Director of Events

The Director of Events is responsible for the planning, execution and direction of all key events for Alumni Relations and Resource Development (ARRD) at Harvard Kennedy School (HKS). The Director oversees all logistics for events including developing program content, liaising with faculty, senior leadership, and donors, as well as alumni, managing event budgets, and providing direction to staff, vendors and event volunteers. The position works closely with colleagues within ARRD and across HKS on invitee development, event content creation, strategy for attendee stewardship, and event collateral production

This position leads the execution of engagement of faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends with donors of Harvard Kennedy School.

• Reports to the Managing Director of Strategic Engagement and Financial Management. This position also has two direct reports, the Assistant Director of Engagement, and the Engagement Coordinator.
• Drives the engagement team’s execution of events locally, nationally, and internationally. Leads events onsite, remotely, and supervises relationships with vendors, including negotiating vendor costs and contracts.
• onsults regularly with Individual Giving, HKS Fund, and Alumni Relations team members to develop event strategies, create new events, plan and execute a yearly engagement calendar, and provide meeting/event supervision.
• In partnership with the Managing Director of Strategic Engagement and Financial Management, leads the execution of engagement activities for key donor groups, including the Dean’s Council, the Dean’s Executive Committee, and future development committees. Identifies ad hoc opportunities for individual or group engagement. Coordinates closely with individual prospect managers.
• Directs the execution of event logistics for Reunion and other select alumni events hosted by ARRD. Works closely with the Director of Alumni Operations to ensure all event details are completed at the highest level with minimal oversight. This will include managing the event-related work of the Alumni Affairs Specialist, as well as training and delegation of assigned tasks.
• Supervises the planning and logistics for the annual Wiener Conference Call Series, providing critical stewardship of a key endowed fund that supports 4-8 annual calls featuring HKS faculty. This project is in the portfolio of the Assistant Director of Engagement.
• Supervises the planning and logistics for the Endowed Lecture Series, a set of endowed events that includes liaising with faculty partners and external speakers. This project is in the portfolio of the Engagement Coordinator.
• Oversees all event management and execution; this involves project timelines and budget preparation; supervising design and production of invitations and other printed materials; event logistics and program coordination; event tracking and post event reporting, analysis and debriefs.
• Supervises drafting of briefings for events by coordinator, provides event flow outlines for briefings, liaises with fundraising/program staff and communications to ensure talking points and event materials are prepared.
• Works closely with leadership in donor relations and communications to ensure messaging, content and activities are aligned with donor engagement goals.
• Provides day-of leadership for events, including directing donor volunteers, faculty, students, and staff for all ARRD events.
• Plans and schedules post-event debriefs with key stakeholders and formulates recommendations for future activities.

The above covers the most significant responsibilities of this position. It does not, however, exclude other duties, the inclusion of which would be in conformity with the level of the position.

• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 6 years of event/program management experience.
• Experience must include donor and alumni engagement activities or comparable complex events and working closely with high-level donors and volunteers.

• Knowledge of academic communities and interest in current public policy issues preferred.
• Must be able to work nights and weekends and travel as needed are required.
• Proven ability to lead and work across functional areas, dynamic teams, and contracted vendors, both domestic and international.
• Strong knowledge of MS office suite, experience with web and email technology, virtual event platforms experience using databases, ability to learn new technology quickly.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Key Competencies: Action oriented, dealing with ambiguity, discretion, creativity, interpersonal savvy, organizing, priority setting, drive for results, planning, perseverance, composure, informing, technical learning, peer relationships, problem solving, learning on the fly, comfort around higher management.

Primary work takes place in an office environment. Some tasks may require being on campus or in other off-site locations for a period of time and some lifting of boxes or light equipment is required. Sitting or standing for periods of time. Some repetitive motion.

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.