IT Program Manager

Job Summary

Are you energized by leading complex, high-impact technology initiatives that shape the future of a world-class institution? Do you excel at aligning strategy, stakeholders, and execution to deliver meaningful outcomes? If so, consider joining HBS IT as an IT Program Manager.

Reporting to the Senior Director, IT Strategy and Planning, this role is within HBS IT’s IT Strategy, Academic & Research Technologies group. The IT Program Manager leads strategic, enterprise-level programs ensuring alignment to HBS priorities and delivering measurable business outcomes. Operating at the intersection of strategy, governance, and execution, this role partners with senior leaders to define, prioritize, and realize program value while guiding project team members to successful delivery.

The ideal candidate combines a strategic perspective with strong execution discipline. They are comfortable navigating ambiguity, influencing across a matrixed organization, and building alignment among diverse stakeholders. The candidate communicates with clarity and confidence, whether facilitating discussions or guiding delivery teams, while fostering trust, accountability, and continuous improvement.

• Lead one or more strategic programs composed of multiple interrelated projects or work streams, ensuring delivery of intended business outcomes and maximum value to stakeholders.
• Define and manage program scope, roadmap, success metrics, and value realization plans aligned with HBS and partner strategies.
• Coordinate cross-project/workstream dependencies, sequencing, and resource alignment across program activities.
• Facilitate the implementation and effective use of program governance structures, including steering committees, decision frameworks, and escalation paths to enable timely decisions and mitigate risks.
• Identify and proactively manage program and project level risks, issues, and tradeoffs, clearly communicate mitigation strategies and impact to stakeholders.
• Deliver consistent, timely, and high-quality program and project progress status reporting and effective communications.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, influencing decision-making and navigating complex stakeholder environments.
• Champion continuous improvement of Program and Project Management practices, tools and methodologies, including piloting and adopting new tools and processes as a model for other project managers.
• Mentor team members in project and program management, applying structured problem‑solving methods to guide people, processes, and outcomes.
• Provide supervision and direction to temporary resources ensuring effective delivery, accountability, and alignment with program objectives.
• Build trust and collaboration by being present on‑site and engaging directly with colleagues and various constituents.
• Complete other responsibilities as assigned.

• Additional support outside of regularly scheduled hours, including early mornings, nights, weekends, and holiday breaks, may occasionally be required.

• Minimum of seven years’ post‑secondary education or relevant work experience.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to influence and facilitate executive-level discussions, steering committees, and cross‑functional forums.
• Mastery of full project lifecycle delivery: planning, estimating, scheduling, requirements analysis, functional design, scope management, and release execution.
• Demonstrated leadership with a collaborative, adaptable, and resilient style; able to work independently with minimal oversight.
• Strong command of project management tools and methodologies, with experience applying Agile, Waterfall, Lean or hybrid approaches.
• Effective problem‑solving skills with a proactive solution‑oriented approach.
• Strong vendor and third‑party relationship management across multiple initiatives.
• Knowledge of IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL) and IT Service Management (ITSM).
• Background in higher education and/or experience in a managed enterprise technology environment.

• PMI or Agile certifications.