Program Specialist, Executive Education

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.

About Us

Harvard Business School Executive Education brings together senior executives from the world’s most influential organizations, preparing them to reach the next level for their organizations and for themselves. Working closely with HBS’s world-class faculty, we design and deliver programs for individuals and for organizations, welcoming over 12,000 participants annually from over 130 countries. Programs range from a few days to multiple weeks. Most programs are delivered on the HBS campus, where participants live, learn, and dine together in dedicated Executive Education residences and facilities. Our programming includes in-person, virtual, and blended (combining both in-person and virtual learning) options. The Executive Education department consists of open enrollment, global, and custom program portfolio management; guest services; marketing; corporate sales; program operations; technology services; human resources; enrollment and admissions; and finance.

Job Description

Job Summary

Reporting to the Program Manager, the Program Specialist provides primary program delivery support for the Owner/President Management (OPM) Program. The Program Specialist collaborates closely with the Program Manager and Program Coordinators to ensure seamless execution, serving as an integrator who connects people, information, and processes across roles. This includes synthesizing updates, maintaining program documentation, identifying and implementing process improvements, and providing hands-on support during intensive program periods. While OPM is the primary focus, the Program Specialist may also support other programs within the Comprehensive Leadership Program (CLP) portfolio based on organizational priorities and project needs. The role emphasizes program excellence, sustainability, and professional growth.

Job Description

• Build trust and collaboration by being present on-site and engaging directly with colleagues and various constituents.
• Provide targeted support across participant- and faculty-facing workflows as needed, particularly during high-intensity program periods.
• Review participant-facing communications (emails, announcements, logistical details) for accuracy and consistency before distribution.
• Review program websites for accuracy and clarity, ensuring content matches program design (faculty-lead coordinator retains ownership).
• Support coordination of complex logistics such as program exercises (e.g., simulations and negotiations) and offsite events.
• Host and facilitate online sessions, including managing breakout rooms, polls, and troubleshooting.
• Rotate coverage in the Program Office during extended program runs.
• Draft and prepare program grid schedules and planning documents, in coordination with the faculty-lead coordinator, for manager review.
• Create the program brief sheet in partnership with the Program Manager, synthesizing operational and programmatic details for distribution to Executive Education colleagues.
• Prepare briefing materials and agenda notes for meetings.
• Serve as program liaison with campus partners such as Operations, Guest Services, Executive Coaching, and HBS Online, helping to coordinate details and drive processes forward on behalf of the OPM team.
• Lead small-scale process improvement projects (e.g., piloting new workflows or tools).
• Oversee the creation, maintenance, and improvement of program notes, serving as the central hub for capturing lessons learned, adjustments for future iterations, and ongoing innovations.
• Document new operational workflows and program innovations piloted in OPM, creating clear reference guides for future cycles.
• Collaborate with the Learning Lab and other Program Delivery colleagues to share OPM-specific process learnings that may inform broader departmental practices.
• Contribute to best-practices documentation and playbooks to support team consistency and onboarding.
• Provide occasional delivery or planning support for other programs within the CLP portfolio, sharing expertise and ensuring alignment across programs.
• Contribute to departmental initiatives and delivery coverage as needed.
• This role is responsible for other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions: Ability to work extended overtime hours (including some evenings and weekends) is a must while programs are in session. This position may also include domestic or international travel depending on program needs.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent is required.
• 5+ years of experience in administrative support role(s) is required.
• Education beyond high school may count toward experience.
• Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook) experience is a must.

Additional Qualifications

• Previous experience in academic program delivery or related area.
• Demonstrated ability to administer complex, multi-part projects with strong attention to detail and follow-through.
• Skilled at synthesizing information and translating it into clear, actionable plans or documentation for diverse audiences.
• Proven track record of identifying, implementing, and documenting process improvements to enhance program efficiency and consistency.
• Demonstrated ability to navigate ambiguity and thrive in a dynamic environment; comfortable testing new approaches, adapting to evolving priorities, and helping shape emerging processes.
• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills; ability to collaborate across teams and work with faculty, staff, internal partners, and other stakeholders.
• Highly organized, proactive, and comfortable juggling evolving priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with standard project management and communication tools.
• Ability to exercise judgment in handling sensitive or high-visibility tasks.
• Interest in professional growth with a pathway toward future Program Manager opportunities.

Additional Information

• Standard Hours/Schedule: This is a 40 hours/week, overtime eligible position.
• Salary Range: $74,000 to $79,000 annually commensurate with experience.
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity
• Visa Sponsorship: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
• Other Information:
• This is a hybrid position which we consider to be a combination of onsite and remote work at our Boston, MA based campus. Please note that for the first 90 days of employment, you will be expected to be onsite 5 days/week. This role is required to be onsite for the entire duration of assigned programs when in-session. When not in session, Executive Education expects Program Delivery staff to be onsite a minimum of 2 days per week and departments to 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 055. 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.