Portfolio Director, Custom Programs, Executive Education

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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 Summary

The Portfolio Director, Custom Programs will oversee the delivery of Executive Education (ExEd) programming, which may include design, development, logistics management, program analysis and project management. The Portfolio Director in Custom Programs is responsible for making budget decisions regarding programs, engaging in contract negotiations with hotels and other vendors, and authorizing spending related to their portfolio of custom programs.

Job Description

• Build trust and collaboration by being present on-site and engaging directly with colleagues and various constituents.
• Responsible for developing and managing the delivery of customized executive education engagements for corporate clients.
• Provides overall management of the client relationship with Harvard Business School (HBS), including business development, proposal development and negotiation, program planning and evaluation, and partnership with program teams for program delivery and evaluation.
• Will balance faculty development priorities, client program objectives, and commercial terms in a sustainable manner.
• Custom Programs scope is not geographically bounded, and the role requires program development and delivery activities to be conducted on campus and off, including venues worldwide.
• Will enhance/support relationships between faculty, researchers, and clients involved in the creation of intellectual capital of HBS.
• Works with faculty and staff across HBS to strategically ensure integration and coordination of sales calls and participates in presentations/negotiations to senior executives regarding corporate educational needs ranging from Custom to Open Enrollment to blended learning.
• Collaborates with the Custom Programs Business Development Team in developing new business opportunities, including proposal and client development activities.
• Supports development of long-term, multifaceted relationships between custom clients and HBS/Harvard University (e.g., spanning ExEd, HBS Online, Harvard Business Publishing Corporate Learning, External Relations, and MBA Career Services)
• This role is responsible for other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 8 years’ relevant work experience required
• In addition to the 8 years of experience listed above, an additional 2+ years of experience in higher education, executive education, corporate talent and leadership development, or professional service firm is required.
   

Additional Qualifications

• High EQ, intellectual curiosity, and drive
• Analytical skills, and ability to enjoy and thrive in a highly collaborative and often ambiguous environment
• Superior written, verbal, and non-verbal communication skills
• Excellent project management skills.
  • Preferred: familiarity with digital learning platforms, pedagogy and design, and generative AI tools and platforms

Standard Hours/Schedule: 40 hours per week

Compensation Range/Rate: $135,000 - $145,000 annually commensurate with experience

Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position

Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Criminal

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. This role is required to be onsite for the entire duration of their assigned programs when in-session. When not in session, Executive Education expects Portfolio 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 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 059. 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.