Senior Project Manager

Posting date: March 20, 2026

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Job Details

• Job Type: Full-time
• Location: Cambridge
• School/Unit: Harvard University Central Administration
• Department: Office of the President and Provost
• Salary Grade: 058
• Job Function: General Administration
• FLSA Status: Exempt
• Term Appointment: No
• 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 University Central Administration?

Harvard University's Central Administration (CADM) is a 5,000+ employee organization that supports the university's overall excellence by understanding and serving the needs of its schools, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and surrounding communities. Through dynamic and collaborative partnerships, CADM provides high-quality and efficient services to the schools to help them achieve their goals.

Job Description

Reporting to the Associate Provost for Student Affairs, the Senior Project Manager will manage and operationalize various key strategic initiatives and various operational functions that include student engagement. The Senior Project Manager collaborates closely with Council of Deans of Students and partners across the University to advance project goals and initiatives. Core responsibilities include preparing agendas and briefing materials, producing meeting notes, drafting reports, and tracking and completing meeting action items. The role encompasses a broad scope from managing day-to-day logistics to strategic planning informed by the Associate Provost for Student Affairs. The Senior Project Manager is expected to foster strong working relationships throughout the University and to represent the Office for Associate Provost for Student Affairs with professionalism and discretion.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• Providing support and direction to committees or working groups formed to investigate a specific topic or issue, including those related to the student experience and student wellbeing.
• Designing, implementing, and advising plans for University-wide working groups and committees; ensuring action items are delegated, implemented, and completed.
• Providing leadership, planning and coordination, budget review, and direction for select University-wide student engagement bodies and initiatives (e.g., Harvard Graduate Council, Student Wellbeing Council, and University-wide student groups) in partnership with relevant offices.
• Administering the process of student engagement and feedback on University-wide issues and initiatives.
• Serving as a liaison with internal and external stakeholders on various projects and managing both day-to-day operations and strategic planning efforts that impact students.
• Managing the facilitation and coordination of information among Harvard’s Schools in support of student-focused initiatives.
• Analyzing and synthesizing data into coherent and accurate presentations, talking points, memos, and reports.
• Administering University-wide student-facing grant funds.
• Managing events such as academic University-wide student engagement and wellbeing events, including all aspects of program logistics.
• Managing the day-to-day operations of selected University-wide initiatives (e.g., wellbeing or student affairs initiatives) including student learning modules, websites, events, collaborations, and data reporting.

Qualifications

Candidates MUST meet the following basic qualifications in order to be considered for this role:

• B.A. plus a minimum of seven years of relevant experience. Additional education may count toward years of experience. Three or more years working within an academic setting.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Master’s degree preferred.
• Experience in higher education administration and/or student affairs strongly preferred.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple challenging projects simultaneously in a fast-paced work setting.
• Experience working with faculty, senior administrative leaders, and student leaders on complex projects and University-wide initiatives.
• Experience working independently at a high level; capable of thinking strategically, establishing goals, setting priorities, and implementing projects with limited direction and within tight timelines.
• Excellent writing skills, including the ability to write clearly and persuasively for a range of audiences and in different voices (e.g., senior leadership, faculty, students, external stakeholders).
• Strong analytical skills, including the ability to analyze and synthesize complex information and data into clear, actionable recommendations and reports.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) and comfort learning new systems and tools as needed.

Additional Information

• 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 reference and background screenings: Identity and Education
• Other Information: This position will have a 3-month orientation and review period.

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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.