Director, Events

Harvard University is a prestigious academic institution known globally for its commitment to excellence, innovation, and leadership in education, research, and public service. Working at Harvard means joining a vibrant and diverse community that advances the university's world-changing mission in meaningful ways. Harvard Central Administration (CADM) is a significant part of this mission, consisting of over 5,000 employees dedicated to supporting the university's schools, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and surrounding communities. CADM strives to provide high-quality, efficient services through dynamic and collaborative partnerships, helping various departments achieve their goals across the university.

Alumni Affairs and Development (AA&D) is a key team within Harvard's structure, responsible for driving advancement activities such as fundraising, alumni and volunteer engagement, research, events, communications, and business process improvement. AA&D is committed to fostering an environment of respect and inclusion where diverse talents, perspectives, and experiences are valued to produce the strongest results. The department emphasizes respect, inclusion, trust, collaboration, continuous improvement, innovation, and open communication in its operations and workplace culture.

The Director of Events role within AA&D is a senior leadership position tasked with defining the strategic vision and operational direction for the events department. This role oversees a portfolio of high-profile, institutionally significant events that require collaboration across various Harvard units, including the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS), Harvard Alumni Association (HAA), University Development and Advancement Solutions (UDAS), and the Office of the Vice President for AA&D. As a strategic partner to senior leadership, the Director ensures that events align with the university's priorities, leverage innovative engagement opportunities, and maintain operational excellence.

This role demands exceptional leadership skills to manage a team of event professionals in a complex and fast-paced environment. The Director is responsible for organizational effectiveness, team development, budgeting, vendor relations, and the implementation of new technologies and best practices for event management. The position requires overseeing in-person, virtual, and hybrid events while fostering a culture of collaboration, inclusivity, and respect. The Director ensures high standards of service delivery and drives continuous improvement to support the sustainable growth of the department.

Working at Harvard University comes with the benefit of joining an institution that values diversity, equity, and inclusion, provides robust professional development opportunities, and offers a supportive work-life balance. The position includes a comprehensive range of benefits such as medical, dental, and vision insurance starting from day one, retirement plans with university contributions, generous paid time off including parental leave, mental health resources, and commuter benefits. Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, this role also provides some flexibility with hybrid work arrangements within compliance with university policies. Salary details correspond to Harvard's salary grade level 060, with further specifics available on the Harvard Salary Ranges webpage.