Executive Director of Programs and Events

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.

Alumni Affairs and Development (AA&D) is a dedicated team supporting Harvard’s advancement activity through front-line fundraising, alumni and volunteer engagement, technology, prospect management and research, business process, events, communications, and many other areas.

Our goal is to create an environment of respect that leverages the many talents, perspectives, and experiences of our employees; to deliver the strongest possible results by incorporating diverse perspectives into our daily work; and to make AA&D a great place to work for everyone. We strive to live our values of respect, inclusion, trust, collaboration, continuous improvement and innovation; and open communication and effective information sharing in our daily interactions and our work.

AA&D is comprised of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) Development, Communications, Events & Donor Relations, University Development and Advancement Solutions, the Harvard Alumni Association (HAA), and AA&D Administration.

The Executive Director of Programs and Events provides senior leadership for the planning, execution, and assessment of alumni engagement and donor events that advance the institution’s mission and strategic priorities. Reporting to AVP for Advancement Communications, Events, and Donor Relations, this role oversees high-impact programs and convenings that support efforts to inform and inspire a variety of audiences and through highlighting faculty, students, alumni, volunteers, and key leaders. The Executive Director ensures that all programs and events reflect academic excellence, inclusivity, and institutional values. 

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Institutional Alignment 

• Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for alumni and donor programs and events aligned with institutional goals.

• Serve as a strategic advisor to senior leadership on programmatic and event-based initiatives.

• Ensure programs and events support alumni engagement, volunteer education, leadership committee functions, and top donor cultivation and recognition. 

Program development and execution 

• Leads the development of programs and determines content delivery for events and other audiences in partnership with the Harvard Alumni Association, the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, and the University Development Office. 

• Collaborate with faculty, academic departments, and academic leadership to design and deliver high-quality programming.

• Establish assessment frameworks to measure program effectiveness, engagement outcomes, and institutional impact.

Events Logistics 

• Oversee planning and execution of major institutional events such as reunions, committee gatherings, academic convenings, alumni events, donor events, and public-facing programs. 

• Ensure events meet institutional standards for accessibility, inclusivity, risk and financial management, and brand representation. 

• Lead post-event evaluations and continuous improvement efforts. 

• Develop and manage program and event budgets, ensuring responsible stewardship of institutional resources. 

• Oversee contracts, vendor relationships, space utilization, and compliance with university policies. 

Leadership Travel 

• Facilitate the development of annual plans for the deployment of academic deans, key faculty and administrative leaders in fundraising activities, including their development travel for individual prospect visits and involvement in regional events. 

• Oversee a team and that executes on these annual travel plans for key FAS leaders and ensures plans are coordinated with those of the University President and Provost. 

Team Leadership & Campus Collaboration 

• Lead and mentor staff, fostering collaboration and professional development. 

• Build strong cross-campus partnerships with academic affairs, stewardship, communications, and facilities. 

• Create clear processes and governance structures for program and event planning. 

External Relations & Representation 

• Cultivate relationships with external partners, speakers, sponsors, and peer institutions. 

• Represent the institution at internal and external events as needed.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required.

• 8–10+ years of progressive leadership experience in higher education, academic programs, or large-scale events, with a minimum of five years of as a manager.

• Demonstrated experience collaborating with faculty and academic leadership.

• Strong understanding of shared governance, academic culture, and institutional operations.

• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.

• Experience managing campus-wide or system-level programs and events. 

• Familiarity with leadership travel practices.

• Experience working with advancement, alumni relations, or donor-facing events. 

• You will be expected to work certain events/campus activities, such as reunions each Spring, and participate in department retreats that are taking place on campus in Cambridge, MA.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Strategic and systems thinking

• Academic and institutional literacy

• Collaborative leadership and relationship-building

• Operational excellence

• Judgment, discretion, and confidentiality

• Data-informed decision-making

• High attention to detail

• Orientation and Review Period: 6 months
• 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, Criminal

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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 062. 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.