Program Manager

Harvard University; Massachusetts; Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time off

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Tuition assistance and reimbursement

Retirement plans

Job summary

Harvard University is seeking a Program Manager for Harvard Medical School’s Office for Culture and Community Engagement. The role supports the New England Science Symposium and youth engagement, based at HMS with hybrid work options.

You will coordinate curriculum planning, manage committees, and lead outreach, while liaising with Harvard departments and external partners to ensure program success.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in program management.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail in planning and execution.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement symposium curriculum, agenda, and speakers with senior leadership.
• Coordinate planning committee meetings and document decisions.
• Manage recruitment strategies and program literature, including event collateral and publicity.

Skills

Project management

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Scientific knowledge a plus

Job 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 Medical School?

Harvard Medical School's mission is to nurture a diverse, inclusive community dedicated to alleviating suffering and improving health and well-being for all through excellence in teaching and learning, discovery and scholarship, and service and leadership.

You’ll be at the heart of biomedical discovery, education, and innovation, working alongside world-renowned faculty and a community dedicated to improving human health. This is more than a job - it’s an opportunity to shape the future of medicine.

The Program Manager will provide key planning, implementation, and decision‑making support for the annual New England Science Symposium (NESS) and Community Engagement and Education efforts to engage students, faculty and staff at Harvard Medical School. The role will be based at Harvard Medical School in the Office for Culture and Community Engagement (OCCE).

Key Responsibilities

Relationship Management and Decision‑Making Support

• Work with senior management, department chairs, and faculty including, but not limited to Harvard Medical School and Harvard University basic science and clinical departments to develop and implement symposium curriculum, agenda, and speakers.
• Manage and document planning committee meetings.
• Collect and analyze information and evaluation results from activities and events to inform mentoring strategy and program development.

Program Management

• Implement local and national recruitment strategies to identify and recruit faculty and scientists from Harvard, other academic institutions, biotechnology/pharmaceutical companies, trainees, post‑doctoral fellows, students, and staff for program involvement.
• Develop, compose, and edit correspondence, reports, and program literature; including NESS event collateral and program book. Handle all marketing/publicity (print, social media and web‑based).
• Arrange and coordinate event logistics such as, but not limited to, negotiating vendor contracts (space rental, catering, photography, poster board rental, printing), program dissemination, catering, room reservations, audio visual requirements, registration materials, meeting signage, parking, meeting materials, evaluation forms, manage, mass mailings, student/fellow/speaker/judge travel arrangements.
• Review abstract submissions, correspond with individuals to make sure all components are accurate and prepare all submissions for planning committee review.
• Manage and track students/fellows, judges, panelists, planning committee members, moderators, facilitators, and recruitment contacts.
• Manage Co‑Op and Work Study students who provide administrative and logistical support for program areas as appropriate.
• Design and manage efficient intake and tracking systems for community collaboration and partnership requests, ensuring opportunities are matched with appropriate Harvard faculty, staff, and students.
• Develop and maintain tools and processes to execute community engagement programs, events, and provide support for youth program alumni.
• Conduct targeted web‑based research to inform grant writing and program evaluation efforts.
• Standardize and implement program communications and knowledge sharing efforts, including maintaining up‑to‑date resources on STEM and pathway opportunities, developing outreach content, and ensuring program visibility across institutional channels.

Basic Qualifications

• 5 or more years of experience in program management. Higher education may count towards experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor's degree strongly preferred; scientific knowledge a plus.
• Strong organizational skills and close attention to detail in planning and program Implementation.
• A commitment the STEM field and the OCCE mission.
• Demonstrated capacity to manage and work effectively on large‑scale projects with multiple stakeholders.
• Very strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience with educational programs and event management a plus.
• Ability to adapt quickly, adjust course as needed, and proactively troubleshoot and resolve challenges.

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hrs. per week | Monday - Friday | 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity
• Staying Informed About Your Application: Due to the high volume of applications, we may not always be able to reach out right away, but you can track your status anytime through the Careers@Harvard portal.

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.