Senior Program Associate

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 the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health?

The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health is a world-renowned institution dedicated to advancing public health through cutting-edge research, education, and global collaboration. Our school is a special place to work because of its vibrant, mission-driven community, interdisciplinary approach, and commitment to addressing some of the most pressing health challenges worldwide. We foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment where innovation, continuous learning, and work-life balance are valued.

Learn more about the School's mission, objectives, and core values, our Principles of Citizenship, and about the Dean's AAA vision about our school's ongoing strategic initiatives.

Job Description

Job Summary:

The Advanced Learning Academy (ALA) is the school-wide division charged with expanding and strengthening Harvard Chan's non-degree education and innovation portfolio. ALA designs and delivers high-impact online and hybrid learning experiences for professionals and global audiences.

The Senior Program Associate, Online Learning - Advanced Learning Academy provides critical operational, logistical, and content-informed support across the full lifecycle of selected online and hybrid offerings. Reporting to the Online Learning Strategy, Design and Delivery Manager, this role helps implement the ALA D4 framework, which guides each course through Design, Development, Delivery, and Deepening Engagement following initial ideation. This is an individual-contributor role that works under the direction of the Program Design and Delivery Manager and does not have responsibility for staff supervision, program strategy, budget approval, or final curricular decision-making. The Senior Program Associate supports market-informed course design, technology and LMS preparation, learner and faculty communications, live session logistics, and post-program evaluation and engagement. The Senior Program Associate works closely with the Online Learning Strategy, Design and Delivery Manager, the Associate Director of Online Learning, faculty, and cross-functional partners to ensure a high-quality, learner-centered experience.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Program Preparation and Design Support (D1: Design)
  • Support faculty in preparing initial course proposals and refining program concepts by organizing information and offering content-informed observations regarding topic emphasis and organization.
  • Assist with gathering information for vetting and market research activities such as reviewing comparable courses, scanning websites and program materials, and summarizing findings for internal stakeholders.
  • Help prepare elements of the Stage 1 Proposal for internal review, including draft descriptions, preliminary learning objectives, and target audience information, in alignment with the ALA Design stage and proposal process.
  • Assist with collecting, organizing, and formatting program materials such as draft syllabi, session outlines, readings, slides, and bios, and suggest improvements to clarity, sequencing, and learner-facing framing.
  • Maintain accurate program design records and documentation in shared drives and tracking systems.
• Program Development and Technology Logistics (D2: Development)
  • Support the development of course syllabi and content by formatting materials, checking alignment between learning objectives, sessions, and assessments, and providing preliminary feedback on clarity and level for target learners for review by the faculty.
  • Build and maintain course sites in the learning management system by uploading content, setting up modules, assignments, discussion boards, and quizzes using established templates and the ALA Playbook.
  • Coordinate logistics for media production and content development activities, including scheduling recordings and tracking the status of videos and other digital assets.
  • Work with IT and educational technology partners to test course sites and tools, record and communicate issues, and confirm that content and activities function as intended.
  • Help ensure that course materials and experiences reflect ALA quality standards and accessibility guidelines.
• Program Delivery and Learner Support (D3: Delivery)
  • Provide day-to-day operational support during course runs, including monitoring discussion boards, managing rosters, posting announcements, and tracking key milestones such as assignment deadlines and live sessions.
  • Support faculty and guest speakers before and during live sessions by confirming logistics, assisting with technology, managing chat and questions, and tracking attendance.
  • Respond to routine learner inquiries about schedules, access, and basic course expectations, and escalate complex questions or issues to the Program Design and Delivery Manager or appropriate partners.
  • Coordinate logistics for any related synchronous or in-person components such as orientation webinars, office hours, or capstone activities, as needed.
  • Help ensure that online programs are delivered in alignment with ALA processes, School and University policies, and any relevant compliance requirements.
• Evaluation, Reporting, and Deepening Engagement (D4: Deepening Engagement)
  • Administer learner feedback mechanisms such as surveys, polls, and basic LMS analytics reports in collaboration with the Program Design and Delivery Manager.
  • Compile, clean, and organize evaluation data and participation metrics, and produce standard summaries and visuals for faculty and internal stakeholders.
  • Assist with scheduling and documenting post-program debrief meetings, capture action items, and track completion of follow-up tasks that refine course design and alignment with participant expectations.
  • Support activities that deepen engagement with program alumni and prospective learners, such as email communications, logistics for follow-on webinars, and coordination of learning resources or communities that encourage progression to additional or adjacent courses.
• Administrative and Cross-Functional Support
  • Maintain up-to-date program calendars, task lists, and trackers for assigned offerings across the D4 stages.
  • Assist with basic financial tasks, such as tracking vendor invoices, reconciling program expenses, and assembling data for budget review, under the guidance of the Program Design and Delivery Manager.
  • Coordinate with colleagues in marketing, enrollment, and learner services by providing accurate program details, schedules, and participant information as requested.
  • Contribute to ongoing improvement of ALA templates, playbooks, and checklists based on experience with multiple course iterations.
  • Compile and analyze course data and prepare within- and cross-course summaries to support faculty and ALA leadership in identifying opportunities to improve future offerings, including reporting on learner goal achievement and performance.
• Other
  • Participate in team meetings, trainings, and ALA-wide initiatives related to online and non-degree education.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience is required.
• 3 years+ of related experience is required.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Master's degree in public health, education, instructional design, or related field preferred.
• Experience supporting online or hybrid programs, courses, or events, ideally in higher education, executive education, or a similar mission-driven setting.
• Familiarity with learning management systems such as Canvas, Zoom or other video-conferencing tools, and standard office software including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Comfort learning and applying new technology platforms, including AI, and following established digital workflows and checklists.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and follow-through, with the ability to manage multiple tasks, timelines, and priorities at once.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, professionalism, and diplomacy in working with faculty, staff, and learners.
• Works both independently and collaboratively as part of a team, including asking questions and escalating issues appropriately.
• Experience working with culturally diverse populations and a demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
• Remains calm, solutions oriented, and flexible during periods of high activity such as program launches and live sessions.
• Experience working with multiple stakeholders and managing detailed logistics and timelines in a fast-paced environment.

Additional Information

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education

Join the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health to support our mission of health research and education, and to be a part of the oldest institution of higher learning in the country!

• The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health does not provide visa sponsorship, now or in the future, for staff positions.
• Harvard University requires pre-employment reference checks and background screenings.
• This position has a 90 day orientation and review period. The O&R period will be waived for any internal Harvard employee transfers.

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 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 056. 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.