Posting date: October 01, 2026
External Reference: 004051SR
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 the Harvard Kennedy School?
The John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University is one of 12 graduate and professional schools at the university. Harvard Kennedy School's mission is to improve public policy and leadership so people can live in societies that are more safe, free, just, and sustainably prosperous. By combining cutting-edge research, the teaching of outstanding students, and direct interaction with practitioners, we have an impact on solving public problems that no other institution can match. When you work at Harvard Kennedy School, you make a difference.
Job Description
Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education (HKS Exec Ed) is the premier worldwide source for executive-level leadership development focused on public service. Exec Ed operates as a department within HKS and provides 80+ programs ranging from 1 to 4 weeks in length to 4500+ participants each year. Programs are delivered online, in-person, or a combination of both, and are offered as open enrollment via an admissions process or as custom programs focused on the needs of public service or government organizations, sponsors, or donors. Exec Ed is a critical piece of the HKS mission to improve public policy and leadership so people can live in societies that are more safe, free, just, and sustainably prosperous. Programs are led by faculty and attract accomplished public leaders from around the world, with roles in the government, nonprofit, multilateral, and corporate sectors.
Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) seeks a Program Director to join our Executive Education team. Reporting to the Senior Director, Program Management, the Program Director manages an assigned portfolio of 6-8 executive education programs with budget responsibilities of approx. $3M. Programs include both new and existing. The Program Director is responsible for leading all aspects of assigned programs, including coordinating faculty effort, ensuring participant satisfaction, managing operational staff, grant/gift submission and reporting as needed and achieving financial targets, to ensure that Executive Education programs are delivered with excellence. 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 are excited about having an impact on our world by supporting leaders from around the country and the world. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive team culture and seek candidates who share our values and commitment.
Job-Specific Responsibilities:
As a Program Director, you will represent HKS, Executive Education to faculty and program participants in your portfolio of programs as well as external partners/vendors. In this capacity, you will manage:
PROGRAM MANAGEMENT
- Manage all aspects of admissions and enrollment process, including admission decisions and fellowship/tuition assistance award decisions.
- Review, enhance and implement existing marketing and outreach strategies, in coordination with the Executive Education marketing team and Senior Director. Strategy may include direct mail, conference participation, third party funding relationships, recruiting meetings, and/or sales visits to target groups.
- 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) and Senior Director of program management.
PROGRAM DELIVERY
- Lead a delivery team in 6-8 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 custom clients, as needed.
- 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.
- Manage processes to ensure program participants are supported before, during and after the programs, online and in person.
- Act as project manager for new and existing programming.
- Review program evaluations with faculty chair(s) to determine and implement changes in program content for future offerings.
OPERATIONAL LEADERSHIP
- Exercise financial management and oversight of assigned programs, including budgeting, faculty compensation and fulfilling all required reporting processes, including financial reconciliation and the Program Review & Outlook (PRO) process. Track and comply with any external reporting requirements; for example, with third party payers.
- Responsible for grant/gift submissions and reporting.
- Seek opportunities to develop and lead improvements to standard operating procedures across all programs.
- Maintain and clearly communicate 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. Review 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.
Qualifications
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.
Additional Information
- Appointment End Date: This is a fully benefits eligible term appointment through 6/30/2027.
- Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
- Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education
- Other Information: This position is based on campus in Cambridge, MA. This position must be flexible to work longer hours, nights, and weekends, while programs are in session. Some travel may also be 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.
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 058. 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.