Senior Director of Corporate Alliances, Digital Data Design Institute

The Senior Director of Corporate Alliances is a senior leadership role responsible for setting the strategic vision, operating model, and growth trajectory of corporate and institutional partnerships for the Digital Data Design Institute (D³) at Harvard Business School.

This role works closely with the Chair of the Institute, Karim Lakhani, and owns the design and execution of D³’s corporate engagement strategy, including alliance models, research partnerships, executive programs, sponsored initiatives, and global convenings.  The Senior Director will develop and manage the alliances budget with full P&L responsibility for target revenue and risk mitigation of corporate relationships across all types of engagements (teaching and learning, research, and more).  The leader will oversee related marketing, communications, media, and events tied to corporate engagement, ensuring alignment with corporate strategies and brand management from the HBS Deans Office and HBS Marketing and Communications leadership teams.

Corporate Alliances at D³ are focused on building deep, multi-year relationships with the C-suite of leading global organizations (many Fortune 500 companies) to accelerate research, learning, and real-world impact at the intersection of AI, data, and business transformation.

This is a senior leadership position reporting to the Launch Director of D³, with close coordination with the Chair of the Institute and HBS senior leadership.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

The Senior Director of Corporate Alliances is responsible for defining and executing the overall strategy, business models, and organizational structure for corporate engagement at D³.

• Strategic Leadership
  • Set the long-term vision and operating model for corporate alliances in alignment with D³’s research and educational mission.
  • Design scalable partnership and revenue models that support sponsored research, learning programs, and convenings.
• Corporate Engagement & Growth
  • Establish and execute the corporate engagement and recruitment strategy across industries and geographies.
  • Develop deep, trusted relationships with senior executives, understanding partners’ strategic priorities and aligning them with D³ research and capabilities.
  • Identify, cultivate, and secure new corporate partners across all alliance programs.
• External Representation & Thought Leadership
  • Serve as D³’s principal liaison with corporate and institutional partners.
  • Represent D³ and HBS in meetings with senior executives, visiting delegations, and external stakeholders.
  • Speak at external events and partner forums on D³’s work and engagement opportunities.
• Program & Portfolio Development
  • Create new partnership models and programs in collaboration with D³ faculty, researchers, students, and affiliated start-ups.
  • Serve as main accountable party for major corporate initiatives.
  • Oversee executive boards and governance structures for alliance-based initiatives.
  • Plan and promote executive lecture series, workshops, and convenings tied to alliance programs.
• Marketing, Communications & Events
  • Establish the marketing and communications strategy for Corporate Alliances.
  • Oversee development of fundraising materials, partner communications, events, and promotional content in partnership with HBS External Relations.
  • Ensure consistent, high-quality representation of D³ across all external touchpoints.
• Budget & Operations
  • Develop and manage the annual operating budget, revenue projections, and financial performance of Corporate Alliances.
  • Monitor performance across programs and allocate resources to optimize impact and sustainability.
  • Oversee operational execution across alliance activities, including events, content, and partner engagement.
• Team Leadership
  • Lead and manage across a highly matrixed organization including research, learning, communications, events, data management, and program operations.
  • Determine staffing needs in coordination with D³ leadership and oversee hiring and performance management.
• Governance & Advisory Engagement
  • Maintain strong relationships with D³ advisory board members related to corporate engagement.
  • Prepare and present reports on alliance activities, performance, and strategy to D³ leadership and advisory bodies.
  • Contribute as a member of D³’s senior leadership team.
• 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.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in corporate partnerships, business development, strategic alliances, or related roles.
• Demonstrated ability to engage and negotiate with senior corporate executives.
• Strong strategic thinking, program development, and operational leadership skills.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally approximately 10–20%, including occasional evenings and weekends.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Ability to understand, synthesize, and communicate complex technical and research-driven concepts to non-technical audiences.
• Exceptional interpersonal, leadership, and relationship-management skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and operate effectively in a fast-paced, matrixed environment.
• Advanced degree strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with Harvard University or peer academic research institutions.
• Experience working at the intersection of academia, industry, and executive education.
• Background in technology, AI, data, or innovation-driven organizations.

• 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 060. 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.