Director, Events

Company Description

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 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, Advancement Communications, Events & Donor Relations (ACEDR), University Development and Advancement Solutions (UDAS), the Harvard Alumni Association (HAA), and Office of Talent, Administration and Policy (OTAP).

Job Description

Job Summary:

The Director of Events is a senior leadership role responsible for setting the strategic vision, operational direction, and service model for the AA&D Events department. This position leads a high-performing team of event professionals in a large, complex, and fast-paced organization while overseeing a portfolio of high-profile and institutionally significant events that require extensive coordination across AA&D, University partners, and external vendors.


The Director will serve as a strategic partner to senior leaders across the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS), Harvard Alumni Association (HAA), University Development and Advancement Services (UDAS), and the Office of the Vice President for AA&D. This role is responsible for aligning event strategy and execution with institutional priorities, advancing innovative engagement opportunities, guiding internal and u-wide cross-functional planning teams, and ensuring operational excellence across all event activities.

Success in this role requires exceptional leadership, organizational management, strategic planning, relationship management, financial and operational oversight, customer service, and the ability to lead through change while fostering a collaborative and inclusive team culture.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight for the AA&D Events department, including long-term planning, organizational effectiveness, and team development.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of event professionals by establishing clear goals, performance expectations, and opportunities for professional growth and advancement.
• Partner with the Executive Director and internal units to develop and implement a comprehensive event strategy aligned with AA&D and University priorities, ensuring consistency, quality, innovation, and impact across all events.
• Serve as a senior advisor and thought partner to institutional leadership regarding engagement strategy, event planning, and constituent experience.
• Foster strong partnerships across AA&D to ensure cross-unit collaboration, planning, alignment, and effective resource management.
• Oversee and strengthen AA&D's partnerships with a variety of campus partners, including Campus Event Services (catering and facilities), spaces, HUPD, AV, transportation.
• Contribute to organizational strategic planning efforts and translate institutional goals into actionable event and engagement strategies.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators and metrics to evaluate event effectiveness, constituent engagement, operational efficiency, and return on investment.
• Lead the integration of emerging technologies and innovative approaches for in-person, virtual, and hybrid events.
• Oversee departmental operations, including workflow management, staffing models, budgeting, vendor relationships, and service delivery standards.
• Ensure operational excellence through the effective use of AA&D systems and technologies, including Workfront, Harvard CRM (Advance), and other event management platforms.
• Develop scalable processes, policies, and best practices that support high-quality event execution and sustainable departmental growth.
• Provide consultation and guidance on event strategy and best practices to colleagues across the University as requested.
• Lead departmental communication efforts and facilitate regular team and stakeholder meetings to support transparency, collaboration, and alignment.
• Uphold AA&D's core values of respect, integrity, trust, inclusion, collaboration, and open communication while fostering a culture that values diverse perspectives and ideas.
• Perform other duties as required consistent with the level and scope of the position.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in event planning, engagement strategy, or related fields, including at least 5 years of leadership and staff management experience in a complex organization.
• This position requires the ability to carry up to 50 pounds.
• Travel, evening and weekend work required.
• 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:

• Strong leadership and organizational management skills with experience building and leading high-performing teams.
• Exceptional strategic planning, project management, and operational oversight capabilities.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship management skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with senior leaders, faculty, donors, alumni, and external partners.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion.
• Experience leading through organizational change and implementing new processes and systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to use data and metrics to inform decision-making.
• High attention to detail, professionalism, flexibility, creativity, and resourcefulness.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, and experience with CRM and project management systems.
• Familiarity with higher education, alumni relations, development, or advancement environments preferred.
• Ability to manage confidential information with discretion and professionalism.

Additional Information

• 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
• Please submit a cover letter with your application.

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 060. 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.