Manager, Special Projects careers in Harvard University Cambridge, MA

This Jobsfunter Listing is about Harvard University in Cambridge, MA 2022

About the job

Summary

Job-Specific Responsibilities

A unique opportunity to play a valuable role in the transformation of digital education, the Manager, Special Projects will interact directly with the Vice Provost for Advances in Learning (Vice Provost) in a visible, hands-on role engaging with university-wide initiatives and strategy at the highest level. This role not only affords the successful candidate chance for impact, but it also presents opportunities for growth and learning along the way.

Reporting to the Managing Director (MD) for VPAL, the work of the Manager for Special Projects (Manager) is guided by the MD and the Vice Provost on a wide range of projects and initiatives in strategy and communications. The Manager conducts research, analyzes information, prepares reports and other materials, and assists with projects. They compile and prepare high-quality presentations, take comprehensive notes, and effectively summarize key information to facilitate the Vice Provost’s organizational initiatives. This includes, but not limited to, compiling and drafting sophisticated slide decks, reports, meeting materials, talking points, participants’ advance readings, background research, and proposals. They organize and/or liaise with University offices, working groups, committees, and communities of practice to represent the VPAL organization and to direct or implement key projects of varying size and scope that involve teaching and learning across Harvard.

The Manager prepares documentation in a concise, professional, and accessible style and ensures timely and accurate delivery of information and materials to the Vice Provost. They apply project management methodology to organize and monitor a portfolio of strategic and operational projects across the department and university and track emerging trends and practices in educational technology beyond Harvard.

Duties

• Manage strategic and operational projects, ensuring effective development, implementation, risk/benefit analysis, and completion. Manage resources assigned to projects to ensure effective execution and success, in collaboration with other team members
• Provide timely follow-up, including tracking items for their completion
• Take meeting minutes and synthesize into notes and follow-up actions for the Vice Provost and meeting attendees
• Review materials and highlight key information for the Vice Provost and leadership team
• Collaborate with the VPAL Administrative Coordinator to ensure timely distribution of materials to appropriate stakeholders
• Facilitate organization’s flow of communications to internal and external audiences
• Draft reports, memos, talking points, and other correspondence and communications on behalf of the Vice Provost that mimic his voice and style
• Draft external communications on behalf of the organization, including website, reports, and other materials
• Conduct market research and prepare benchmark analysis on the ed technology market, online education efforts across peer institutions, and other related disciplines and industry areas
• Prepare materials for business and financial analysis with the finance team
• Staff high-level task forces and committees convened by the Vice Provost and coordinate deliverables on behalf of VPAL and Office of the President and Provost
• Coordinate University-wide committees involved in teaching and learning activities, including non-degree programs and other ad hoc groups; facilitate sharing of best practices and coordinate decision making as needed
• Research, compile and analyze data for ongoing effective decision making in collaboration with the MD
• Create well-designed presentations on organizational initiatives and objectives for internal and external stakeholders
• Proactively suggest and present solutions and process improvements on projects, strategies, and initiatives
• Liaise with the University Development Office on donor reports and materials in support of fundraising, meetings, and other events
• Perform other relevant duties as needed

Basic Qualifications

Candidates MUST meet the following basic qualifications in order to be considered for this role:

• Bachelor’s degree plus 7 years of relevant experience.

Additional Qualifications And Skills

• Master’s Degree preferred
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills are required, including the ability to write clearly and concisely in a consistent voice. Superlative command of grammar, diction, and syntax
• Experience conducting data analysis, business model analysis, and writing reports
• Strong computer skills including Microsoft Office suite, Adobe, and Google Workspace
• Advanced experience with PowerPoint preferred
• Experience with Adobe InDesign or other page layouts/design software
• Ability to synthesize high-level information from various sources to highlight cohesive ideas
• Familiarity with organizational strategy and educational technology
• Familiarity with project management techniques and tools such as Asana, Smartsheets, etc.
• Ability to interact with colleagues throughout the University, including senior leadership, and beyond in a productive and professional manner
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple, competing priorities effectively
• Prior experience handling confidential matters with appropriate discretion
• Flexible and able to manage multiple requests in a fast-paced work environment
• Awareness of the higher education landscape – specifically, current issues, trends, and challenges – is a plus

Additional Information

About the Office of the Vice Provost for Advances in Learning (VPAL)

The mission of the Office of the Vice Provost for Advances in Learning (VPAL) is to create and catalyze engaging and scalable learning experiences that make a difference at Harvard and beyond. VPAL is committed to convening and nurturing a diverse community dedicated to promoting inclusive excellence and leadership in teaching and learning. We celebrate, welcome, and honor all backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values. We strive to ensure that all feel included in our mission, our work, and our learning inside and outside our organization. We affirm that inclusivity and belonging are the foundations of excellence.

Additional Information

IMPORTANT NOTE: A cover letter is requested for this role. Your cover letter and resume should be submitted as a combined SINGLE DOCUMENT under the resume tab.

VPAL is not able to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

PLEASE NOTE: As per Harvard University regulations, all remote work must be performed in a state where Harvard is registered to do business (CA, CT, MA, MD, ME, NH, NY, RI, VT). Individual flexible and remote work options for this role will be discussed during the interview process.

We continue to monitor the evolving COVID-19 and the lifting of restrictions. We appreciate your understanding and flexibility with our interview process.

The University requires all Harvard community members to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and remain up to date with COVID-19 vaccine boosters, as detailed in Harvard’s Vaccine & Booster Requirements . Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. More information regarding the University’s COVID vaccination requirement, exemptions, and verification of vaccination status may be found at the University’s “COVID-19 Vaccine Information” webpage: http://www.harvard.edu/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-information/ .

Harvard University Offers An Outstanding Benefits Package Including

• A creative, high-energy, collaborative environment
• Generous Vacation, Sick, Personal, and Holiday pay
• Medical, Dental and Vision benefits starting on your first day
• University-funded retirement plans
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Transportation benefits to help with your daily commute
• Health and wellness discounts, memberships, and programs

Additional benefits can be found at https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards

Job Function

General Administration

Location

USA – MA – Cambridge

Job Code

360058 Admin Offcr/SrIndiv Contrib

Sub-Unit

Interfaculty Initiatives

Department

VPAL

Time Status

Full-time

Salary Grade

058

Union

00 – Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Pre-Employment Screening

Education, Identity

Schedule

Full time. Monday through Friday. 35 hours per week.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Company: Harvard University

Vacancy Type: Full-time · Associate 

Job Location: Cambridge, MA

Application Deadline: N/A

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