, Programs and Operations

Company Description

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.

Why join the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences?

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) is the historic heart of Harvard University. It is the home of Harvard’s undergraduate program (Harvard College, founded in 1636) as well as all of Harvard’s Ph.D. programs (the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1872), Harvard Athletics and the Division of Continuing Education. The 40 academic departments and 30+ centers of the FAS support a community unparalleled in its academic excellence across the broadest range of liberal arts and sciences disciplines. Together, the FAS seeks to foster an environment of ambition, curiosity and shared commitment to knowledge and truth that elicits excellence from all members of our community and prepares the next generation of leaders through a transformative educational experience.

Job Description

Job Summary:

The Deputy Director, Programs and Operations, is the senior leader for program strategy and operations, facilities, and resource allocation within the OFA. Reporting to the Director of the OFA, this role oversees programs and student services, ensures effective use of OFA spaces and facilities, advises on budget and HR, and serves as a key administrative and strategic partner. The Director of Program Operations works closely with program leaders to plan and deliver high-quality arts programs and services; address operational and programmatic challenges; allocate staffing, space, and technology resources; and represent OFA programs across the College. The role ensures that OFA programs remain vibrant, adaptive, and student-centered while operating efficiently and in alignment with university policies and priorities. The Director of Program Operations is a member of the OFA senior leadership team and serves as an active co-leader in the Director’s absence. 

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Program Leadership (40%) 

• Lead and support OFA programs and program leaders across performing and visual arts and arts services.
• Advise on strategy, planning, and problem-solving.  
• Ensure programs and student services are high quality, innovative, inclusive, and accessible to student artists from beginners to advanced practitioners.  
• Reduce operational barriers and create conditions that enable the success of program leaders and student initiatives.  
• Help oversee and project manage new strategic program initiatives and priorities as assigned by the OFA Director.
• Attend OFA and student arts events to understand and support student art-making across campus.