Current Climate: A Time of Great Change

HSDM has embarked on an ambitious undertaking in carrying out its strategic priorities. Embracing this change is the new normal in a postpandemic environment peppered with retirements and staffing vacancies and the need to do things differently than in the past, such as rethinking roles and responsibilities and the skills, qualities, and attributes needed to succeed in the future. Several administrative and faculty-level leadership transitions have presented opportunities to bring on new talent and to reset the strategic direction of critical programs. Over the last year and a half, key roles have been filled in Research, Faculty Affairs, Communications, Development and Alumni Relations, as well as the Dean’s cabinet.

Investing in talent and developing faculty are a continued top priority for HSDM. In FY22, a new Director role was created to oversee the PhD and DMSc programs and 22 new faculty were appointed (there are several searches underway for additional faculty positions and program leaders). A working group is reviewing and recommending a new leadership structure in clinical affairs to optimally oversee the School’s complex clinical model, and a search has been launched for a new Executive Director for the HDC to achieve greater efficiencies in operations and revenue generation. And importantly, in July, aligned with Harvard’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, equity, and belonging, Dean Giannobile appointed an inaugural Assistant Dean for Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging.

One of the most critical and strategic hires will be a new Dean for Administration and Finance (A&F) to serve as a champion for cultural and operational change during this time of great opportunity. Leading and operationalizing internal strategies aimed at generating consistent support for existing and emergent priorities, this key role will build and strengthen a best-practice, cohesive team across finance, facilities, human resources, IT and risk/compliance, grants administration, and clinical operations.