Senior Program Manager, THN Center for Mindfulness
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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
Job Summary:
The Thich Nhat Hanh Center for Mindfulness in Public Health at the Harvard Chan School is housed in the Department of Nutrition and aims to:
1. Pursue evidence-based approaches to improving health and wellbeing through mindfulness by undertaking rigorous, scientific inquiry; and
2. Provide mindfulness education and training for the Harvard community and beyond.
By pursuing these dual tracks of academic research and public engagement, we aim to improve public health and inspire global action.
Job-Specific Responsibilities:
The Senior Program Manager (SPM) plays a vital role in supporting the Center’s mission, fostering a culture of collaboration, compassion, and innovation.
The Senior Program Manager plays a pivotal role in supporting the Faculty Director and advancing the Center’s mission. This position combines high-level operational management with opportunities to contribute to strategic planning and program development. Drawing on strong organizational skills and mindfulness expertise, the Senior Program Manager ensures the smooth execution of Center initiatives, fosters collaboration across stakeholders, and helps translate the Center’s vision into impactful programs and experiences.
Key Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
Operational Oversight & Strategic Support
- Manage the Center’s day-to-day operations, ensuring efficient coordination of programs, events, communications, and special projects.
- Partner with the Faculty Director to implement strategic priorities, offering insight and support to help shape new initiatives and long-term goals.
- Identify process improvements and recommend solutions to enhance operational effectiveness and program reach.
Program Coordination & Development
- Plan and execute major Center activities, including symposia, workshops, board meetings, and community engagement events.
- Incorporate mindfulness principles into programming, aligning initiatives with the Center’s mission and values.
Stakeholder Communication & Engagement
- Serve as the primary point of contact for inquiries from within the University and the broader community.
- Maintain relationships with the Board of Directors, faculty collaborators, donors, and external partners.
- Coordinate communications efforts, including newsletters, social media, website updates, and promotional materials.
Financial & Resource Management
- Develop and monitor the Center’s annual budget in partnership with the finance team.
- Prepare financial summaries and track expenditures to ensure responsible stewardship of resources.
Reporting & Impact Measurement
- Maintain accurate records and databases for members, participants, donors, and program stakeholders.
- Lead the preparation of the Center’s annual report and provide data to inform decision-making.
Special Projects & Research Support
- Assist with select research initiatives and special projects as needed, contributing mindfulness expertise where relevant.
Representation & Community Building
- Act as an ambassador for the Center, helping to cultivate an inclusive and mindful environment for faculty, students, and external stakeholders.
- Represent the Center at events and meetings as appropriate.
- Other duties as necessary.
PLEASE NOTE: This is part-time, benefits eligible position (with a roughly 21 hour work week). The position also has a term appointment of 2 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:
- Master's degree a plus
- Experience in administrative roles, preferably within higher education, nonprofit, or public health settings
- Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills
- Work well independently, exercise sound judgment, and adapt to changing priorities
- A demonstrated interest in mindfulness, wellness practices, and/or public health initiatives
- Experience with Microsoft Office
- Experience taking initiative, executing tasks with enthusiasm, and providing positive motivational energy to colleagues
- Experience working both independently and as part of a team, and multi-tasking and prioritizing work by importance, urgency, and impact
- Strong organization skills, attention to detail and accuracy, including careful record keeping, proofreading and copy editing of materials
- Strong interpersonal skills, including demonstrated experience building working relationships with colleagues
Additional Information
Join the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health to support our mission of health research and education, and to be a part of the oldest institution of higher learning in the country!
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- The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health does not provide visa sponsorship, now or in the future, for staff positions.
- Harvard University requires pre-employment reference checks and background screenings.
- This position has a 90 day orientation and review period.
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The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up to date on CDC-recommended vaccines.
- Appointment End Date: two year term from date of hire
- Standard Hours/Schedule: 21 hours per week
- Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
- Pre-Employment Screening: Identity:
Work Format Details
This is a position that is based at a Harvard campus location with some remote work options available. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). 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.