Associate Director of Design, Operations

Harvard University • Boston, MA

11h • Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Harvard Business School, located on a 40-acre campus in Boston, was founded in 1908 as part of Harvard University. It is among the world's most trusted sources of management education and thought leadership. For more than a century, the School's faculty has combined a passion for teaching with rigorous research conducted alongside practitioners at world-leading organizations to educate leaders who make a difference in the world. Through a dynamic ecosystem of research, learning, and entrepreneurship that includes MBA, Doctoral, Executive Education, and Online programs, as well as numerous initiatives, centers, institutes, and labs, Harvard Business School fosters bold new ideas and collaborative learning networks that shape the future of business.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Planning, or a related discipline required.
• Five plus (5+) years of experience in a planning and design oversight role; experience in a higher education setting is preferred.
• Familiarity with BIM concepts, standards, and workflows (e.g., general awareness of ISO 19650 or equivalent) is expected; hands-on technical modeling expertise is not required, but the ability to direct and evaluate outsourced technical BIM resources is essential.
• Ability to read and correctly interpret construction documents.
• Broad knowledge of construction and building systems (structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing).
• Working knowledge of CAFM or similar space/facilities data systems (experience with MRI CenterStone a plus).
• Ability to communicate well in verbal and written form; able to translate technical BIM/data concepts for non-technical audiences and leadership.
• Strong computer skills required (MS Office, Teams, Adobe Creative Suite); working knowledge of AutoCAD preferred.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree preferred.
• Demonstrated experience negotiating and managing vendor and consultant contracts.
• Ability to work effectively with user groups, internal staff, and outside consultants; comfortable working under tight deadlines on multiple concurrent initiatives.
• Strong organizational skills and careful attention to detail; self-motivated with the initiative to independently resolve problems, particularly during the program's early build-out phase.
• Candidates with fewer years of relevant work experience may be considered at grade level 57.

Responsibilities

• Executes project-level design management in support of planning and design strategy set by the Senior Director.
• Negotiates and prepares standard Harvard University agreements for design and planning consulting.
• Works with an Operations-wide team on development and updating of campus-wide space, interior, and architectural standards.
• Supervises vendors, outsourced technical consultants, and student interns as assigned.
• Manages assigned capital and I&A projects through study, schematic design (SD), and design development (DD) phases.
• Supports development of the annual and multi-year Capital Budget (led by the Senior Director of Capital Programs) in defining, planning, and scoping potential projects.
• Works with campus departments on space-related requests; develops and enforces campus design and specification standards.
• Develops architectural test fits and concept viability studies as needed.
• Facilitates user discussions and ensures architects' plans meet the school's functional and aesthetic needs.
• Works closely with project managers in supporting all aspects of project design and delivery, advising on design-related objectives from preconstruction through project closeout.
• Collaborates with the Interiors and Furniture Manager and outside design consultants to ensure a coordinated furniture, finish, and interior design process.
• Coordinates interior design and sustainable material discussions with Harvard and external resources and consultants.
• Prepares reports, analyses, and presentation materials related to project design management and BIM program status.
• Leads the stand-up of an HBS BIM program: defines scope, data standards, and information architecture for space and facilities data, in coordination with Harvard University Planning and Design (HUPAD) and University standards where applicable.
• Selects, contracts, and manages outsourced technical BIM vendors responsible for model development, data conversion, and ongoing technical support; reviews vendor deliverables for quality and consistency.
• Partners with the Associate Director of Furniture and Moves to ensure the BIM program integrates with and enhances the existing CAFM system (MRI CenterStone) rather than duplicating it.
• Establishes BIM governance: naming conventions, model-update protocols, access permissions, and a long-term maintenance plan.
• Owns coordination of all project closeout documentation across capital and I&A projects – as-built drawings, submittal records, O&M manuals, warranties, and other project-related materials – ensuring materials are captured, organized, and fed into the BIM and CAFM systems as the authoritative source of project record.
• Builds on existing groundwork – including preliminary BIM guideline documentation – developed by the Planning and Design student intern, incorporating it into the formal program as a starting reference point.
• Keeps abreast of developments in BIM standards and technology relevant to campus facilities management; recommends program adjustments as the field evolves.
• Extends BIM and space-data governance to support space-utilization and occupancy analytics – including badge-scan data and dashboard/visualization work – in partnership with the Senior Director.
• Interaction with faculty, administrative staff, Harvard University planning offices (including HUPAD), design consultants, and outsourced technical vendors.
• Build trust and collaboration by being present on-site and engaging directly with colleagues and various constituents.
• This role is responsible for other duties as assigned.

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