Senior Program Manager, AI Enabled Sponsored Research, Digital Data Design Institute

Posting date: February 23, 2026

Job Type: Full-time

Location: Boston

School/Unit: Harvard Business School

Department: Digital Data Design Institute

Salary Grade: 057

Job Function: General Administration

FLSA Status: Exempt

Term Appointment: Yes

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.

Why join Harvard Business School?

Harvard Business School, 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:

The Senior Program Manager, AI Enabled Sponsored Research will manage and lead the sponsored research (grant and corporate) pre- and post-award activities relating to faculty activities within the Digital Data Design Institute at Harvard (D^3). The Senior Program Manager, AI Enabled Sponsored Research will report to the D^3 Director of Research Services.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• Uses AI tools to facilitate identification of opportunities and creation of award materials. Identifies opportunities for use of agentic AI and other tools to accelerate workflow and develops strategy for deployment and adoption by D^3 and other HBS faculty.
• Confidently represents research needs to external stakeholders as well as to internal stakeholders at D^3, HBS, and Harvard.
• Identifies grant opportunities and assists corporate alliances in vetting corporate sponsored opportunities. Facilitates matching funding opportunities to faculty.
• For corporate sponsored research, navigates transition from corporate alliances to research team. Helps translate research and its needs for a corporate audience and helps company stakeholders understand the award process.
• Works closely with faculty to develop award materials including scope of work, budget, and budget justification. Understands resource allocation and how to best build a budget. Ensures compliance with federal regulations and University, HBS, and sponsor policies.
• Shepherds' awards through HBS approval process and legal agreements with Harvard’s Office of Technology Development (OTD) and Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP). Anticipates and flags agreement concerns such as data sharing, IP, and publication rights.
• Post-award works with HBS and D^3 to ensure award setup is aligned with research needs.
• Facilitates initial setup of activities for new awards, such as hiring new staff and transitioning relationship with funder to research team.
• Build trust and collaboration by being present on-site and engaging directly with colleagues and various constituents.
• Responsible for other duties assigned.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• B.A., B.S., or equivalent Bachelor’s Degree is required
• 7+ years work experience or equivalent combination of education and experience required
• Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated experience communicating professionally with faculty or executive audiences.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Master's degree preferred
• This is not a traditional grant writing role, but experience applying for grants is strongly preferred.
• This is also not a traditional research administration role but will work closely with school research administration and must understand policies.
• Experience in higher education or research. Demonstrated understanding of research methods and protocols preferred.
• Ability to set and manage competing priorities in fast-paced environment while maintaining a keen attention to detail.
• Ability to troubleshoot obstacles with proactivity and collaboration.

Additional Information

• Appointment End Date: This position is approved for a (2)-year term (with possibility of renewal/extension) which begins on the person's first day of employment. This 2-year term limit does not apply to current Harvard employees.
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 40 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity and Education

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 3 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 057. 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.