Assistant Director of Programs

Company Description

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.

Why join the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health?

The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health is a world-renowned institution dedicated to advancing public health through cutting-edge research, education, and global collaboration. Our school is a special place to work because of its vibrant, mission-driven community, interdisciplinary approach, and commitment to addressing some of the most pressing health challenges worldwide. We foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment where innovation, continuous learning, and work-life balance are valued.

Learn more about the School’s mission, objectives, and core values, our Principles of Citizenship, and about the Dean’s AAA vision about our school’s ongoing strategic initiatives.

Job Description

  The Center for Climate, Health and the Global Environment, Department of Environmental Health, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health (Harvard Chan C-CHANGE) is committed to tackling issues that are essential for building healthy, just, and sustainable communities. Through rigorous research, we evaluate and advance solutions that will enable the healthiest, most equitable path forward, especially for communities that are most vulnerable to climate change. Our work addresses climate impacts at every level: individuals; health care systems; communities and cities; and national and global policy.

Reporting to Tracy Sachs, Administrative Director, the Assistant Director of Programs is responsible for developing, managing, and executing strategic programs, partnerships, educational initiatives, and engagement activities that advance the Center’s mission, visibility, and impact. This role oversees a diverse portfolio that includes external partnerships, advisory board engagement, educational programming,  and events. Working closely with Center leadership and external stakeholders, the Assistant Director of Programs helps strengthen the Center’s profile and influence while creating opportunities for meaningful collaboration in advancing  climate health solutions.  

Job Summary:
Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Strategic Programs, Partnerships & Outreach

Provide leadership for the development, implementation, and growth of strategic programs and partnerships that advance the Center’s educational, research, and outreach goals.

Responsibilities include:

• Develop and manage strategic partnerships with academic institutions, nonprofits, government agencies, industry leaders, and community organizations
• Identify, cultivate, and steward collaborative opportunities that support the Center’s mission and strategic objectives
• Build and strengthen relationships across Harvard University and external partners to foster innovative collaborations
• Collaborate with faculty and researchers to identify opportunities for new programs and initiatives
• Develop proposals and support fundraising efforts related to programmatic and partnership activities
• Conduct stakeholder interviews and represent the Center in meetings, forums, and collaborative initiatives
• Support the creation of communications materials that highlight program impact and partnership success
• Monitor, evaluate, and report on program outcomes and partnership effectiveness

 Advisory Board Leadership & External Engagement

Provide strategic leadership and operational management for the Center’s External Advisory Board and stakeholder engagement activities.

Responsibilities include:

• Manage the Center’s Advisory Board engagement strategy including identifying and vetting prospects
• Coordinate board recruitment, onboarding, stewardship, and communications
• Organize and facilitate board meetings, including agenda development, materials preparation, and follow-up
• Partner with Center leadership to identify opportunities for board engagement and strategic input
• Foster strong relationships with board members and key external stakeholders
• Develop strategies that leverage advisory board expertise, networks, and influence to advance Center priorities
• Track board recommendations, engagement activities, and outcomes

Events, Educational Programs & Community Engagement

Lead the development and execution of educational programming, events, and public engagement initiatives that expand the Center’s reach and impact.

Responsibilities include:

• Develop annual programming and engagement plans aligned with Center priorities
• Identify, evaluate, and manage opportunities for conferences, workshops, summits, lectures, and other educational events
• Design program content and participant experiences that support learning and engagement objectives
• Recruit and coordinate speakers, faculty, researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and community leaders
• Oversee event logistics, registration systems, website content, promotional materials, and participant communications
• Collaborate with University departments, centers, student organizations, and external partners on shared programming opportunities
• Evaluate program effectiveness and use data to inform future planning and continuous improvement
• Perform other duties as assigned

PLEASE NOTE: This position has a term appointment of two years from date of hire with the possibility of extension.
 

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience is required.
• 5+ years of relevant experience is required.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Experience in program management, partnership development, or external relations within a nonprofit, academic, or public health/environmental organization
• Experience managing or supporting an advisory board or similar governance body
• Experience with proposal development and fundraising for programmatic or partnership initiatives are preferred
• Experience with standard computer software such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Independent judgment, patience, and excellent communication skills 
• Organization and attention to detail 
• Flexibility and work effectively with a team
• Maintain a calm and cooperative attitude during periods of increased activity

Additional Information

• Appointment End Date: Two years from date of hire, with possibility of extension
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Compensation Range/Rate (including Shift Differential if applicable):
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education
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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.