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Public Programs Manager Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

Represents the Foundation both in private and public meetings. General portfolio management Works with Executive Director to develop and implement a strategy and programs for the Foundation ...

Represents the Foundation both in private and public meetings. General portfolio management Works with Executive Director to develop and implement a strategy and programs for the Foundation ...

Marketing Programs Manager Status: Exempt Position: Reports to: Vice President, Marketing Our ... Manage PR agency in execution of targeted PR campaigns and initiatives * Partner with stakeholders ...

... program management - to develop and execute comprehensive marketing campaigns. * Support senior PR ... leads in identifying growth opportunities within existing accounts and assisting in new business ...

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Public Programs Manager information

See Boston, MA salary details

$11.8K

$52K

$64.8K

How much do public programs manager jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for public programs manager in Boston, MA is $52,040.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,820.00 and $61,553.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Public Programs Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Public Programs Manager, you need expertise in program development, event planning, and community engagement, often supported by a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as public administration, education, or arts management. Familiarity with project management tools, CRM systems, and event management software is typically required. Outstanding communication, organizational, and leadership skills help you effectively collaborate with stakeholders and manage diverse teams. These competencies are vital for delivering impactful public programs that meet organizational goals and serve community needs.

What are some common challenges faced by Public Programs Managers when planning community events?

Public Programs Managers often encounter challenges such as balancing diverse community interests, managing tight budgets, and ensuring logistical details run smoothly. They must coordinate with multiple stakeholders—including vendors, local officials, and partner organizations—to deliver engaging and accessible programs. Flexibility and strong problem-solving skills are crucial, as unforeseen issues like weather changes or last-minute cancellations may arise. Successful managers proactively communicate with their teams and adapt plans to meet both organizational goals and community needs.

What are Public Programs Managers?

Public Programs Managers are professionals responsible for designing, implementing, and overseeing educational or community-focused events and initiatives, often within museums, cultural organizations, nonprofits, or government agencies. They coordinate public outreach activities, manage budgets, and collaborate with various stakeholders to ensure programs meet organizational goals and serve the community effectively. Their work involves strategic planning, team leadership, and evaluating program success to enhance audience engagement.

What is the difference between Public Programs Manager vs Community Outreach Coordinator?

AspectPublic Programs ManagerCommunity Outreach Coordinator
CredentialsBachelor's degree in public administration, communications, or related field; experience in program managementBachelor's degree; experience in community engagement or outreach
Work EnvironmentOffice-based with fieldwork for community eventsPrimarily community-facing, organizing events and outreach activities
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, non-profits, educational institutionsNon-profits, government, social service organizations
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in public program managementComparing community engagement roles

The Public Programs Manager oversees the planning and execution of public initiatives, often managing teams and budgets. The Community Outreach Coordinator focuses on engaging with communities directly, organizing events, and building relationships. While both roles involve community interaction, the manager has broader program oversight, whereas the coordinator emphasizes grassroots engagement.

What are the most commonly searched types of Public Programs jobs in Boston, MA? The most popular types of Public Programs jobs in Boston, MA are:
What are popular job titles related to Public Programs Manager jobs in Boston, MA? For Public Programs Manager jobs in Boston, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Public Programs Manager jobs in Boston, MA look for? The top searched job categories for Public Programs Manager jobs in Boston, MA are:
Infographic showing various Public Programs Manager job openings in Boston, MA as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, 36% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,040 per year, or $25 per hour.
Programs Manager

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Harvard University rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

128th of 528 rated colleges and universities


Job description

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 Harvard Medical School?

Harvard Medical School's mission is to nurture a diverse, inclusive community dedicated to alleviating suffering and improving health and well-being for all through excellence in teaching and learning, discovery and scholarship, and service and leadership.

You'll be at the heart of biomedical discovery, education, and innovation, working alongside world-renowned faculty and a community dedicated to improving human health. This is more than a job - it's an opportunity to shape the future of medicine.

About the Armenise-Harvard Foundation:

Established in 1996, through a gift from Count Giovanni Auletta Armenise, the Armenise-Harvard Foundation was the result of his desire to "establish multidisciplinary, basic science research that will support leading scientists at Harvard Medical School and at foremost institutions in Italy, in the pursuit of knowledge and scientific discovery for the benefit of humankind..." Through individual and institutional grants, fellowship programs, symposia and scientific meetings, the Foundation promotes collaboration and scientific discovery in Italy and the U.S. Further information: www.armeniseharvard.org. 

Job Description

The Programs Manager ("PM") reports to the Executive Director of the Foundation and oversees initiatives in Italy and at Harvard Medical School, including our largest individual grant (Career Development Award), with an annual spend of between USD 1.4-1.6M, and involving the recipients of the award (approx. 35 as of 2024, plus one or two new grantees every year) and their host institutions. In doing so, the PM executes a central part of our mission, with oversight for administration, operations, and key contributions to communications, outreach and creating partnerships. The CDA program involves a growing group of PIs, and the PM maintains connection with them, as well as additional program recipients, regularly reviewing labs and their host institutes. In addition, they serve as primary contact between the Boston office and our Italian Public Relations office, as well as our website manager in Italy. This individual seeks fundraising to support current programs and new initiatives. Represents the Foundation both in private and public meetings.

General portfolio management

Works with Executive Director to develop and implement a strategy and programs for the Foundation's sustainability and growth with a focus on Italian programs: (a) Fundraising to finance new Foundation initiative (b) Generation of new leads and establishes priorities for new programs and partnerships (c) Strategic planning to identify areas of need and solutions within basic science research (d) Goal setting and metrics to evaluate the programs impact (e) Strategic planning to increase public awareness of the Foundation's work (f) Contribution to public relations and media initiatives

Program Portfolio Management

1. Independently runs, administers and manages the Calls for all programs including: (a) call for application preparation, communication, and posting (b) potential candidates' inquiries resolution (c) collection of applications' documents (d) eligibility and completion verification for each application (e) collation and distributions to reviewers (f) collection and elaboration of reviewers' evaluation (g) organization of interviews of selected candidates (including logistics and meeting management) (h) preparation of feedback letters and all other relevant communications with interested parties (i) coordinates review committees (including Italian Scientific Advisory Committee, GAHF Airalzh Mid-Career Award, INF-ACT Foundation Mid-Career Award, Summer Fellowship) and the identification of new members (j) sends requests for annual and final reports form the sponsored scientists

2. Independently manages relationships with sponsored scientists and host institutes: (a) primary contact for Italian institutes involved in Foundation programs (b) provide administrative support for Foundation grantees in Italy (c) organizes, executes and reports on annual lab visits to current and post awardees

Strategic Partnership and Outreach

1. Independently monitors and implement communication tools and strategy: (a) Supervises preparation of quarterly newsletter (b) Key designer of Foundation symposia and meetings (c) Represents the Foundation at occasional scientific and public affairs meetings (d) Ensures Foundation's website is up-to-date and maintained properly (e) Reports on programs to the Foundations Scientific Advisory Board and Board of Trustees (f) Provide translation of written communications, as needed (g) Works closely with the Public Relationship Office

2. Independently implement existing partnership and identifies new ones: (a) Identify and develop new contacts re: faculty support, inter-agency involvement (b) Prepares presentations for outreach 

Staff Oversight

(a) Supervises the staff of the Public Relations Office, negotiates their renewal contract, ensures their work is complete and timely (b) Supervises the Website Manager, negotiates their renewal contract, ensures their work is complete and timely 
Working Conditions:

Working remotely, frequent travel in Italy required. Few travels to the USA possible.

As part of your application, we recommend including a cover letter that will help us better understand your qualifications and background. This can provide valuable insight into your experience and interest in the role.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience required.
  • Minimum of 5 years' experience.


Additional Qualifications and Skills:

  • Master's degree (or equivalent). 
  • PhD in STEM preferred. 
  • Verbal and written fluency in both Italian and English. 
  • Regular travel across Italy is required.  
  • Strong passion to support scientific research. 
  • Excellent organizational and communication skills; strong work ethic; good team player; strong diplomatic skills; mature; professional attitude; data oriented, able to work independently; personable; comfortable working with the scientific community.
  • Knowledge and understanding of the Italian research and academic system preferred.
  • Fluency in Italian.
Additional Information
  • 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
  • Staying Informed About Your Application: Due to the high volume of applications, we may not always be able to reach out right away, but you can track your status anytime through the Careers@Harvard portal.

#LI-WG1

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that the duties and responsibilities can effectively be performed fully remotely at a non-Harvard location. Employees in fully remote positions must work all scheduled hours in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University's Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. At the discretion of the department, fully remote employees may occasionally be required on site at a Harvard location. 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.