Senior Program Advisor Jobs in Massachusetts (NOW HIRING)

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.

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.

The National Preparedness Leadership Initiative at Harvard University is a leading and internationally recognized program on crisis leadership. Established shortly after 9/11 at the request of the federal government, the program conducts research on crisis leadership, provides continuing education seminars devoted to crisis leadership, and advises leaders in times of crisis. NPLI faculty published one of the field's primary texts, “You’re It: Crisis, Change, and How to Lead When It Matters Most.” Given the tension between the federal administration and the university, the NPLI has shifted its focus from engagement with federal government agencies toward work with corporate, humanitarian, state, and local governments.

The NPLI Senior Program Manager is responsible for the Program's business functions. The individual in this position works independently, performing a wide range of complex and confidential administrative and clerical duties to support NPLI activities. The NPLI Senior Program Manager communicates with and engages a wide range of internal contacts across Harvard University, as well as external contacts involved in individual projects, collaborates with faculty members to develop project objectives, drafts a contract, and plans all logistical aspects of an engagement. This individual anticipates and resolves problems; updates the NPLI Director and NPLI lead faculty on the status of projects and project deliverables; and oversees internal contacts to coordinate project activities and meet deadlines.

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

• Coordinates and has direct responsibility for the administrative and logistical communications and activities with individuals inside and outside the NPLI who are involved in projects, to include ensuring all project deliverables and timelines are communicated and executed
• Provides regular communication to the NPLI Director and NPLI faculty about projects, administrative matters, and any other factors involved with the work of the NPLI.
• Participates with the NPLI Director and faculty members in planning, strategizing, and developing NPLI programs, new initiatives, and projects, including fundraising activities.
• Organizes and implements administrative systems and procedures, performing necessary support duties to internal and external stakeholders involved in the project.
• Serves as the principal source of information on established projects and advises internal contacts. Gathers all necessary industry information, research, summarizes findings, and provides updates and reports to internal contacts on the project.
• Drafts, edits, and prepares correspondence, reports, and other material using word processing, spreadsheets, and/or databases.
• Prepares, maintains, and reviews complex documents, reports, etc., to ensure project efforts and deliverables comply with university requirements and/or government regulations, and notifies supervisor of unusual situations.
• Provides for the smooth day‑to‑day flow of communications with internal and external contacts related to the project.
• May arrange for the use of facilities and advise on the availability of services within and outside the University for conferences and seminars.
• Assists in preparation of reporting to include writing, editing, and reviewing documents necessary to meet project deliverables; may provide policy interpretation on project parameters.
• May act as the liaison with related programs or projects of other universities or with government agencies, keeping the supervisor informed of relevant information.

The Senior Program Manager will perform other duties as assigned.

This position has a term appointment of 6 months from date of hire with the possibility of extension.

This is a primarily remote position, however, scheduling flexibility may be required to come into the office for various meetings and events.

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience is required.
• 5+ years of relevant experience is required.

• Master's degree preferred.
• Collaboration with continuing education faculty, participants, and sponsoring organizations.
• Project management, adult continuing education course development, administration, and implementation.
• Attention to detail, communication skills with academic leaders and program participants.

• Appointment End Date: 6 months from date of hire.
• 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.
• Harvard University requires pre-employment reference checks and background screenings.
• This position has a 90day orientation and review period.

Some duties can be effectively performed at a non‑Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department based on operational needs. Employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

This position is salary grade level 057. See Harvard's Salary Ranges for the corresponding salary range and related information.

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work‑life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. 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

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.