Assistant Director, Operations & Systems, MBA Admissions

Harvard University • Boston, MA

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

As a key member of the MBA Admissions Operations team, reporting to the Director, Operations, the Assistant Director manages the systems, data, and operational infrastructure that supports MBA Admissions. This role is responsible for managing admissions technologies, application operations, data governance, business intelligence initiatives, and financial operations that enable effective recruitment, evaluation, and enrollment activities.
The Assistant Director manages an Operations Specialist and provides leadership for the department's analytics, reporting, and AI initiatives. Working closely with Admissions leadership, MBA IT, and external partners, this role ensures the effective use of data and technology to support operational excellence, informed decision-making, and an exceptional candidate experience.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 5 years’ relevant work experience
• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Five or more years of relevant professional experience in higher education, operations, systems administration, analytics, admissions, or a related field.
• Experience managing complex data systems, operational processes, and cross-functional projects.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data analysis tools.
• Experience working in higher education is strongly preferred
• Experience with admissions or CRM platforms, preferably Technolutions Slate.
• Experience with business intelligence and data visualization tools such as Tableau.
• Familiarity with SQL and data management best practices.
• Interest in and aptitude for emerging technologies, including AI-enabled tools and workflows.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex information for diverse audiences.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively with stakeholders across teams.
• Demonstrated leadership, sound judgment, and commitment to collaboration and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Partners with Operations leadership team to oversee the technical and data infrastructure supporting MBA Admissions operations.
• Lead all phases of the MBA and 2+2 application creation lifecycle, including application design, testing, updates, deployment, and annual launch activities.
• Serve as the AI lead for MBA Admissions, identifying opportunities to leverage emerging technologies and guiding implementation of AI tools and processes.
• Oversee the application fee waiver process and related requests.
• Serve as the primary liaison to external testing and admissions organizations, including GMAC and ETS, leading data exchange and business intelligence initiatives.
• Partner with Operations team members in the development and maintenance of self-service reporting and data tools for Outreach, Evaluation, and Yield teams.
• Manage data integrations and pipelines across systems, including admissions and student information systems.
• Oversee data security, confidentiality, annual retention processes, and compliance with University policies.
• Design and implement business processes that promote data accuracy, consistency, and effective use across systems.
• Manage relationships among multiple database platforms and vendors, ensuring accurate and timely data transfers.
• Oversee analysis of key admissions surveys and feedback mechanisms, including Accept/Cancel Surveys, Yield Polls, and other candidate experience assessments.
• Manage operational aspects of alumni engagement initiatives, including Alumni Chats and Phonathon programs.
• Partner with MBA IT, Financial Aid, Institutional Research, and other HBS departments to support operational and analytical initiatives.
• Manage the MBA Admissions operating budget of approximately $2 million, including forecasting, reconciliation, vendor management, and financial reporting.
• Partner with finance colleagues and Admissions leadership to align spending with departmental priorities.
• Serve as a resource to Admissions staff on Harvard financial systems, including Buy2Pay, Concur, and budget reconciliation processes.
• Monitor expenditures and identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and resource allocation.
• Supervise and develop the Operations Specialist, providing direction, coaching, and prioritization across analytics, reporting, AI, and operational support functions.
• Establish team priorities and workflows to ensure timely completion of operational projects, reporting deliverables, and annual application cycle activities.
• Support team-wide events and activities, including Admitted Students Welcome, Interview Days, yield programming, conferences, outreach travel, and team-building initiatives.
• Foster a collaborative, service-oriented culture and contribute to the continuous improvement of Admissions operations.
• Build trust and collaboration by being present on-site and engaging directly with colleagues and various constituents.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Serve as a member of the Admissions Board, evaluating candidates for the MBA, 2+2, and SVMP programs through holistic application review.
• Participate in candidate interviewing activities, including observing and conducting applicant interviews as a member of the MBA Interview Board.
• Contribute insights and perspectives to admissions discussions and decision-making processes.

Benefits

• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree