IT Program Manager

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Harvard Business School (HBS) IT is a nimble, innovative, strategic partner who crafts, delivers and supports the 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: 

Job Summary:

Are you energized by leading complex, high-impact technology initiatives that shape the future of a world-class institution? Do you excel at aligning strategy, stakeholders, and execution to deliver meaningful outcomes? If so, consider joining HBS IT as an IT Program Manager. 

Reporting to the Senior Director, IT Strategy and Planning, this role is within HBS IT’s IT Strategy, Academic & Research Technologies group. The IT Program Manager leads strategic, enterprise-level programs ensuring alignment to HBS priorities and delivering measurable business outcomes. Operating at the intersection of strategy, governance, and execution, this role partners with senior leaders to define, prioritize, and realize program value while guiding project team members to successful delivery. 

The ideal candidate combines a strategic perspective with strong execution discipline. They are comfortable navigating ambiguity, influencing across a matrixed organization, and building alignment among diverse stakeholders. They communicate with clarity and confidence, whether facilitating discussions or guiding delivery team, while fostering trust, accountability, and continuous improvement. 

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• Lead one or more strategic programs composed of multiple interrelated projects or workstreams, ensuring delivery of intended business outcomes and maximum value to stakeholders 
• Define and manage program scope, roadmap, success metrics, and value realization plans aligned with HBS and partner strategies 
• Coordinate cross-project/workstream dependencies, sequencing, and resource alignment across program activities 
• Facilitate the implementation and effective use of program governance structures, including steering committees, decision frameworks, and escalation paths to enable timely decisions and mitigate risks 
• Identify and proactively manage program and project level risks, issues, and tradeoffs, clearly communicate mitigation strategies and impact to stakeholders 
• Deliver consistent, timely, and high-quality program and project progress status reporting and effective communications 
• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, influencing decision-making and navigating complex stakeholder environments 
• Champion continuous improvement of Program and Project Management practices, tools and methodologies, including piloting and adopting new tools and processes as a model for other project managers 
• Mentor team members in project and program management, applying structured problem-solving methods to guide people, processes, and outcomes 
• Provide supervision and direction to temporary resources ensuring effective delivery, accountability, and alignment with program objectives 
• 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 seven years’ post-secondary education or relevant work experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

The following are preferred: 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to influence and facilitate executive-level discussions, steering committees, and cross functional forums 
• Mastery of full project lifecycle delivery: planning, estimating, scheduling, requirements analysis, functional design, scope management, and release execution 
• Demonstrated leadership with a collaborative, adaptable and resilient style; able to work independently with minimal oversight 
• Strong command of project management tools and methodologies, with experience applying Agile, Waterfall, Lean or hybrid approaches 
• Effective problem-solving skills with a proactive solution-oriented approach 
• Strong vendor and third-party relationship management across multiple initiatives 
• Knowledge of IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL) and IT Service Management (ITSM) 
• Background in higher education and/or experience in a managed enterprise technology environment 

Certificates and Licenses:

The following are preferred: 

• PMI or Agile certifications 

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 40 hours per week
• Compensation Range/Rate (including Shift Differential if applicable): $130,000 - $140,000, salary commensurate with experience
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education
• 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

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 059. 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.