IT Portfolio Manager

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.

Harvard Business School (HBS) IT is a nimble, innovative, strategic partner who crafts, delivers and supports pioneering technology solutions that connect, enable and inspire the HBS community to educate leaders who make a difference in the world. Visit our website for more information: http://www.hbs.edu/information-technology/about-us.   

Job Summary:

This role offers an exciting opportunity to be at the forefront of technological transformation, supporting Harvard Business School's (HBS’s) mission to educate leaders who make a difference in the world! Join us to lead, inspire, and pave the way for a harmonious alignment of Information Technology (IT) and business strategy, ensuring our projects shine and deliver unparalleled value. If you thrive in environments where collaboration meets innovation and are eager to make a substantial impact, we encourage you to apply!    

As a valued member of the HBS IT’s Strategy, Academic and Research Technologies group this role will be a part of the Strategy, Planning, and Governance team. The IT Portfolio Manager will drive the strategic alignment of the IT portfolio with our overarching goals. This role is instrumental in shaping a balanced, value-driven IT portfolio while championing the adoption of advanced planning and portfolio management practices. This includes overseeing capacity and resource planning activities to optimize organizational performance.   

The ideal candidate is a proactive strategist with strong problem-solving skills and a commitment to fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Equipped with the ability to influence executive-level decision-making, this individual will ensure our IT portfolio achieves optimal value, aligns with strategic priorities, balances capacity against demand, and minimizes risks.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement processes and guidelines for evaluating and prioritizing HBS IT projects in alignment with the IT Strategic Plan  
• Lead quarterly portfolio planning and Project Review Board (PRB) meetings, ensuring adherence to IT portfolio governance standards 
• Collaborate with key stakeholders, including Business Relationship Managers (BRMs), Service Owners, and other functional managers overseeing demand to review new requests, assess project priority, and make go / no-go recommendations to the IT Leadership team 
• Identify, analyze, and mitigate portfolio dependencies, risks, and issues  
• Develop and manage comprehensive resource plans across organizational activities, optimize resource allocation, and address challenges 
• Foster alignment between IT strategic priorities, service plans, operational plans, and financial portfolios  
• Continuously optimize planning processes to ensure alignment and value creation within the Service Delivery Operating Model (SDOM)  
• Provide transparent reporting and dashboards on portfolio status to enable informed decision-making at the executive level  
• Partner with project and portfolio management tool owners to influence and prioritize tool enhancements  
• Collaborate with the Project and Portfolio Management Office stakeholders to define and refine processes that enhance program and project execution 
• Build trust and collaboration by being present on-site and engaging directly with colleagues and various constituents 
• Complete other responsibilities as assigned 

Working Conditions:

• Additional support outside of regularly scheduled hours, including early mornings, nights, weekends, and holiday breaks, may occasionally be required 

Basic Qualifications:

• Minimum of five years’ post-secondary education or relevant work experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

The following are preferred:

• Relevant work experience in IT project or portfolio management, capacity planning, and resource optimization  
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities  
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a demonstrated ability to interact effectively with executive leadership  
• A track record of fostering a culture of learning and continuous improvement 

Certificates and Licenses:

The following are preferred:

• PMI, Prince2, Agile/Scrum, or ITIL Foundation certifications 

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 40 hours per week
• Compensation Range/Rate (including Shift Differential if applicable): $105,000 - $115,000, salary commensurate with experience
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Criminal
• Other Information: 
• This role 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 at least three days per week and for departments to 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. 

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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. 

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.