Manager, Systems & Technology, Bloomberg Center for Cities

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The Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University serves a global community committed to improving public management, leadership, and governance. The Center’s cross-Harvard collaboration unites expertise focused on cities across disciplines and schools to produce research, train leaders, and develop resources for global use. The Center is designed to have practical impact on the future of cities, where more than half of the world’s people now live, by informing and inspiring local government leaders, scholars, students, and others who work to improve the lives of residents around the world.

The Bloomberg Center for Cities seeks to add a highly organized and dynamic Manager, Systems & Technology to oversee the suite of systems and tools that enable the success of our team and faculty. Reporting to the Director, Operations and Systems, this role will be responsible for ensuring the smooth and reliable operation of our internal systems, software, and technology services. The ideal candidate for this role brings a service mindset to support a variety of people, projects, and processes and enjoys working across disciplines and technologies. Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 

Systems Administration 

• Create and manage user accounts, permissions, and access controls optimizing configuration of software applications, identifying and implementing enhancements, either directly or in collaboration with appropriate university partners. 
• Employ IT policies and best practices that ensure the reliability, security, and efficiency of our tools and provide first-rate technical support to staff, leveraging HKS IT and online resources as needed.
• Maintain systems inventory and technical documentation, generate reports on performance/usage, ensure cost efficiency, and serve as the primary point of contact for application vendors.

Salesforce Support 

• In collaboration with the school’s CRM team, provide technical support, facilitate data imports, and make configuration updates.
• Perform systems “admin” level tasks for the center, such as creating list views, performing data clean up, managing reports and dashboards.
• Provide end-user training on universal tasks like logging activities, using report templates, and creating contacts.
• Support Salesforce development projects through all phases of requirement gathering to user acceptance testing, deployment, and adoption.

Asset Management

• Oversee IT Procurement, ensuring timely acquisition, distribution, and replacement of assets.
• Maintain accurate inventory for computers, phones, and IT accessories.
• Support users with booking systems, conference room media/technology setup, and loaner equipment, collaborating with HKS IT and Media Services to resolve issues efficiently.

Operational Support and Projects

• Support the center’s operational systems and workflows, including forms, ticketing system, SharePoint pages, file management, automation, etc. 
• Work with HKS IT to set up and manage distribution lists and shared mailboxes.
• Support IT projects across the center by informing requirements, reporting on progress, and collaborating with relevant stakeholders; provide recommendations on product, configuration, and design choices.
• Support the adoption of emerging technologies—especially AI-powered tools—that improve productivity, collaboration, and service delivery across teams. Support staff in integrating AI into project workflows.
• Collaborate with team members on ad-hoc projects to solve problems and achieve operational excellence.

Basic Qualifications:

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

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor’s Degree and 6 years of relevant experience as an IT support specialist, systems coordinator, database administrator, business systems analyst, or the equivalent. 
• Advanced knowledge of enterprise software (Microsoft Office Suite, Salesforce, Slack, Airtable, Dropbox) strongly preferred.
• Hands-on experience with Salesforce; Administrator and configuration skills are a plus.
• Demonstrated ability and enthusiasm for learning new technologies.
• Familiarity with IT support processes, ticketing systems, and project management methodologies and tools.
• Familiarity with AI-powered tools and emerging technologies; ability to evaluate their applicability, support responsible adoption, and assist colleagues in integrating them into day-to-day workflows.
• Ability to drive to big-picture goals while maintaining strong attention to detail.
• Enthusiastic team player, eager to collaborate on a wide range of projects and contribute to a growing, cross-functional finance and operations team.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and analytical.
• Skill in managing multiple diverse activities simultaneously, delivering on commitments, and operating with speed, accuracy, and strong judgment.
• Ability to communicate clearly and transform complex ideas into simple, logical statements.
• Demonstrated collaborative customer-service orientation with an ability to provide clear instruction and assistance to end-users.
• Understanding of computer hardware, audio/visual equipment, operating systems, and networking a plus.
• Excellent interpersonal skills that resonate with audiences of different backgrounds.
• A strong work ethic and resolute integrity.
• We are committed to building and fostering a diverse and inclusive team of staff, students, and faculty, and we seek candidates who share our commitment and values.

Certificates and Licenses:

• Completion of Harvard IT Academy specified foundational courses (or external equivalent) preferred

• Appointment End Date: This position is a fully benefits eligible term appointment through June 30, 2026, with the possibility of renewal.
• 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

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.