Associate Director, Administration, HBS Foundry

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 HBS Foundry?

HBS Foundry is a new initiative at Harvard Business School that helps founders build, fund, and launch their ventures through an AI-driven digital learning platform. We’re a small, collaborative team within one of the world’s most respected institutions—combining the energy of a startup with the mission and reach of Harvard. Foundry brings together educators, engineers, and creative thinkers who are passionate about innovation, learning, and impact. Together, we’re developing tools and experiences that empower founders to grow their ventures and their confidence. It’s an exciting, fast-moving environment where new ideas matter and every team member has the opportunity to shape what comes next.

Job Summary:

The Associate Director plays a key role in supporting Foundry’s mission by overseeing key projects, supporting program development, and developing materials critical to Foundry communications. This role requires a highly organized, detail-oriented professional with strong project management, writing, and communication skills, as well as the ability to produce high-quality materials for diverse audiences.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• Build trust and collaboration by being present on-site and engaging directly with colleagues and various constituents.
• Project Management:
  • Lead and manage operational projects from conception through completion.
  • Develop project plans, timelines, and deliverables; coordinate cross-functional teams and monitor progress to ensure goals are met.
  • Track metrics and outcomes.
• Program and Event Support:
  • Collaborate with faculty and Foundry staff, to design, execute, and evaluate programs.
  • Support logistics and communication for events, workshops, and speaker series.
• Materials Development and Communication:
  • Create high-quality presentations, memos, reports, and other written materials for internal and external stakeholders.
  • Develop PowerPoint decks, briefing documents, and communication assets that effectively convey initiatives and program impact.
• Stakeholder Engagement:
  • Build and maintain relationships with project and program stakeholders.
  • Represent the Foundry in meetings and presentations, articulating its mission and programs with clarity and professionalism.
• Strategic and Administrative Support:
  • Work closely with the Director to support strategic planning and operational excellence.
  • Identify opportunities for process improvements and contribute to long-term organizational planning.
• This role is responsible for other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required
• 5–7 years of progressively responsible experience in project management, communications, or related field is required
• Exceptional writing, editing, and presentation development skills (PowerPoint, Word, Excel).
• Strong organizational and time-management skills; ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
• Experience collaborating across teams and working with senior leadership.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Familiarity with entrepreneurship, innovation, or educational program management preferred.
• Strategic thinker with strong attention to detail.
• Collaborative and proactive team player.
• Flexible, adaptable, and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated passion for innovation, education, and entrepreneurship.

• Appointment End Date: This position is approved as a term appointment with an end date of June 30, 2027. There is a possibility of renewal/extension.
• 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, Education
• Other Information:  
  • 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.