Programs, Communications, & Engagement Manager

Programs, Communications, & Engagement Manager Full-time Work Format: Hybrid Harvard Job Function: General Administration Union: 00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary Salary Grade: 057 Department: Social Sciences - Economics FLSA Status: Exempt Company Description By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive. Why join the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences? The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) is the historic heart of Harvard University. It is the home of Harvard’s undergraduate program (Harvard College, founded in 1636) as well as all of Harvard’s Ph.D. programs (the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1872), Harvard Athletics and the Division of Continuing Education. The 40 academic departments and 30+ centers of the FAS support a community unparalleled in its academic excellence across the broadest range of liberal arts and sciences disciplines. Together, the FAS seeks to foster an environment of ambition, curiosity and shared commitment to knowledge and truth that elicits excellence from all members of our community and prepares the next generation of leaders through a transformative educational experience.

Job Summary: Reporting to the Director of Administration, our Programs, Communications and Engagement Manager (PCEM), is responsible for managing a portfolio of departmental programs, communications, events, and strategic initiatives that support the academic mission of the Department. The position serves as a key partner to departmental leadership in the planning, implementation, and continuous improvement of programs and services that engage faculty, students, alumni, donors, visitors, and external stakeholders. The PCEM provides leadership for departmental communications and outreach activities, oversees internal grant and funding programs, manages major events and academic programming, administers the Department’s predoctoral research program, and develops systems and processes that improve the effectiveness of departmental operations. The role works closely with faculty, students, staff, alumni, donors, and central University offices to ensure the successful execution of high-profile initiatives and the effective stewardship of departmental resources. The position exercises substantial independent judgment in managing multiple programs and projects simultaneously, developing administrative processes, integrates AI processes and workflows into daily tasks and program management, analyzing program outcomes, and advising departmental leadership on opportunities to strengthen engagement, communications, and program effectiveness. Job-Specific Responsibilities: Internal Grants & Funding Programs Manage internal grant and funding programs from application launch through award administration and reporting. Coordinate application submissions, faculty review committees, award notifications, and applicant communications regarding eligibility, requirements, deadlines, and funding opportunities. Prepare committee materials and maintain complete records of applications, recommendations, awards, and funding activity. Partner with department leadership, faculty awards committee, finance staff on award setup, fund distribution, and compliance with donor restrictions and University policies. Analyze funding trends and program outcomes; prepare reports for leadership and improve internal grant administration processes, workflows, and communications, optimizing as needed with AI workflows. Donor Stewardship & Reporting Partner with development staff and departmental leadership on donor stewardship and reporting. Gather and prepare information on funded projects, outcomes, and program impact for donor reports, briefings,