Reporting to the Director of Alumni Clubs & Associations, the Associate Director is a key member of the HBS External Relations (ER), MBA, and Doctoral (EMD) team. The role supports a global network of 100+ Alumni Clubs and Shared Interest Groups led by more than 800 volunteer leaders. The team partners with internal stakeholders and club leaders to provide guidance on club operations, volunteer management, event and program execution, and strategies to strengthen alumni engagement.
HBS’s regional, identity-based, and interest-driven clubs offer programs, networking, and connection opportunities to a global community of more than 93,000 alumni. Through its commitment to lifelong learning and engagement, the Alumni Relations team plays a central role in cultivating and stewarding alumni affinity and their ongoing connection to HBS.
Job-Specific Responsibilities:
This role is responsible for supporting the volunteer management, infrastructure guidance, and scalable programming for HBS Alumni Clubs & Associations with the goal of maximizing their engagement and cultivating a connection to the school:
- Partner with the Director of Clubs & Associations to execute the Clubs Team strategic plan that aligns with overall alumni engagement and EMD priorities. This includes strategic planning, content development, support, and execution to enhance the strategy for the global Clubs & Associations network.
- Collaborate with Director of Clubs & Associations on relationship management with club presidents and board chairs in the School’s top 40 markets. This includes consulting and advising on governance, succession planning, risk assessment, and volunteer management, using qualitative and quantitative data to drive analysis, recommendations, and decisions.
- Strategize and operationalize new ways to improve club governance, operations and management, with a focus simplifying processes for clubs, in collaboration with the Director.
- Work with team to support existing technology platform; assess future technology landscape for Clubs & Associations operations in collaboration with the Director.
- Execute individual portfolio of high-level engagement opportunities for enhanced alumni connections and overall ER goals through strong internal partnerships with Development, Donor Relations, Alumni Marketing & Communications, Global Initiatives, HBS Initiatives, MBA, Career & Professional Development, HBS Marketing & Communications, Dean’s Office, and the Harvard Alumni Association in support of External Relations’ goals.
- Develop and oversee engagement metrics and data to measure ROI of the Clubs Team portfolio, as well as the global clubs network, in collaboration with the Clubs & Associations Manager.
- Develop and oversee internal and external communications in collaboration with Alumni, Marketing & Communications (AM&C) and the Clubs Team.
- Manage senior leadership relationships regarding activities related to the Clubs & Associations, for the Dean, Senior Associate Dean, Executive Director, and others with Director oversight; build and maintain relationships with senior colleagues at the Harvard Alumni Association and with peer business schools.
- Manage the Assistant Director. May supervise additional staff, students, and/or interns as assigned for specific events, programs, or projects and collaborate with the Director to distribute team workload and responsibilities.
- Build trust and collaboration by being present on-site and engaging directly with colleagues and various constituents.
- This role is responsible for other duties as assigned
Working Conditions:
- Limited travel required; some night and weekend work required.
Basic Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree required
- Minimum of 7+ years of experience in community engagement, program development, marketing or comparable experience is required, preferably with some volunteer management collaborating with multiple stakeholders.
- Outstanding interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to effectively present information to varied audiences and engage high-powered alumni and faculty with confidence & tact.
- Exceptional project management and organizational skills and the ability to meet deadlines and adhere to strict schedules on multiple projects.
- Proven ability to manage multiple constituencies and initiatives simultaneously with a keen attention to detail, while keeping larger goals and objectives in mind.
- Ability to set priorities and manage diverse business activities while under deadline, pressure, and in sensitive situations.
Additional Qualifications and Skills:
- Ability to represent HBS and the University professionally both internally and externally.
- Demonstrated success in building and cultivating relationships with high powered c-suite level constituents, diplomacy in working with diverse populations.
- Must possess sound judgment, be resourceful, and demonstrate the ability to identify, analyze and solve problems. Adept at engagement strategy, marketing, volunteer management, content development, and collaboration across internal teams.
- Must be detail-oriented and efficient. Must be motivated to learn and flexible to change. Ability to work independently, get projects done by enlisting the cooperation of others and take ownership of work.
- Standard Hours/Schedule: 40 hours per week
- Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
- Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education
- Other Information:
- This is a hybrid position which we consider to be a combination of remote and onsite work at our Boston, MA based campus. HBS expects all staff to be onsite a minimum of 3 days per week and departments provide onsite coverage Monday – Friday. Specific hours and days onsite will be determined by business needs and are subject to change with appropriate advanced notice.
- We may conduct candidate interviews virtually (phone and/or via Zoom) and/or in-person for this role.
- A cover letter is required to be considered for this opportunity.
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 058. 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.
