Job Summary Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) seeks a Program Director to join our Executive Education team. Reporting to the Senior Director, Program Management, the Program Director supports the work and programs of the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative, which includes multiple executive education courses for mayors, their senior staff and other city roles. You will provide critical direction in the delivery of the Bloomberg Harvard portfolio of programing both on-site (MA and NY) and online before, during, and after each program session. We seek collaborative, adaptable candidates who love the details of programs and events, are driven by working with others on a fast-paced team, and excited about having an impact on our world by supporting city leaders! We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive team culture and seek candidates who share our values and commitment.
The Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative is a joint effort of Harvard Kennedy School and Harvard Business School in close collaboration with and funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies to advance leadership, management, and innovation in cities.
Position Description As a Program Director, you will represent HKS, Executive Education and the Initiative to faculty and program participants as well external partners/vendors. In this capacity, you will:
PROGRAM MANAGEMENT
Manage all aspects of admissions and enrollment process. Key contributor during the launch process of new programming. Manages communication strategy and processes with prospective participants. Organize reports and data for faculty chair(s), Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative and Senior Director of program management. PROGRAM DELIVERY
Lead a delivery team in several new and existing programs, ensuring all aspects of program development and implementation are planned, managed, and executed at the highest standards. Direct each program's operations, including all aspects of logistics, faculty relationships, curriculum management, and coordination with stakeholders and donor. Develop strong working relationships with faculty chair; staff faculty chair for program activity as appropriate; Consulting with faculty chair on major program related activity and/or decisions as needed. Responsible for informing faculty chair about standards within EE, such as faculty comp guidelines and the process related to the hiring of teaching assistants. Negotiate with new and existing external vendors, sign contracts on behalf of the program for offsite events. Take the lead in anticipating and resolving issues and escalating to the senior director as needed. Act as project manager for new and existing programming. Work closely with the broader Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative and Bloomberg Philanthropies teams to ensure related programming and events are coordinated and delivered at the highest standard. Manage processes to ensure program participants are supported before, during and after the programs, online and in person (including participant communications, travel logistics, data gathering) Review program evaluations with faculty chair(s) to determine and implement changes in program content for future offerings. OPERATIONAL LEADERSHIP
Exercises financial management and oversight of assigned programs, including budgeting, faculty compensation and fulfilling all required reporting processes within Salesforce, including financial reconciliation. Seek opportunities to develop and lead improvements to standard operating procedures across all Bloomberg Harvard programs. Maintains and clearly communicates to program leadership key data on enrollment, content, program highlights, performance, etc. TEAM MANAGEMENT
Manage staff assigned to program; ensuring a high level of professionalism, teamwork and focus on customer service. Reviews staff work; completes program staff evaluations after each program. Mentor and assist in the professional development of more junior staff. Maintain a high level of professionalism and focus on customer service within the program team, to sustain excellence. Demonstrate knowledge, skills, and comfort with best practices for online, on-campus and offsite learning. Contribute to program and department improvements. Other duties as needed.
Basic Qualifications Bachelor's degree plus at least 6 years of directly related experience in program management. Some supervisory or team management experience required.
Additional Qualifications and Skills Strong customer service skills Project management experience Demonstrated success in launching, implementing, or improving systems or standard operating procedures. Strong team-builder with an ability to build productive relationships and lead work across all levels across a diverse organization. Skill in managing multiple diverse activities simultaneously, while operating with speed, accuracy, and strong judgment. Proven organizational, creative problem-solving and analytical skills. Experience with Salesforce and ZOOM a plus. Experience with Harvard financial systems and processes desirable. Language : Spanish or Portuguese language is a bonus – though not required.
Additional Information This position is a fully benefits-eligible term appointment ending June 30, 2025, with possibility of renewal. Learn more about our work culture and see yourself at Harvard Kennedy School.
We regret that the Harvard Kennedy School does not provide visa sponsorship.
Harvard University requires pre-employment reference and background checks.
Harvard University is committed to supporting a healthy, sustainable learning and working environment.
This is a hybrid position based on our campus in Cambridge, MA. As a campus-based institution, we place a high value on the in-person experience, cross-team collaboration, and strong community building in order to create a vibrant campus for our students, faculty, staff, and research fellows. This position must be flexible to work longer hours, nights, and weekends, while programs are in session. Some travel is also required. Program Directors are required to work in-person on-campus for some programs. Programs are typically 1 weeklong but may vary. When not on program, Program Directors have flexibility to work remotely up to 3 days/week. Specific days and schedule will be determined between you and your manager.
The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines.
Salary Range: $85,100 - $146,500
Note: Starting salaries typically fall in the lower half of the salary range; however, they are ultimately determined by the scope of the position, the candidate's relevant experience, and internal equity.
Benefits
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