Job Listings

Associate Director, Alumni Programs & Engagement

Company:
Harvard University
Job Location:
Cambridge, 02138
Category:
Alumni Relations
Type:
Full-Time
Harvard Business School

63900BR

Position Description
Reporting to the Director of Alumni Programs, the Associate Director of Alumni Programs is responsible for leadership and oversight for Reunion programming, supervising one Assistant Director of Alumni Programs. This position will execute a portfolio of content-based programs and events which provide alumni with opportunities for continuous learning through engagement with faculty, fellow alumni and the School, both in-person and virtually through conferences, reunions, virtual programs, and other vehicles. The Associate Director will serve as a strategic partner to faculty and Harvard Business School Initiatives by serving as an advisor on the alumni experience and project leader to facilitate program design and delivery. Working with the Director, this person will also manage and drive alumni engagement efforts and partner with faculty on opportunities to connect with alumni, and will support the Director in day-to-day management, coaching and direction of the Programs team.

The Associate Director of Alumni Programs will manage a suite of content-focused programs and events, providing leadership to the team as a member of the Alumni Relations Leadership Team. They will formulate Programs team strategies with the Director and ensure alignment with alumni engagement and School priorities. The role plays a leadership role primarily in the area of Reunions, Reimagining Reunions and supports the overall strategy and planning of faculty and non-faculty programs, virtual programs (delivered via Zoom, the Harvard Business School Live Online Classroom, etc.), faculty pilot programs, and potentially executive education programs. They will lead ad-hoc project teams comprised of staff from across External Relations and Harvard Business School, and, given the matrixed structure of the organization, will engage in cross-departmental projects as determined by strategy.

The Associate Director manages programs through life cycle, including work with External Relations leadership and faculty on concept. Builds and maintains relationships with Harvard Business School faculty and other speakers by communicating directly, providing direction and feedback to tailor presentations for an alumni audience. Synthesizes faculty research and presentation objectives and edits faculty text to meet alumni marketing needs. Identifies and advises occasional alumni speakers. Collaborates with External Relations and Harvard Business School internal partners such as Events/Operations teams, Alumni Marketing & Communications, Harvard Business School Initiatives, Executive Education and Harvard Business Publishing. Cultivates relationships with departments across the School. Involved in creating and analyzing program metrics, playing a key role in evaluating and reporting on effectiveness of programs. Develops knowledge of School's existing intellectual capital and ensures ongoing systematic understanding of new intellectual capital being created. This role is responsible for other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications
  • BA/BS degree required
  • Minimum of 10 years of professional experience including at least 5-7 years of directly related experience is required.
Additional Qualifications and Skills
  • Strong professional and leadership skills.
  • Intellectual curiosity and strong analytical ability required, coupled with demonstrated professional writing experience.
  • Strong interest in and the skills needed to understand intellectual content and how to leverage it to create value for alumni.
  • Proven record of planning and execution coupled with ability to manage multiple constituencies & multiple programs/events simultaneously and on deadline.
  • Ability to create and set priorities, direct and motivate staff, influence and enlist the cooperation of others outside of the team, and work effectively with multiple teams in a fast-paced, high-energy, sometimes ambiguous environment.
  • Must demonstrate strong verbal, written and interpersonal skills and be comfortable engaging high-powered alumni and faculty with poise, self-confidence, and a friendly demeanor.
  • Proven experience demonstrating initiative and communicating regularly and succinctly with managers and partners.
  • Critical and strategic-thinking qualities, sound judgment, flexibility, and creative problem-solving essential.
  • Strong computer skills, including proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint and ability to quickly learn new technology.
  • Demonstrated experience managing data with strong attention to detail.
Working Conditions
Occasional evening and weekend work and support of various departmental events such as reunions is required.

Additional Information
This position is approved as a term appointment with an end date of 6/30/25. There is a possibility of renewal/extension. 

This role is offered as a hybrid (some combination of onsite and remote) where you will be required to be onsite at our Boston, MA based campus 2 days per week. Specific days and schedule will be determined between you and your manager.

We may conduct candidate interviews virtually (phone and/or via Zoom) and/or in-person for this role.

A cover letter is required to be considered for this opportunity.

Harvard Business School will not offer visa sponsorship for this opportunity.

Culture of Inclusion: The work and well-being of HBS is profoundly strengthened by the diversity of our network and our differences in background, culture, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, and life experiences. Explore more about HBS work culture here https://www.hbs.edu/employment.

Benefits
We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:
  • Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
  • Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
  • Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
  • Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
  • Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
  • Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
  • Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
  • Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
  • Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.
Job Function
Alumni Affairs and Development, General Administration

Department Office Location
USA - MA - Boston

Job Code
304058 Alumni Affairs Manager

Work Format
Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

Sub-Unit
------------

Salary Grade
058

Department
External Relations

Union
00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Time Status
Full-time

Appointment End Date
30-Jun-2025

Pre-Employment Screening
Education, Identity

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EEO Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.
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