Program Manager, Academic Flourishing Initiative (AFI), Human Flourishing Program

Harvard University • Cambridge, MA

8h • Hybrid

About The Position

The Program Manager oversees, develops, and grows the Academic Flourishing Initiative (AFI), an initiative of the Human Flourishing Program at Harvard’s Institute for Quantitative Social Science. AFI uses a flourishing measure to assess whether colleges and universities are achieving their stated visions and missions, and operates a data collaborative whose member institutions are a major source of revenue. The role works with institutional leaders to recruit and onboard members, share research findings, and advance flourishing in higher education.

The Program Manager reports to the Associate Director for Research and works closely with the Executive Director and Director of the Human Flourishing Program. The role also coordinates with IQSS Business Operations, finance, and other Harvard teams on administrative, financial, and human-resources activities. This is a hybrid position with an expectation of working on campus three days per week. The position involves approximately 15% local and/or national travel and is a one-year term appointment, with the possibility of extension.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• At least 5 years of related experience, preferably in educational and/or social impact leadership.
• At least 3 years of project and academic administration experience.
• Submit a cover letter to be considered for the position.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s and/or PhD in a related field.

Responsibilities

• Develop AFI’s structure and strategy, including a five-year plan and an optimal portfolio of participating institution types.
• Recruit and engage current and prospective data-collaborative members, including discussions with college and university presidents, provosts, and other leaders.
• Develop and execute AFI’s engagement, communications, and marketing plans; organize leadership gatherings, recruitment events, and sessions promoting findings and opportunities; and develop related content and materials.
• Manage the onboarding process for member institutions and develop Data Use Agreements, coordinating with Harvard’s Office of the General Counsel and Office for Sponsored Programs.
• Develop and oversee AFI revenue models and strategies; discuss revenue opportunities with institutions; support fundraising with donors and prospects; and manage member invoicing and payment systems.
• Act as AFI’s primary administrative liaison with IQSS finance administrators regarding revenue activity.
• Develop research reports and findings for individual institutions and across institutions, engaging with institutional research teams and Human Flourishing Program researchers.
• Engage with academic humility and academic freedom activities.
• Lead AFI communications, including key messages, website oversight, press engagement, collateral, and other media such as videos; work closely with the Human Flourishing Program Communications Manager.
• Recruit, interview, hire, train, and supervise AFI staff, student workers, and temporary personnel; assign and review work, provide coaching and feedback, and conduct annual performance reviews.
• Serve as AFI’s primary administrative liaison with IQSS Business Operations, affiliated faculty and researchers, staff, and visitors; resolve operational issues and escalate complex matters as needed.
• Develop and maintain internal tracking systems to ensure AFI activities are completed on time and within scope.
• Oversee AFI’s day-to-day financial operations, including budgets, financial tracking, invoicing, purchasing, and other financial processes.
• Enter, track, and reconcile invoices, reimbursements, purchasing-card transactions, and vendor payments in Harvard financial systems.
• Monitor AFI budgets and research funding with IQSS Finance teams; prepare regular financial reports; identify variances or potential overruns and recommend adjustments; and ensure compliance with Harvard, FAS, IQSS, and financial policies.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off, including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision 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: Manager