Senior Manager for Planning and Development

Posting date: March 27, 2026

Reference: 002603SR

1. Job Type: Full-time
2. Location: Allston
3. School/Unit: Harvard University Central Administration
4. Salary Grade: 059
5. Job Function: Facilities
6. FLSA Status: Exempt
7. Term Appointment: No
8. Union: 00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

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.

Harvard Allston Land Company (HALC)

The Harvard Allston Land Company (HALC) is a subsidiary of Harvard University and is currently overseeing planning and development for the implementation of the University’s Enterprise Research Campus (ERC) in Allston. The vision for the ERC is to transform a historically vacant and underutilized site into a vibrant mixed-use district centered on innovation, collaboration, and entrepreneurship. The first phase, constructed in partnership with a private developer, is nearing completion.

Job Description

HALC seeks an experienced Senior Manager for Planning and Development, to facilitate the coordination of complex planning and design implementation, design review, and permitting processes across development projects within its portfolio.

Reporting to the Managing Director of Planning and Design Implementation, this role guides the development and refinement of site development parameters, design guidelines, and key physical planning elements for third-party projects; implements HALC’s design review process; and manages complex, multi-party entitlement efforts across the company’s development portfolio. The position requires exceptional organizational rigor, strong design judgment, collaborative spirit, and the ability to facilitate alignment among multiple stakeholders — including institutional and development partners, consultants, and public agencies — on a range of complex design, planning, and regulatory issues, ensuring projects advance in a manner consistent with the University’s long-term district planning and design standards, HALC’s development objectives and agreements, and community commitments.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead the preparation and review of site development parameters, design guidelines, and physical planning elements for third-party development projects, including site planning, architecture, placemaking, sustainability, transportation, housing, and open space.
• Lead the implementation of HALC’s Design Review Process, including complex scheduling, logistics, and consolidation of technical input from stakeholders, consultants, and external advisors within compressed review timelines.
• Coordinate complex entitlement and public approvals processes, managing interdisciplinary input and ensuring consistency across permitting materials.
• Team and collaborate closely with colleagues at the University responsible for broader planning, project management, transportation, legal, permitting, sustainability, and public affairs that contribute to different components of the project.
• Consolidate and synthesize internal review comments on regulatory filings and development applications.
• Contribute design expertise to district- and site-scale implementation, including urban form, massing, public realm design, zoning/policy alignment, real estate considerations, and sustainability and resiliency strategies.
• Track and monitor compliance with established planning, design, and sustainability goals through structured review and reporting processes.
• Confidently represent planning and design implementation matters in meetings and working sessions, and provide clear reporting to the Managing Director and senior leadership.
• Prepare high-quality materials for internal and external audiences, including presentations, written reports, briefing materials and talking points, FAQs, visual media, verbal presentations, written analyses, memorandums, and marketing materials.
• Manage external consultants and service providers, including planners, designers, engineers, and technical experts, with oversight of scope, schedule, quality, and budget.
• Develop and refine internal processes, standards, and implementation protocols to ensure alignment with University mission, strategic priorities, and regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate closely with other HALC project managers to ensure cross-disciplinary alignment across real estate development, asset management, infrastructure, placemaking and activation efforts.

Qualifications

Candidate must meet the following basic qualifications in order to be considered for this role:

• Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, urban design, architecture, or related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible experience in large-scale planning, design implementation, or real estate development (advanced degree may count toward experience).

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

Preferred Qualifications and Experience

• Advanced degree in urban planning, urban design, architecture, or real estate preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in planning and design efforts for large-scale, multi-phase, mixed-use developments.
• Demonstrated expertise in entitlement and permitting processes at the municipal and/or state level.
• Experience engaging in community processes and public presentations.
• Experience working with senior executives, policymakers, and intergovernmental entities.
• High proficiency in preparing clear, concise visual and written materials for diverse audiences.
• Proficiency in graphic communication and software (AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite).

Core Competencies

• Exceptional organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple complex workstreams simultaneously.
• Strong interpersonal skills; ability to navigate competing interests and hold position in high-level discussions.
• Analytical rigor, creative problem-solving, and ability to synthesize complex technical information into actionable recommendations.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across disciplines and teams.
• Attention to detail paired with big-picture strategic thinking.

Additional Information

• Application Requirements: Interested applicants are requested to submit a resume, cover letter, and Portfolio of representative work samples (20 pages (10 spreads) maximum; no larger than 10mb)
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Harvard University requires pre-employment references and background screenings (Identity and Education)
• Other Information: This position will have a 3-month orientation and review period

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 059. 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.