Senior Program Manager, AI Enabled Research, Digital Data Design Institute

Company Description

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.

Why join Harvard Business School?

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.

The Senior Program Manager, AI Enabled Sponsored Research will manage and lead the sponsored research (grant and corporate) pre‑ and post‑award activities relating to faculty activities within the Digital Data Design Institute at Harvard (D^3). The Senior Program Manager, AI Enabled Sponsored Research will report to the D^3 Director of Research Services.

• Uses AI tools to facilitate identification of opportunities and creation of award materials. Identifies opportunities for use of agentic AI and other tools to accelerate workflow and develops strategy for deployment and adoption by D^3 and other HBS faculty.
• Confidently represents research needs to external stakeholders as well as to internal stakeholders at D^3, HBS, and Harvard.
• Identifies grant opportunities and assists corporate alliances in vetting corporate sponsored opportunities. Facilitates matching funding opportunities to faculty.
• For corporate sponsored research, navigates transition from corporate alliances to research team. Helps translate research and its needs for a corporate audience and helps company stakeholders understand the award process.
• Works closely with faculty to develop award materials including scope of work, budget, and budget justification. Understands resource allocation and how to best build a budget. Ensures compliance with federal regulations and University, HBS, and sponsor policies.
• Shepherds awards through HBS approval process and legal agreements with Harvard’s Office of Technology Development (OTD) and Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP). Anticipates and flags agreement concerns such as data sharing, IP, and publication rights.
• Post‑award works with HBS and D^3 to ensure award setup is aligned with research needs.
• Facilitates initial setup of activities for new awards, such as hiring new staff and transitioning relationship with funder to research team.
• Build trust and collaboration by being present on‑site and engaging directly with colleagues and various constituents.
• Responsible for other duties assigned.

• B.A., B.S., or equivalent Bachelor’s Degree is required
• 7+ years work experience or equivalent combination of education and experience required
• Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated experience communicating professionally with faculty or executive audiences.

• Master's degree preferred
• This is not a traditional grant writing role, but experience applying for grants is strongly preferred.
• This is also not a traditional research administration role but will work closely with school research administration and must understand policies.
• Experience in higher education or research. Demonstrated understanding of research methods and protocols preferred.
• Ability to set and manage competing priorities in fast‑paced environment while maintaining a keen attention to detail.
• Ability to troubleshoot obstacles with proactivity and collaboration.

• Appointment End Date: This position is approved for a 2‑year term (with possibility…