Director, Events

Job Description

The Director of Events is a senior leadership role responsible for setting the strategic vision, operational direction, and service model for the AA&D Events department. This position leads a high‑performing team in a large, complex, and fast‑paced organization while overseeing a portfolio of high‑profile and institutionally significant events that require extensive coordination across AA&D, university partners, and external vendors. The Director serves as a strategic partner to senior leaders across the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS), Harvard Alumni Association (HAA), University Development and Advancement Services (UDAS), and the Office of the Vice President for AA&D.

Responsibilities include aligning event strategy with institutional priorities, advancing innovative engagement opportunities, guiding cross‑functional planning teams, and ensuring operational excellence. Success in this role requires exceptional leadership, organizational management, strategic planning, relationship management, financial and operational oversight, customer service, and the ability to lead through change while fostering a collaborative and inclusive team culture.

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight for the AA&D Events department, including long‑term planning, organizational effectiveness, and team development.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of event professionals by establishing clear goals, performance expectations, and opportunities for professional growth and advancement.
• Partner with the Executive Director and internal units to develop and implement a comprehensive event strategy aligned with AA&D and university priorities.
• Serve as a senior advisor and thought partner to institutional leadership regarding engagement strategy, event planning, and constituent experience.
• Foster strong partnerships across AA&D to ensure cross‑unit collaboration, planning alignment, and effective resource management.
• Oversee and strengthen AA&D’s partnerships with campus partners, including Campus Event Services, spaces, HUPD, AV, and transportation.
• Contribute to organizational strategic planning efforts and translate institutional goals into actionable event and engagement strategies.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators and metrics to evaluate event effectiveness, constituent engagement, operational efficiency, and return on investment.
• Lead the integration of emerging technologies and innovative approaches for in‑person, virtual, and hybrid events.
• Oversee departmental operations, including workflow management, staffing models, budgeting, vendor relationships, and service delivery standards.
• Ensure operational excellence through the effective use of AA&D systems and technologies, including Workfront, Harvard CRM (Advance), and other event management platforms.
• Develop scalable processes, policies, and best practices that support high‑quality event execution and sustainable departmental growth.
• Provide consultation and guidance on event strategy and best practices to colleagues across the University as requested.
• Lead departmental communication efforts and facilitate regular team and stakeholder meetings to support transparency, collaboration, and alignment.
• Uphold AA&D’s core values of respect, integrity, trust, inclusion, collaboration, and open communication while fostering a culture that values diverse perspectives and ideas.
• Perform other duties as required consistent with the level and scope of the position.

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in event planning, engagement strategy, or related fields, including at least 5 years of leadership and staff management experience in a complex organization.
• Ability to carry up to 50 pounds.
• Travel, evening, and weekend work required.
• Will be expected to work certain events and campus activities, such as reunions each spring, and participate in department retreats on campus in Cambridge, MA.

• Strong leadership and organizational management skills with experience building and leading high‑performing teams.
• Ex…