Assistant Director, University-wide Alumni Engagement and Events

Job Summary Alumni Affairs and Development (AA&D) Alumni Affairs and Development 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 University Development Office (UDO), Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) Development, AA&D Resources, the Harvard Alumni Association (HAA), and the Office of the Vice President (OVP).
Harvard Alumni Association The Harvard Alumni Association (HAA) is the University-wide alumni association for Harvard University.
It is also the home to the Harvard College and Radcliffe College alumni/ae association and the staff that support them.
In its University-wide capacity, the HAA serves alumni of all eleven schools at Harvard in a manner supportive of and complementary to the work of the individual school alumni offices.
Harvard University alumni span the globe at nearly 400,000 strong – more than 327,000 are in the USA, with 204 international countries represented.
This position is part of the HAA’s University-wide Alumni Engagement and Events team.
The HAA’s mission is “to foster mutually beneficial relationships among Harvard University, its alumni, and students; to strengthen the common bond among the University’s alumni; and to advance the endeavors of Harvard.
” The HAA is the official association of all Harvard alumni.
Its regular members include recipients of all degrees granted by Harvard University and Radcliffe College, as well as the members of all faculties of the University.
The HAA’s University-wide Alumni Engagement and Events team develops, supports, and executes alumni programs online, on campus, and around the world.
The department works in partnership with school alumni associations, oversees all HAA faculty engagement, and helps to establish strategies to engage the University-wide alumni community.
Position Description Reporting to the Director of University-wide Alumni Engagement and Events, this full-time exempt position is responsible for the day-to-day management of the operational aspects of the HAA’s Harvard Alumni Day (HAD) and other signature HAA programs.
Harvard Alumni Day is the HAA’s University-wide, global event honoring alumni impact, citizenship, and community.
This annual celebration is an anchor within the Harvard College quinquennial reunions, which welcome over 8,000 alumni and guests to Harvard Yard and thousands globally via livestream.
The Assistant Director will work across the University to identify, organize, and support a diverse group of stakeholders to successfully execute HAD and other high-level programs.
With the oversight of the Director of University-wide Alumni Engagement and Events, develops a comprehensive annual program and partner plan for Harvard Alumni Day and drives project milestones.
Supports the Director in the development of long-term (five-year) goals, objectives, and measurement tools for the expansion of Harvard Alumni Day as a linchpin experience for the University-wide alumni community.
Develops productive working relationships across AA&D, most notably with teams such as Business Intelligence, College Reunions, AA&D Events, Engagement Marketing, and others.
Leads, supports, and advises on other alumni convenings managed by the HAA, including volunteer leadership training sessions.
Develops and oversees a comprehensive feedback and evaluation plan that solicits engagement from alumni participants, including soliciting and tracking alumni input, as well as feedback from internal and external partners.
Schedules and attends HAD planning meetings to coordinate all levels of support as well as ensure transparency and track deadlines.
Serves as the HAD primary point of contact for internal and external constituents and regularly shares updates in HAA and AA&D All-Staff meetings.
Supports the development of a virtual and volunteer engagement strategy for increasing livestream viewership.
In concert with the AA&D Events team, develops emergency and extreme weather planning.
Works closely with HAA senior leadership to ensure that Harvard Alumni Day is aligned with stated University, AA&D, and HAA priorities.
Works closely with and supervises support staff and temporary workers.
Advises on speaker and performer selection based on University priorities and in concert with HAA and AA&D colleagues; oversees briefings, trackers, and timelines.
The above covers the most significant responsibilities of the position.
It does not, however, exclude other duties, the inclusion of which would be in conformity with the level of the position.
Basic Qualifications Bachelor's degree Exceptional organizational skills and the ability to meet deadlines and adhere to strict schedules on multiple projects Excellent communication skills (verbal, written, or presentation) and the ability to represent an organization professionally, both internally and externally Proven successful event track record 4+ years of experience in program or project management, volunteer management, higher education, non-profits, or related field Regular on-site presence, flexible scheduling, regular work outside core business hours, and limited travel (~5-10 days/year) required Additional Qualifications and Skills Must have ability to innovate, think strategically and conceptually, manage multiple projects simultaneously and handle even difficult, high-pressure situations with composure Must have cultural sensitivity and awareness of diversity issues regarding the internal and external Harvard community Understanding of risk management and confidentiality needs Strong relationship-building and interpersonal skills alongside an extremely high level of professionalism and collegiality Proficiency across Microsoft Office Suite and virtual communications tools Additional Information This position requires a 3 month orientation and review period.
Please include a cover letter with your application.
To learn more about the AA&D team, please visit our Careers site at https://alumni.
harvard.
edu/careers To learn more about how Harvard supports diversity and inclusion throughout the University please visit the Office for Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging at https://dib.
harvard.
edu/.
Accommodations: Harvard University welcomes individuals with disabilities to apply for positions and participate in its programs and activities.
If you would like to request accommodations or have questions about the physical access provided, please let your recruiter know.
COVID 19 Vaccination Information: The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University.
With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up to date on CDC-recommended vaccines.
Work Format Details This is a hybrid position that is based in Massachusetts.
Additional details will be discussed during the interview process.
All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only).
Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location.
Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.
Benefits We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.
harvard.
edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include: Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.
5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits.
Most coverage begins as of your start date.
Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.
) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.
Job Function Alumni Affairs and Development Department Office Location USA - MA - Harvard Job Code 301057 Alumni Affairs Professional Work Format Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote) Sub-Unit - Salary Grade 057 Department Alumni Affairs and Development Union 00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary Time Status Full-time Pre-Employment Screening Education, Identity Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive.
We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.
EEO Statement We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.
LinkedIn Recruiter Tag (for internal use only) #LI-JP1