Senior Director for IT Strategy and Project Management

Job Summary The Senior Director of IT Strategy and Project Management reports directly to the Managing Director of Administrative IT, and plays a multifaceted role in driving impactful outcomes for 25,000 students, 1,800 faculty and instructional staff, and 500 administrative staff. The Senior Director is responsible for aligning decision support, strategy, vision, and project planning across the four Administrative IT units (ERP Systems, Platform Solutions, Infrastructure, and Project and Product Management). Job-Specific Responsibilities Partner strategically with the AIT Managing Director, providing insights and decision‑making support to advance organizational objectives. Act as an advisor, providing wide‑ranging inputs on strategic and tactical matters. Provide strategic coordination to integrate and unify AIT workstreams, connect teams, and facilitate communication between leadership and the organization. Evaluate departmental metrics to gauge effectiveness and identify areas of improvement. Advises DCE's Executive Leadership Team on collaborations with HUIT, School partners, and vendor relationships. Chair the Project Planning Governance board, assessing proposals, scoping projects, identifying risks, and recommending prioritizations to the ELT. Collaborate with the Chief of Staff in the Office of the Dean on DCE‑wide processes, guidelines, and operations. Represent DCE in University initiatives, including the University Project Review Committee, which evaluates project proposals for a well‑defined business case, cost, scope, and stakeholder involvement. Leverage Harvard experience and institutional knowledge to advance DCE initiatives and align the Division with university‑wide efforts. Guide teams, provide expert advice, and enhance overall efficiency. Foster relationships across the organization and drive cross‑divisional collaboration. Oversee strategic planning and alignment with organizational goals, identifying growth opportunities within AIT. Represent AIT externally, liaising with Harvard units, partner organizations, and other stakeholders. Represent the Managing Director in meetings, providing briefings and updates to the Leadership Team. Ensure strategic IT service delivery, streamline processes, and lead projects to enhance AIT operations. Identify evolving needs and skill gaps to support business growth and team career development. Liaise with AIT leadership to collect, review, and compile budget input for the annual planning cycles. Oversee the Product Ownership model, defining product visions, managing backlogs, and acting as a liaison between the developer, stakeholder, and vendor teams to ensure effective communication and timely feature delivery. Oversee management of project governance, methodology, portfolio management, and tools and standards for Project Management. Manage staff (5 FTE). This includes recruitment, training, performance management, and fostering an inclusive work environment. Responsible for effective staff management and professional development, including hiring innovative technology talent, mentoring, and performance management. Working Conditions This position will be based in Cambridge, MA. Hybrid workplace models are in place at DCE with a minimum of 2 days per week on campus. DCE or department may adjust these as necessary or appropriate. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree Minimum of ten years of relevant work experience Supervisory experience Demonstrated adaptability, versatility, and flexibility in response to shifting conditions. Experience successfully building relationships within and external to IT. Demonstrated skill challenging others' positions constructively. Ability to direct large, complex cross‑divisional strategic projects. Experience working across organizational boundaries to achieve results. Demonstrated team performance skills, service mindset approach, and the ability to act as a trusted advisor. Demonstrated skill influencing at all levels to ensure ownership of assigned tasks and objectives. Demonstrated skill facilitating group discussions. Additional Information Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week Compensation Range/Rate (including Shift Differential if applicable): $170K-$210K/annual Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, and Criminal Other Information: A cover letter is highly encouraged for consideration. All formal offers will be made by FAS Human Resources. Benefits 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 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.