The Placement Exchange Job Board

Position Description

• Responsible for developing strategic operational plans to increase alumni engagement. Leads the design and execution of alumni virtual, in-person and hybrid events as well as the development of alumni committees. Manages the alumni and student engagement budgets.
• Is the primary contact for alumni. Identifies alumni to actively contribute to current student training, including serving as a professional development mentor, hosting a student intern, or presenting to current students in various student development training outlets.
• Creates the alumni communication strategy. Oversee the development and dissemination of content (print, social media and web) that will help engage alumni and meet the strategic goals of the division.
• Partners with alumni affairs, donor relations and other groups at the University to identify potential donors and develop donor engagement strategies. Prepares stewardship letters for exisiting donors.
• Serves as the expert in alumni relations within HMS graduate education by remaining up to date in best practices in the field. Serves as local representative for national conferences on alumni affairs. Maintains regular contact with the student professional development team; alumni affairs and development, and other relevant offices at HMS and Harvard University to coordinate efforts between offices.
• Analyzes and presents alumni outcomes data for program leadership. Provides data to present at conferences, on program websites, and in grant reports. Responsible for implementing new tools and business process improvements to meet the data reporting needs of the programs. Oversees the management of an alumni database to ensure compliance with NIH data reporting requirements and the Coalition for Next Generation Life Science.

Professional Development Training and Policy Development:

• Partners with the Director of Student Development and Training Evaluation to assess current student needs and develop career path programming. Works with alumni, student groups, industry leaders and key faculty members to create opportunities for networking, career exploration and internship experiences.
• Defines policies related to student internships and entrepreneurship. Works with the Director of Student Development and Training Evaluation to design evaluations for these experiences to ensure a robust experience for the current student and the alumni host.

Staff Management:

• Supervises the student affairs coordinator (including hiring, training, coaching and performance management). Oversees alumni relations, student group engagement, fellowships, and student defense advising.
• Leads special projects and events throughout the year.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience required.
• Minimum of 5 years relevant work experience in a higher education environment specifically with alumni, student programming and events, and/or communication.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Outstanding leadership ability with respect to both staff and students.
• Ability to work autonomously in addition to leading and supervising a small team.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Exceptional problem-solving skills and ability to be flexible.
• Excellent written and verbal communication. Outstanding attention to detail is required.

Additional Information

This position is based in Boston and some in-person on-campus work will be required, and flexible/remote work is an option. Any remote work must be performed in a state in which Harvard is registered to do business (CA*, CT, GA, IL, MA, MD, ME, NH, NJ, NY, RI, VA, VT, and WA). Individual flexible and remote work options for this role will be discussed during the interview process. *Note: Harvard employees working in California must be exempt.

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.

Please note that we are currently conducting a majority of interviews and onboarding remotely and virtually. We appreciate your understanding.

Harvard University offers an outstanding benefits package including:

• Time Off: 3 - 4 weeks paid vacation, paid holiday break, 12 paid sick days, 12.5 paid holidays, and 3 paid personal days per year.
• Medical/Dental/Vision: We offer a variety of excellent medical plans, dental & vision plans, all coverage begins as of your start date.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive tuition assistance program, incredibly affordable classes directly at the Harvard Extension School, and discounted options through participating Harvard grad schools.
• Transportation: Harvard offers a 50% discounted MBTA pass as well as additional options to assist employees in their daily commute.
• Wellness Options: Harvard offers programs and classes at little or no cost, including stress management, massages, nutrition, meditation, and complementary health services.
• Harvard access to athletic facilities, libraries, campus events, and many discounts throughout metro Boston.

The Harvard Medical School is not able to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

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Work Format

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)


Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging
We are committed to cultivating an inclusive workplace culture of faculty, staff, and students with diverse backgrounds, styles, abilities, and motivations. We appreciate and leverage the capabilities, insights, and ideas of all individuals. Harvard Medical School Mission and Community 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.

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