Senior Program Manager

Harvard University • Boston, MA

8d • Hybrid

About The Position

The National Preparedness Leadership Initiative (NPLI) at Harvard University is a leading and internationally recognized program on crisis leadership. Established shortly after 9/11 at the request of the federal government, the program conducts research on crisis leadership, provides continuing education seminars devoted to crisis leadership, and advises leaders in times of crisis. NPLI faculty published one of the field's primary texts, “You’re It: Crisis, Change, and How to Lead When It Matters Most.” Given the tension between the federal administration and the university, the NPLI has shifted its focus from engagement with federal government agencies toward work with corporate, humanitarian, state, and local governments.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience is required.
• 5+ years of relevant experience is required

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree preferred
• Strong client relationship management skills
• Excellent project management judgment
• Experience operating comfortably in a fast-paced, high-visibility academic program environment
• Strengths in moving fluidly between external client conversations, internal Harvard administrative processes, faculty coordination, and detailed program execution
• Success in this role will require professionalism, discretion, responsiveness, and the ability to anticipate needs before they become barriers to successful program delivery

Responsibilities

• Serve as a primary point of contact for custom program inquiries, helping to vet opportunities, clarify client needs, and determine alignment with NPLI’s programs and capabilities
• Lead initial client intake and discovery conversations, gathering information about goals, audience, timeline, desired outcomes, budget considerations, and program requirements
• Partner with the Founding Director and faculty to translate client needs into program objectives, proposed structures, learning goals, agendas, and deliverables
• Support the development of proposals, scopes of work, project plans, and related materials for custom and residential programs
• Build and maintain strong, professional relationships with external clients and partners, ensuring clear communication, responsiveness, and alignment throughout the engagement
• Prepare regular client updates, including progress against milestones, next steps, key issues, and proposed resolutions
• Support outreach, relationship-building, and marketing-related activities that strengthen visibility of NPLI programs and contribute to future program opportunities
• Manage the full administrative lifecycle of NPLI custom and residential programs, from inquiry and planning through delivery, closeout, and follow-up
• Develop and maintain detailed project plans, timelines, deliverables, agendas, briefing materials, and implementation schedules
• Coordinate with faculty, clients, and internal stakeholders to ensure alignment on program content, logistics, milestones, and expectations
• Organize and prepare training materials, briefing documents, reports, correspondence, and other materials needed for successful program delivery
• Track project deliverables and timelines, proactively identifying risks, barriers, or competing priorities and recommending solutions
• Follow up with faculty, clients, and internal partners on major action items to ensure progress and accountability
• Ensure that custom programs and projects remain on track, within scope, and within budget
• Work with the Founding Director and appropriate Harvard partners on proposals, contracts, budgets, and other administrative requirements related to client engagements
• Coordinate with Harvard administrative offices, including legal, finance, facilities, and other relevant departments, to support timely and compliant project execution
• Prepare, maintain, and review documents, reports, agreements, and project materials to ensure accuracy, completeness, and alignment with University requirements
• Serve as a principal source of information on established projects, advising internal contacts and keeping stakeholders informed of relevant updates
• Gather and summarize background information, industry context, research, or other materials needed to support program planning and client engagement
• Organize and implement administrative systems, procedures, templates, and tracking tools that support efficient program operations
• Provide regular updates to the NPLI Director, lead faculty, and other stakeholders regarding project status, client needs, administrative matters, risks, and deliverables
• Serve as a key liaison between NPLI, external clients, faculty, Harvard administrative offices, and related programs or initiatives
• Coordinate the day-to-day flow of communications with individuals inside and outside NPLI who are involved in program planning and delivery
• Participate with the Founding Director and faculty in planning, strategizing, and developing NPLI programs, new initiatives, and projects, including activities that support program growth and sustainability
• Assist with planning for conferences, seminars, workshops, briefings, and residential programs, including facilities coordination and related logistical needs
• Contribute to the development and refinement of NPLI policies, procedures, workflows, and client service practices
• May serve as liaison with related programs, universities, government agencies, or external organizations, keeping leadership informed of relevant developments

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: Senior