Contracts Manager, HBS Online

Posting date: March 10, 2026

002259SR

1. Job Type Full-time
2. Location Boston
3. School/Unit Harvard Business School
4. Department HBS Online
5. Salary Grade 056
6. Job Function General Administration
7. FLSA Status Non-exempt
8. Term Appointment No
9. Union 55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

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.

Why join Harvard Business School?

Harvard Business School (HBS), located on a 40-acre campus in Boston, was founded in 1908 as part of Harvard University. It is among the world's most trusted sources of management education and thought leadership. For more than a century, the School's faculty has combined a passion for teaching with rigorous research conducted alongside practitioners at world-leading organizations to educate leaders who make a difference in the world. Through a dynamic ecosystem of research, learning, and entrepreneurship that includes MBA, Doctoral, Executive Education, and Online programs, as well as numerous initiatives, centers, institutes, and labs, Harvard Business School fosters bold new ideas and collaborative learning networks that shape the future of business.

Job Description

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Director, Compliance, Policy and Contracting, HBS Online and Executive Education, the Contracts Manager will manage open enrollment and vendor contracts.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• Serve as the principal contact for Open Enrollment (OE) and vendor contracts; ensure pro-active and responsive communication and manage intake and triage of OE and vendor contracts inquiries.
• Oversee the lifecycle of contracts from initiation through execution to renewal or termination. Ensure all parties meet their contractual obligations and maintain high standards of performance.
• Identify and resolve conflicting terms in legal documents, using influence to successfully move agreements forward while representing HU and HBS interests.
• Ensure that all contracts adhere to current legal requirements, HU and HBS policies, and industry standards through working with internal and external stakeholders. Stay informed about relevant laws and regulations that impact our executive education offerings including complex global data privacy laws.
• Review standard agreements, liaising with Strategic Procurement attorneys regarding varied legal terms.
• Assign complex agreements to Strategic Procurement attorneys and shepherd the agreements through the legal review process; provide updates to staff throughout the process, coordinating with them on any necessary changes.
• Stay up to date on changes to Harvard’s contract templates.
• Advise staff in negotiations for better contract terms, especially with service providers we engage on a regular basis.
• Keeps current on trends, compliance issues, regulations and guidelines that advance HBS objectives while protecting Harvard’s interests and non-negotiable legal positions; provide expertise, advice, and training to appropriate community members accordingly.
• Ensure accurate documentation of contracts and consistently provide status and performance updates to support accountability and transparency.
• Identify, recommend, gain buy-in for, and implement improvements to current processes with a focus on reducing cycle times, number of touches, and improving internal and external customer service
• Build trust and collaboration by being present on-site and engaging directly with colleagues and various constituents.
• This role is responsible for other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent is required.
• 5+ years of directly related and specific experience in a field interfacing with internal and external stakeholders, navigating important terms and their implications, and strong attention to detail and follow through is required. This could include, but is not limited to: paralegal work, procurement, program operations, grants administration, technical writing, etc.
• Education beyond high school may count toward experience.
• Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook) experience is a must

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Strong program management skills with critical attention to detail and ability to manage competing priorities effectively.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with a strong customer service orientation.
• Ability to persuade, with a focus on creating win-wins for internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to recognize and respond to nuanced situations, and handle sensitive information with discretion.
• Comfort working with and adopting new technologies.
• Pitches in where needed – “no job is too big or small”.

Additional Information

• Standard Hours/Schedule: This is a 35 hours/week, overtime eligible position.
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity
• Other Information:
  • This is a hybrid position which we consider to be a combination of remote and onsite work at our Boston, MA based campus. HBS expects all staff to be onsite a minimum of 2 days per week and departments provide onsite coverage Monday – Friday. Specific hours and days onsite will be determined by business needs and are subject to change with appropriate advanced notice.
  • 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.

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. 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 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.

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

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Wellbeing 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.