Director, Events

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.

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 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, Advancement Communications, Events & Donor Relations (ACEDR), University Development and Advancement Solutions (UDAS), the Harvard Alumni Association (HAA), and Office of Talent, Administration and Policy (OTAP).

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 of event professionals 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 will serve 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. This role is responsible for aligning event strategy and execution with institutional priorities, advancing innovative engagement opportunities, guiding internal and U‑wide cross‑functional planning teams, and ensuring operational excellence across all event activities.

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, ensuring consistency, quality, innovation, and impact across all events.
• 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 a variety of campus partners, including Campus Event Services (catering and facilities), spaces, HUPD, AV, transportation.
• Contribute to organizational strategic planning efforts and translate institutional goals into actionable event and engagement…