Academic Advisor

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 Summary:

Reporting to the Associate Director of Graduate Degree Candidate Advising & Program Administration at the Harvard University Division of Continuing Education and University Extension, the Academic Advisor advises graduate Master of Liberal Arts (ALM) degree candidates, supporting degree program completion of 500+ students. 

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Reporting to the Associate Director of Graduate Degree Candidate Advising & Program Administration at the Harvard University Division of Continuing Education and University Extension, the position advises graduate ALM degree candidates, supporting degree program completion of 500+ students. Advises students on course selection that fulfill degree requirements and support candidates' future plans as well as intellectual interests. Keeps abreast of hiring trends in order to identify key skills for competitive employment. Facilitates adult students' capacity to successfully manage the demands of school with professional/personal responsibilities and helps develop realistic academic plans. Maintains accurate degree program records in our student information system. Responsible for keeping students informed about special options as well as numerous School-wide/University-wide student services. Develops, maintains, and promotes academic services to meet the needs of graduate students. Assists in the planning and execution of student events to promote community and career exploration, such as receptions, panel presentation, networking seminars, residency weekends, and Commencement. Contributes to Division-wide alumni data gathering goals by keeping track of graduates' career trajectories. Performs related duties as required.

Working Conditions:

This position will be based in Cambridge, MA. Hybrid workplace models in place at DCE with a minimum of 2 days per week on campus. DCE or department may adjust these as necessary or appropriate.

Basic Qualifications:

Three years of experience in student services, academic advising, or career counseling

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree strongly preferred 
• Master's degree 
• Three years of experience advising graduate students 
• Experience with webinar presentation and video capture 
• Positive attitude about and commitment to outstanding customer service 
• Excellent written and interpersonal communications skills 
• Comfort with public speaking and presentations 
• Fluent in Microsoft Office 
• Great team player 
• Familiarity with social media

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Compensation Range/Rate (including Shift Differential if applicable):  $69K - $75K/annual
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity
• Other Information:
  • A cover letter is highly encouraged for consideration. 
  • All formal offers will be made by FAS Human Resources.

About Us:

The Division of Continuing Education (DCE) comprises four academic units serving about 30,000 domestic and international students annually, which allow Harvard to meet the learning needs of intellectually curious and highly motivated students from high school through retirement. Established in 1910, the Harvard Extension School (HES) offers access to Harvard faculty for a diverse community of adult learners, enrolling about 15,000 students. HES offers over 1,000 open enrollment courses — 85 percent of which are accessible online — and provides flexibility through noncredit, undergraduate, and graduate courses, including degrees, certificates, and a premedical program. The Harvard Summer School, founded in 1871, offers around 450 credit and noncredit courses both on the Harvard Campus and online, catering to 9,000 high school, college, and adult learners. Additionally, it offers up to 15 international study abroad programs, hosting up to 300 students each summer. Harvard DCE Professional & Executive Development delivers over 140 noncredit programs annually, reaching more than 3,600 participants through online platforms and its executive development center in Cambridge. The Harvard Institute for Learning in Retirement offers about 140 peer-taught courses to approximately 550 active members.

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 055. 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.