Senior IT Project & Program Manager

Position Description

Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) is looking for a dynamic, experienced Senior IT Project and Program Manager to join our Information Technology department (HKSIT). As part of the Project Management and Strategy team, the successful candidate will identify and deliver value-focused solutions that enable the school's Teaching & Learning and Research missions.

This position will plan, conduct, and supervise the completion of complex information technology projects in a unit or department, requiring high levels of functional integration and involving multiple disciplines to be managed. The Senior IT Project and Program Manager may manage several projects and/or programs simultaneously. They will support strategic portfolio management.

Duties and Responsibilities (included, but not limited to)

• Lead complex projects and initiatives ensuring alignment with the school's strategic priorities
• Support portfolio management efforts to optimize project selection, planning, delivery and monitor performance
• Responsible for assembling project team, assigning individual responsibilities, identifying appropriate resources needed, and developing schedules to ensure timely completion of project
• Responsible for project discovery
• Serve as expert regarding scope and project objectives, solution's value and technology, as well as the role and function of each team member
• Ensure work completion within schedule, budgetary and design constraints
• Make decisions about analysis, design and testing; solve complex technical problems; and, when necessary, provide alternative methods for achieving goals
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to leverage resources for successful project completion
• Make independent decisions within the confines established by sponsors/business owners
• Serve as primary contact with user groups and stakeholders
• Leverage steering and executive committees for decision-making, change management, and communications
• Absorb and leverage project related technology to ensure effective project management and collaboration
• Advise unit/school regarding post project operations
• Provide training to clients/staff
• Apply Harvard University's IT technical standards and best practices
• Abide by and follow the Harvard University IT Code of Conduct

Additional HKS job duties:

• Prepare and present business cases for new initiatives
• Ensure project proposals clearly articulate expected business benefits and plans are focused on benefits realization
• Perform gap analysis
• Document functional requirements and interpret requirements as needed for internal and external developers
• Assist with creating user test plans and executing user testing
• Serve as the bridge between business owners and technical teams and technology vendors
• Develop queries and reports to be used by project teams

Basic Qualifications

• Minimum of five years' post-secondary education or relevant work experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Experience leading multiple projects and portfolio management
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, advanced Excel skills
• Knowledge of information technology applications, processes, software and equipment
• Highly specialized knowledge of a specific technology
• Knowledge of advanced IT project management principles (e.g. Agile) and software
• Demonstrated cross-functional project management experience
• Demonstrated team performance skills, service mindset approach, and the ability to act as a trusted advisor
• Attitude that supports an Agile working environment

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in an office setting

Additional Information

We regret that the Harvard Kennedy School does not provide visa sponsorship.

Harvard University requires pre-employment reference and background checks.

Harvard University is committed to supporting a healthy, sustainable learning and working environment.

This is a hybrid position based on our campus in Cambridge, MA. As a campus-based institution, we place a high value on the in-person experience, cross-team collaboration, and strong community building in order to create a vibrant campus for our students, faculty, staff, and research fellows. The position is required to work in-person on campus a minimum of three days per week during the academic year. Specific days and schedule will be determined between you and your manager.

The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines.

Learn more about our work culture and see yourself at Harvard Kennedy School.

Salary Range: $87,700-$150,900

Note: Starting salaries typically fall in the lower half of the salary range; however, they are ultimately determined by the scope of the position, the candidate's relevant experience, and internal equity.

Work Format Details

This is a hybrid position that is based in Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website ( ) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.