Director, Data & Technology, Alumni Engagement and Development

Harvard University • Boston, MA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

This position offers a unique opportunity to work across dynamic teams at Harvard Business School. The Sr. Director will drive technology and data strategy for AE&D, ensuring alignment with HBS and Harvard-wide technology while identifying where differentiated HBS capabilities create greater alumni value. You will unlock the value of alumni data using AI, machine learning, and advanced analytics to identify untapped alumni, surface engagement and philanthropic opportunities, and enable more personalized outreach. Ideal for someone who enjoys problem-solving, this cross-functional role is perfect for those passionate about helping others thrive in their positions while driving innovation and excellence at Harvard Business School.
As part of the Alumni Engagement and Development (AE&D) team, you will contribute to strengthening the lifelong relationship between alumni and the School by supporting meaningful engagement, learning opportunities, and philanthropic initiatives that advance the HBS mission. As a member of the broader AE&D, MBA, and Doctoral (AMD) programs team, you will consult with and align, as appropriate, data and technologies working closely with staff across teams.

Requirements

• Minimum of seven years’ post-secondary education or relevant work experience
• Supervisory experience
• At least 5 years in an IT leadership role and 10 years’ information technology experience

Nice To Haves

• Experience in higher education, non-profit or technology sectors
• Ability to work effectively at all levels of the organization and influence others to progress toward a common vision or goal
• Experience with principles, practices, methods, and techniques applicable to long-range and strategic technology planning
• Demonstrated experience leading successful implementations of IT systems or tools in a diverse and complex organization
• Ability to communicate, negotiate and thrive in a complex, matrixed, organization and to manage human and organizational dynamics
• Possess a demonstrated commitment to promoting diversity, inclusion, equity, and staff development; and the ability to establish good working relationships with faculty, staff, students, administrators, alumni, vendors, and other institutional constituencies

Responsibilities

• Drives AE&D’s digital business transformation, prioritizing technology investments and reshaping processes to be digitally native, scalable, and more effective
• Champion the use of data, analytics, and AI to enhance decision-making, drive insight generation, and enable a more personalized and effective alumni experience
• Identify and prioritize opportunities to leverage data and emerging capabilities, including AI/ML, across systems to improve operational efficiency, scale impact, and unlock new strategic value
• Strengthen coordination and alignment between AE&D and HBS IT on strategic planning and delivery
• Collaborate with IT leadership to align technology service delivery and strategies with goals
• In partnership with HBS IT, use a strategic lens to optimize and implement effective and scalable tools, processes, and procedures across AE&D in support of School or University-wide technology goals
• Effectively communicate decisions about future technology directions to senior leadership at the School
• Provide strategic stewardship of alumni data, partnering across HBS and Harvard to strengthen governance while enabling trusted, responsible access and use. Serve as a consultant/partner across AMD.
• Ensure that contracts for technology tools are properly sourced, executed, and tracked in collaboration with HBS IT
• Oversee coverage of major incidents for AE&D and ensure effective response
• Identify opportunities for innovation and enhancement, leveraging emerging technologies to drive efficiency, effectiveness, and stakeholder engagement
• Partner with and lead cross functional efforts for data and technology efforts across AMD, working closely with data stewards that are embedded in other groups across the department
• Represent and advance AE&D technology needs across HBS and Harvard, influencing enterprise decisions and ensuring alumni priorities are considered in broader technology investments and direction
• Lead the AE&D Business Intelligence and Alumni Records teams, including six FTEs and additional contractor support
• Mentor managers and team members, offering various problem-solving tools to guide people, processes, and outcomes
• Ensure that AE&D is represented on various HBS or University HBS strategic committees and task forces
• Maintain awareness of changing IT trends and regulations impacting student and alumni lifelong learning
• Prioritize, review, and manage project AE&D’s technology pipeline and portfolio
• Build trust and collaboration by being present on-site and engaging directly with colleagues and various constituents
• 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: Director
• Education Level: No Education Listed