Manager of Academic and Non-Degree Programming

Harvard Divinity School Manager

Reporting to the Assistant Dean for Faculty and Academic Affairs, the Manager works closely with faculty, academic leadership, alumni, and external partners to develop educational initiatives that advance the School's academic mission and extend the reach of HDS scholarship and teaching to local, national, and global audiences. The position leads the development and growth of professional and lifelong learning opportunities offered during the summer, January Term (J-Term), and throughout the academic year, while supporting a portfolio of faculty-driven academic programs, lectures, conferences, workshops, symposia, and other public-facing educational initiatives.

This role combines faculty engagement, partnership building, operational leadership, assessment, and strategic planning, with responsibility for creating high-quality in-person, online, and hybrid learning experiences that strengthen HDS's educational impact and support institutional priorities. The Manager provides strategic oversight for educational initiatives while working closely with program and event support staff responsible for logistical execution and participant services.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Lead the development, implementation, and growth of HDS's Professional and Lifelong Learning (PLL) portfolio in partnership with faculty and academic leadership, including non-degree programs, workshops, certificates, and other educational offerings for professional and lifelong learners.
• Manage the planning, implementation, and evaluation of academic and professional learning programs offered during the summer, January Term, and throughout the academic year.
• Research educational trends, audience needs, and emerging opportunities to inform program development and future growth.
• Serve as a primary partner to faculty in the delivery of academic programming, including conferences, panels, guest speakers and other academic events, supporting innovative educational offerings and community engagement.
• Build and maintain relationships with alumni, University colleagues, professional organizations, community partners, and other stakeholders that support program growth and visibility.
• Manage the Non-Degree and Academic Programming Coordinator position.
• Collaborate with Communications, Development and External Relations, Finance, Information Technology and Media Services, Facilities and Operations, and other university partners and external vendors to support successful program delivery.
• Oversee program budgets, contracts, registration systems, administrative processes, and operational practices that support effective and sustainable programming.
• Evaluate program effectiveness through enrollment trends, participant feedback, learning outcomes, financial performance, and market analysis, and recommend improvements to support quality and sustainability.
• Provide strategic oversight for academic programs while coordinating operational support with staff responsible for logistics, registration, communications, and participant services.
• Contribute to the broader work and priorities of the Office of Academic Affairs and collaborate with colleagues on initiatives that support the School's academic mission.

Working Conditions:

• Occasional evening and weekend commitments associated with academic programs, conferences, and professional learning offerings
• Periods of increased activity during Summer and January Term programming cycles
• Regular presence on campus is expected, with the opportunity for hybrid work arrangements during less intensive periods, consistent with School and University policies
• Eligibility for Harvard's compressed summer work schedule, as applicable

Qualifications:

Basic Qualifications:

• Master's degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in academic programming, professional education, continuing education, academic administration, public programming, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex programs, initiatives, or educational offerings involving multiple stakeholders and competing priorities.
• Candidates wishing to be considered must supply a cover letter in addition to a resume.

Additional Qualifications:

• Experience developing, launching, or managing professional, continuing, executive, or lifelong learning programs strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to support new educational initiatives from concept through implementation and evaluation.
• Strong project management, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication abilities.
• Proven ability to build productive relationships with faculty, senior leaders, and external partners.
• Experience managing budgets and program operations.
• Knowledge of adult learning, professional development, and non-degree educational models.
• Experience in higher education, theological education, religious studies, public humanities, or other…