Manager of Academic and Non-Degree Programming

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Why join Harvard Divinity School?

Harvard Divinity School (HDS) is a nonsectarian school of religious and theological studies that educates students both in the pursuit of the academic study of religion and in preparation for leadership in religious, governmental, and a wide range of service organizations. HDS provides an intellectual home where scholars and professionals from around the globe research and teach the varieties of religion, in service of a just world at peace across religious and cultural divides.

Position Summary

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 

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 mission-driven organizations highly desirable. 
• Experience supervising staff, student workers, or program teams. 
• Ability to work independently while thriving in a collaborative environment. 
• Sound judgment, flexibility, and a commitment to excellent service.
• *IMPORTANT NOTE: Your cover letter and resume should be combined into a SINGLE DOCUMENT under the resume tab. Cover letters are required for every position at Harvard Divinity School. We regret that the Harvard Divinity School does not provide Visa sponsorship*

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 057. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• Generous paid time off including parental leave 
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one 
• Retirement plans with university contributions 
• Wellbeing and mental health resources 
• Support for families and caregivers 
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement 
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.