Executive Director of Programs and Events

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 University Central Administration?

Harvard University's Central Administration (CADM) is a 5,000+ employee organization that supports the university's overall excellence by understanding and serving the needs of its schools, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and surrounding communities. Through dynamic and collaborative partnerships, CADM provides high-quality and efficient services to the schools to help them achieve their goals.

Alumni Affairs and Development (AA&D) is a dedicated team supporting Harvard’s advancement activity through front-line fundraising, alumni and volunteer engagement, technology, prospect management and research, business process, events, communications, and many other areas.

Our goal is to create an environment of respect that leverages the many talents, perspectives, and experiences of our employees; to deliver the strongest possible results by incorporating diverse perspectives into our daily work; and to make AA&D a great place to work for everyone. We strive to live our values of respect, inclusion, trust, collaboration, continuous improvement and innovation; and open communication and effective information sharing in our daily interactions and our work.

AA&D is comprised of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) Development, Communications, Events & Donor Relations, University Development and Advancement Solutions, the Harvard Alumni Association (HAA), and AA&D Administration.

The Executive Director of Programs and Events provides senior leadership for the planning, execution, and assessment of alumni engagement and donor events that advance the institution’s mission and strategic priorities. Reporting to AVP for Advancement Communications, Events, and Donor Relations, this role oversees high-impact programs and convenings that support efforts to inform and inspire a variety of audiences through highlighting faculty, students, alumni, volunteers, and key leaders.

The Executive Director ensures that all programs and events reflect academic excellence, inclusivity, and institutional values.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for alumni and donor programs and events aligned with institutional goals.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to senior leadership on programmatic and event-based initiatives.
• Ensure programs and events support alumni engagement, volunteer education, leadership committee functions, and top donor cultivation and recognition.

• Leads the development of programs and determines content delivery for events and other audiences in partnership with the Harvard Alumni Association, the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, and the University Development Office.
• Collaborate with faculty, academic departments, and academic leadership to design and deliver high-quality programming.
• Establish assessment frameworks to measure program effectiveness, engagement outcomes, and institutional impact.

• Oversee planning and execution of major institutional events such as reunions, committee gatherings, academic convenings, alumni events, donor events, and public-facing programs.
• Ensure events meet institutional standards for accessibility, inclusivity, risk and financial management, and brand representation.
• Lead post-event evaluations and continuous improvement efforts.
• Develop and manage program and event budgets, ensuring responsible stewardship of institutional resources.
• Oversee contracts, vendor relationships, space utilization, and compliance with university policies.

• Facilitate the development of annual plans for the deployment of academic deans, key faculty and administrative leaders in fundraising activities, including their development travel for individual prospect visits and involvement in…