Harvard Business School
Program Manager, Engagements, Executive Education
Harvard Business School, Boston, Massachusetts, us, 02298
Program Manager, Engagements, Executive Education
Company Description:
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.
About Us:
Harvard Business School Executive Education brings together senior executives from the world’s most influential organizations, preparing them to reach the next level for their organizations and for themselves. Working closely with HBS’s world‑class faculty, we design and deliver programs for individuals and for organizations, welcoming over 12,000 participants annually from over 130 countries. Programs range from a few days to multiple weeks. Most programs are delivered on the HBS campus, where participants live, learn, and dine together in dedicated Executive Education residences and facilities. Our programming includes in‑person, virtual, and blended (combining both in‑person and virtual learning) options. The Executive Education department consists of open enrollment, global, and custom program portfolio management; guest services; marketing; corporate sales; program operations; technology services; human resources; enrollment and admissions; and finance.
Job Summary Reporting to the Assistant Director, Executive Education Engagements, the Program Manager will take primary responsibility for managing timelines, coordinating internal and external resources, and ensuring smooth program execution. In addition, this role will help shape future staffing models by identifying delivery needs, sharing feedback from on‑the‑ground experience, and supporting the development of scalable team structures as the portfolio grows and evolves.
Responsibilities
Build trust and collaboration by being present on‑site and engaging directly with colleagues and various constituents.
Supervise a team of Program Administrators.
Manage detailed planning and operational execution for programs in the Custom Engagements portfolio, and other ExEd programs and engagements.
Create and maintain project timelines, task trackers, and run‑of‑show documents to ensure clear sequencing and coordination across stakeholders.
Partner with the Assistant Director and other key stakeholders to ensure all program components are aligned and on track.
Serve as a central point of coordination for vendors and internal teams (operations, catering, IT), ensuring smooth communication and alignment across stakeholders.
Oversee and guide Program Specialists in their coordination with faculty support staff, providing direction and feedback to ensure consistent, high‑quality collaboration.
Prepare communications, logistics summaries, and briefings for faculty, clients, and leadership as needed.
Support the delivery of high‑touch experiences for participants and clients by managing key logistical details such as space setup, media coordination, participant materials, and guest arrival experiences.
Work with external event planning vendors on ordering, delivery, storage, and distribution of swag, marketing items, and other engagement needs.
Track and reconcile program budgets and expenses; coordinate contracts, invoices, and vendor payments.
Participate in and support live delivery of programs (in‑person or virtual), ensuring real‑time adjustments and client satisfaction.
Manage process development and documentation to help scale and refine how this evolving portfolio is managed.
Serve as a point of management and support for program support staff; assist with onboarding, training, and task delegation.
Contribute observations and insights from delivery to help inform future planning and continuous improvement.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Working Conditions
Availability to work extended hours and weekends, based on program needs.
Basic Qualifications
High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent is required.
5+ years of directly related and specific experience in program delivery, event logistics, or project management is required.
Education beyond high school may count toward experience.
Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook) experience is a must.
Additional Qualifications and Skills
Demonstrated ability to manage complex, multi‑part projects with attention to detail and follow‑through.
High comfort with ambiguity, flexibility in delivery, and creativity in evolving environments.
Ability to experiment with new approaches and contribute to building scalable processes.
Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills.
Highly organized, proactive, and comfortable managing evolving priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
Experience coordinating vendors and internal departments.
Proficiency with standard project management and communication tools.
Bachelor’s degree preferred.
Additional Information
Standard Hours/Schedule: 40 hours per week, overtime eligible.
Compensation Range/Rate: $84,000 to $88,000 annually commensurate with experience.
Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
Pre‑Employment Screening: Identity.
Work Format Details This is a hybrid position which we consider to be a combination of onsite and remote work at our Boston, MA based campus. For the first 90 days of employment, you will be expected to be onsite 5 days/week. This role is required to be onsite for the entire duration of assigned programs when in‑session. When not in session, Executive Education expects Program Delivery staff to be onsite a minimum of 2 days per week, Monday–Friday. Specific hours and days onsite will be determined by business needs and are subject to change with appropriate advanced notice.
Salary Grade and Ranges This position is salary grade level 056. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.
Benefits
Generous paid time off including parental leave.
Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one.
Retirement plans with university contributions.
Well‑being 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.
Application Requirements A cover letter is required to be considered for this opportunity. Interviews may be conducted virtually (via Zoom) or in person.
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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.
About Us:
Harvard Business School Executive Education brings together senior executives from the world’s most influential organizations, preparing them to reach the next level for their organizations and for themselves. Working closely with HBS’s world‑class faculty, we design and deliver programs for individuals and for organizations, welcoming over 12,000 participants annually from over 130 countries. Programs range from a few days to multiple weeks. Most programs are delivered on the HBS campus, where participants live, learn, and dine together in dedicated Executive Education residences and facilities. Our programming includes in‑person, virtual, and blended (combining both in‑person and virtual learning) options. The Executive Education department consists of open enrollment, global, and custom program portfolio management; guest services; marketing; corporate sales; program operations; technology services; human resources; enrollment and admissions; and finance.
Job Summary Reporting to the Assistant Director, Executive Education Engagements, the Program Manager will take primary responsibility for managing timelines, coordinating internal and external resources, and ensuring smooth program execution. In addition, this role will help shape future staffing models by identifying delivery needs, sharing feedback from on‑the‑ground experience, and supporting the development of scalable team structures as the portfolio grows and evolves.
Responsibilities
Build trust and collaboration by being present on‑site and engaging directly with colleagues and various constituents.
Supervise a team of Program Administrators.
Manage detailed planning and operational execution for programs in the Custom Engagements portfolio, and other ExEd programs and engagements.
Create and maintain project timelines, task trackers, and run‑of‑show documents to ensure clear sequencing and coordination across stakeholders.
Partner with the Assistant Director and other key stakeholders to ensure all program components are aligned and on track.
Serve as a central point of coordination for vendors and internal teams (operations, catering, IT), ensuring smooth communication and alignment across stakeholders.
Oversee and guide Program Specialists in their coordination with faculty support staff, providing direction and feedback to ensure consistent, high‑quality collaboration.
Prepare communications, logistics summaries, and briefings for faculty, clients, and leadership as needed.
Support the delivery of high‑touch experiences for participants and clients by managing key logistical details such as space setup, media coordination, participant materials, and guest arrival experiences.
Work with external event planning vendors on ordering, delivery, storage, and distribution of swag, marketing items, and other engagement needs.
Track and reconcile program budgets and expenses; coordinate contracts, invoices, and vendor payments.
Participate in and support live delivery of programs (in‑person or virtual), ensuring real‑time adjustments and client satisfaction.
Manage process development and documentation to help scale and refine how this evolving portfolio is managed.
Serve as a point of management and support for program support staff; assist with onboarding, training, and task delegation.
Contribute observations and insights from delivery to help inform future planning and continuous improvement.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Working Conditions
Availability to work extended hours and weekends, based on program needs.
Basic Qualifications
High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent is required.
5+ years of directly related and specific experience in program delivery, event logistics, or project management is required.
Education beyond high school may count toward experience.
Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook) experience is a must.
Additional Qualifications and Skills
Demonstrated ability to manage complex, multi‑part projects with attention to detail and follow‑through.
High comfort with ambiguity, flexibility in delivery, and creativity in evolving environments.
Ability to experiment with new approaches and contribute to building scalable processes.
Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills.
Highly organized, proactive, and comfortable managing evolving priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
Experience coordinating vendors and internal departments.
Proficiency with standard project management and communication tools.
Bachelor’s degree preferred.
Additional Information
Standard Hours/Schedule: 40 hours per week, overtime eligible.
Compensation Range/Rate: $84,000 to $88,000 annually commensurate with experience.
Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
Pre‑Employment Screening: Identity.
Work Format Details This is a hybrid position which we consider to be a combination of onsite and remote work at our Boston, MA based campus. For the first 90 days of employment, you will be expected to be onsite 5 days/week. This role is required to be onsite for the entire duration of assigned programs when in‑session. When not in session, Executive Education expects Program Delivery staff to be onsite a minimum of 2 days per week, Monday–Friday. Specific hours and days onsite will be determined by business needs and are subject to change with appropriate advanced notice.
Salary Grade and Ranges This position is salary grade level 056. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.
Benefits
Generous paid time off including parental leave.
Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one.
Retirement plans with university contributions.
Well‑being 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.
Application Requirements A cover letter is required to be considered for this opportunity. Interviews may be conducted virtually (via Zoom) or in person.
#J-18808-Ljbffr