Senior Manager, Conferences and Events, Bloomberg Center for Cities

Job Description

Job Description

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.

About the Bloomberg Center for Cities

The Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University serves a global community committed to improving public management, leadership, and governance. The Center’s cross-Harvard collaboration unites expertise focused on cities across disciplines and schools to produce research, train leaders, and develop resources for global use. The Center is designed to have practical impact on the future of cities, where more than half of the world’s people now live, by informing and inspiring local government leaders, scholars, students, and others who work to improve the lives of residents around the world.

Job Description

Reporting to the Director for Conferences and Events, and working closely with faculty and center leadership, this position will manage and lead the development, planning, and execution of high-profile events and convenings; partner with faculty and scholars to translate academic objectives into compelling event experiences; and manage planning, logistics, production, and technical execution for in-person, virtual, and hybrid events. 

As a senior member of the Center Events team, this position will serve as the primary project lead for a portfolio of events and convenings, collaborating closely with faculty, center leadership, university partners, and external stakeholders to deliver exceptional event experiences and support the Center's mission.

We seek to host and highlight university scholars, students, and practitioners. A conference series, events, and convenings at the center provide a platform for leading thinkers, rising academic stars, and accomplished leaders working on and in cities. The center seeks a dynamic, collaborative, and detail-oriented teammate to lead the planning, coordination, and execution of a growing portfolio of conferences, convenings, and special events.  

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Duties include, but are not limited to: 

• Lead the planning, design, and execution of center events and convenings, managing logistics, operations, staffing, timelines, and resource allocation across in-person, virtual, and hybrid formats. 
• Lead the end-to-end planning and development of event concepts and experiences in partnership with faculty, scholars, and speakers, translating academic content into engaging and accessible programming for diverse audiences. 
• Lead budget and financial oversight of $1.4M center event budget including allocation of budget to events, convenings, reconciling expense and responsible for financial planning of for event calendar.  
• Lead communication and coordination with HKS partners, including catering, facilities, IT/media services, and security, while overseeing vendor relationships and ensuring seamless event execution. 
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve event planning systems, operational processes, timelines, and project management tools to support a robust and growing events portfolio. 
• Lead planning and coordination meetings with faculty, speakers, city leaders, university partners, and external stakeholders, serving as a key point of contact throughout the event lifecycle. 
• Provide leadership and oversight for event budgets, financial tracking, staffing plans, vendor contracts, and allocation of external resources to ensure responsible fiscal stewardship and operational efficiency. 
• Partner closely with the Center’s Communications team to develop event branding, promotional materials, audience engagement strategies, and post-event communications. 
• Manage collaboration with external production teams and technical vendors to support high-quality live-streamed, recorded, and hybrid event experiences. 
• Anticipate, troubleshoot, and resolve operational and technical challenges during event planning and execution, exercising sound judgment under pressure. 
• Lead the development and finalization of presentations, briefing materials, run-of-show documents, speaker materials, and related event content in collaboration with faculty and speakers. 
• Manage post-event follow-up activities, including stakeholder communications, data collection, reporting, reconciliation, and coordination with Communications to distribute event recordings and related materials. 
• Evaluate event outcomes and audience engagement metrics, using data and feedback to recommend improvements and enhancements to future programming. 
• Operate independently in a fast-paced environment, demonstrating exceptional attention to detail, initiative, sound judgment, and the ability to manage multiple priorities with limited oversight. 

 

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree
• 6 years of relevant professional experience with progressive responsibility in event-production 
• Must be able to work evenings and weekends as needed 

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Demonstrated excellence in translating academic content into compelling educational sessions, events, and convenings for diverse audiences 
• Proven track record of leading and executing complex, high-profile events and convenings involving multiple stakeholders 
• Experience working in cities, local government, or adjacent community organizations with a strong understanding of urban challenges is highly preferred 
• Extensive knowledge of events operations and process design 
• Ability to drive towards big picture goals while maintaining extraordinary attention to detail 
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple concurrent initiatives from concept through execution 
• Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities and coordinate effectively across internal teams, faculty, and external partners 
• A strong work ethic and resolute integrity 
• Excellent interpersonal skills that resonate with diverse stakeholders 
• Strong relationship-management skills and the ability to build credibility with faculty, senior leaders, and external stakeholders 
• Ability to maintain effectiveness under scrutiny and pressure, and willingness to do what it takes to get work done 
• Skill in written communications, content development 

Additional Information

• Appointment End Date: This position is a fully benefits eligible term appointment through June 30, 2028, with the strong possibility of renewal.
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education
• Other Information:  This is a full-time, on-campus position based in Cambridge, MA.

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 057. 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.