Events Manager

• Union: 00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary
• Salary Grade: 057
• FLSA Status:
  Exempt

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 the Harvard Kennedy School?

The John

F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University is one of 12 graduate and professional schools at the university. Harvard Kennedy School’s mission is to improve public policy and leadership so people can live in societies that are more safe, free, just, and sustainably prosperous. By combining cutting-edge research, the teaching of outstanding students, and direct interaction with practitioners, we have an impact on solving public problems that no other institution can match.

When you work at Harvard Kennedy School, you make a difference.

The Center for International Development (CID) is Harvard University’s hub for cutting-edge research on the world’s most pressing international development issues. Based at Harvard Kennedy School, CID brings researchers and practitioners together across the university to collaborate, using the latest analytical tools to address pressing development challenges. CID organizes global talent worldwide by investing in people, places, and ideas to build a thriving world for all.

CID has an opening for an Events Manager to lead the strategy, design and execution of CID’s public-facing events in Cambridge and globally. This role is ideal for a candidate who enjoys developing innovative event strategies that advance CID's mission while also taking ownership of the operational excellence required to deliver exceptional experiences and strengthen global engagement. The Events Manager will serve as the Center’s lead on all CID events and convenings, shaping the overall vision and annual event portfolio, advising leadership on programming priorities and directing the development and execution of conferences, seminars, and strategic convenings for the CID community (including staff, fellows, faculty, donors, development partners and prominent individuals and organizations with tact and diplomacy).

This position requires working independently and as part of a team, and a high level of maturity and good judgment. Given the nature of this position, the candidate will be required to work mostly in-person at the CID offices during the academic year, with more flexibility over the summer. CID is a high-profile, fast-paced office with friendly and energetic staff.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Strategic Event Planning & Program Development (65%)

• Develop and lead a comprehensive annual events strategy that advances CID's mission, research priorities, institutional visibility, and community engagement across Harvard and globally.
• Lead financial planning and stewardship for CID's annual events portfolio, developing budgets, allocating resources strategically, monitoring expenditures, and identifying opportunities to maximize impact and efficiency.
• Lead design and delivery of CID's event portfolio, including ongoing programming and marquee events such as CID’s flagship annual Global Empowerment Meeting (GEM), and working with faculty and leadership to identify priority themes, curate speakers, shape program content, and engage target audiences. Advise CID leadership on the annual events calendar, prioritizing programming opportunities and balancing institutional goals, faculty interests, budget, and organizational capacity.
• Identify and cultivate strategic partnerships that expand the reach and impact of CID programming. Advise leadership on opportunities for external speaking engagements, collaborations, and new event initiatives that strengthen CID's visibility and influence.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to faculty and leadership in developing programming that elevates CID research, responds to emerging policy issues, and strengthens relationships across Harvard and the global development community.
• Establish metrics to evaluate event…