Deputy Director, Programs and Operations, Office for the Arts

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.
Oversee strategy and support to activate arts programs and spaces within the campus’ residential life system.
Advise and support student arts and cultural organizations on program development, member retention, fundraising, compliance, touring, and succession planning.
Project manages special initiatives, outside of specific programs, as assigned by OFA Director.
Resource Management (50%)
Oversee OFA space and facilities planning and usage.
Support appropriate risk management, safety, accessibility, and operational continuity practices across OFA programs and facilities.
Partner with College and FAS offices on renovations, relocations, and other facility projects.
Partner with OFA and College leadership and FAS federated work streams to identify and meet arts-based resource needs and to shape resource planning and prioritization aligned with strategic and programmatic goals. Oversee and allocate workflow to federated positions (such as IT and finance).
Serve as primary OFA client manager for technology operations, partnering with HUIT and internal IT staff to support programs, communications, and administrative needs.
Promote process and systems improvements that enhance collaboration, efficiency, and user experience across OFA units.
Provide guidance to Programs and OFA Director on program-level budgets, forecasting and financial performance, ensuring responsible use of funds and alignment with program goals.
Advise OFA Director on fund allocation, budgeting, and fundraising.
Ensure consistency and compliance in HR, operations, and financial policies and procedures in collaboration with finance staff and FAS/College partners, including effective use of restricted and current-use funds.
Coach managers on employee relations issues and support initiatives that promote staff morale, professional development, and team cohesion.
Strategic Leadership (10%)
Serve as a member of the OFA senior leadership team; advise the Director on organization-wide strategy, planning, and policy.
Serve as an active co-leader in the Director’s absence and represent the OFA on College, FAS, and University committees and working groups.
Perform other duties as assigned by the OFA Director.
Working Conditions:
The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs and objectives and consistent with College Policy, which requires 5 days on-site in Cambridge, MA during term time (first day of classes through commencement), with the exception of student breaks. 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 about the College policy 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.
Basic Qualifications:
Master or equivalent degree.
Minimum of 8 years’ experience managing operations in a large or complex organization.
Senior-level management experience in an arts organization or educational setting.
Additional Qualifications and Skills:
Broad knowledge of the arts, with deep knowledge in at least one artistic discipline.
Masters Degree a plus.
University or non-profit experience strongly preferred.
Demonstrated experience in facilities/space planning and operations, including work with multiple institutional stakeholders.
Strong project management, organizational, and process design skills; proven ability to lead complex, cross-functional projects.
Experience supervising staff with diverse skill sets and responsibilities.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to make sound decisions in a complex environment.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of constituencies and translate technical or policy information for non-experts.
Demonstrated commitment to community building and viewpoint diversity and familiarity with best practices in these areas.
Ability to handle multiple priorities, manage change, and exercise sound judgment and political acumen.

Employment type
Full-time

Work arrangement
No