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Why join the Harvard Kennedy School?

The John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University is one 12 graduate and professional schools at the university. Harvard Kennedy School’s mission is to improve public policy and leadership so people can live in societies that are more safe, free, just, and sustainably prosperous. By combining cutting-edge research, the teaching of outstanding students, and direct interaction with practitioners, we have an impact on solving public problems that no other institution can match. When you work at Harvard Kennedy School, you make a difference.

Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) is looking for a dynamic, experienced Senior IT Project and Program Manager to join our Information Technology department (HKSIT).  As part of the Project Management and Strategy team, the successful candidate will identify and deliver value-focused solutions that enable the school’s Teaching & Learning and Research missions.
 

This position will plan, conduct, and supervise the completion of complex information technology projects in a unit or department, requiring high levels of functional integration and involving multiple disciplines to be managed. The Senior IT Project and Program Manager may manage several projects and/or programs simultaneously. They will support strategic portfolio management.
 

Duties and Responsibilities (included, but not limited to)

• Lead complex projects and initiatives ensuring alignment with the school’s strategic priorities
• Support portfolio management efforts to optimize project selection, planning, delivery and monitor performance
• Responsible for assembling project team, assigning individual responsibilities, identifying appropriate resources needed, and developing schedules to ensure timely completion of project
• Responsible for project discovery 
• Serve as expert regarding scope and project objectives, solution’s value and technology, as well as the role and function of each team member 
• Ensure work completion within schedule, budgetary and design constraints 
• Make decisions about analysis, design and testing; solve complex technical problems; and, when necessary, provide alternative methods for achieving goals 
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to leverage resources for successful project completion 
• Make independent decisions within the confines established by sponsors/business owners 
• Serve as primary contact with user groups and stakeholders 
• Leverage steering and executive committees for decision-making, change management, and communications 
• Absorb and leverage project related technology to ensure effective project management and collaboration 
• Advise unit/school regarding post project operations 
• Provide training to clients/staff 
• Apply Harvard University’s IT technical standards and best practices 
• Abide by and follow the Harvard University IT Code of Conduct

Additional HKS job duties:

• Prepare and present business cases for new initiatives
• Ensure project proposals clearly articulate expected business benefits and plans are focused on benefits realization
• Perform gap analysis
• Document functional requirements and interpret requirements as needed for internal and external developers
• Assist with creating user test plans and executing user testing
• Serve as the bridge between business owners and technical teams and technology vendors
• Develop queries and reports to be used by project teams

Working Conditions:

• Work is performed in an office setting

Basic Qualifications:

• Minimum of five years’ post-secondary education or relevant work experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Experience leading multiple projects and portfolio management
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, advanced Excel skills
• Knowledge of information technology applications, processes, software and equipment
• Highly specialized knowledge of a specific technology
• Knowledge of advanced IT project management principles (e.g. Agile) and software
• Demonstrated cross-functional project management experience
• Demonstrated team performance skills, service mindset approach, and the ability to act as a trusted advisor
• Attitude that supports an Agile working environment

Certificates and Licenses:

• Completion of Harvard IT Academy Project Management Foundations course (or external equivalent) preferred
• PMP or other relevant certifications (e.g., Scrum Master) and experience strongly preferred. The successful candidate will have PMP certification or attain PMP status within 12 months 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: Education,Identity

Learn more about our work culture and see yourself at Harvard Kennedy School.
 

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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 058. 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, sex, ethnicity, color, national origin, 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. 

About Harvard University

Harvard University is devoted to excellence in teaching, learning, and research, and to developing leaders in many disciplines who make a difference globally. The University, which is based in Cambridge and Boston, Massachusetts, has an enrollment of over 20,000 degree candidates, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Harvard has more than 360,000 alumni around the world. The University has twelve degree-granting Schools in addition to the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, offering a truly global education. Established in 1636, Harvard is the oldest institution of higher education in the United States.

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