Associate Director of Programs, HBS Foundry in Boston, Massachusetts at Harvard University

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Why join Harvard Business School?

Harvard Business School (HBS), located on a 40-acre campus in Boston, was founded in 1908 as part of Harvard University. It is among the world's most trusted sources of management education and thought leadership. For more than a century, the School's faculty has combined a passion for teaching with rigorous research conducted alongside practitioners at world-leading organizations to educate leaders who make a difference in the world. Through a dynamic ecosystem of research, learning, and entrepreneurship that includes MBA, Doctoral, Executive Education, and Online programs, as well as numerous initiatives, centers, institutes, and labs, Harvard Business School fosters bold new ideas and collaborative learning networks that shape the future of business.

HBS Foundry is a fast-growing national brand for founders. It is AI-native platform for founders around the world providing access to Harvard Business Schools learning-by-doing programs, AI tools, and global network of mentors and investors. We are scaling rapidly, expanding our reach into new cities and communities, and building the most trusted place for early-stage founder development and venture activation.

Job Summary:

The Associate Director of Programs will oversee Foundrys marquee founder and venture development programs: Bootcamps, Venture Catalysts and Funding Competitions.

Reporting to Foundrys Director, the Associate Director of Programs will own Foundry programming for both business-to-business and business-to-consumer customers and lead a team of staff to design and execute the programming. The role works in close collaboration with internal functional teams, faculty advisors, faculty / expert speakers, mentors, and customers.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Program Ownership & Strategy

• Own the end-to-end strategy, calendar, and P&L for Foundry's three marquee programs: Bootcamps, Venture Catalysts, and Funding Competitions
• Set annual and quarterly goals for program reach, quality, and revenue across both business-to-business (university, government, and accelerator partners) and business-to-consumer (direct-to-founder) audiences
• Continuously evolve program curriculum and format based on founder outcomes, partner feedback, and competitive landscape

Program Design & Execution

• Design and oversee program execution for each cohort from planning through delivery, including curriculum sequencing, session logistics, and founder selection criteria
• Ensure consistent, high-quality delivery across audiences and cohorts as Foundry scales into new markets
• Build and maintain the operational playbooks, templates, and systems needed to run programs efficiently at increasing volume
• Manage program budgets, timelines, and vendor relationships

Team Leadership

• Manage and develop a team of program staff supporting day-to-day design and execution
• Set clear roles, workflows, and performance expectations across the program team
• Coach staff on founder engagement, facilitation, and program operations
• Deploy AI to streamline workflows and create efficiencies without replacing the personal touches needed for customer relationships.

Faculty, Speaker & Mentor Coordination

• Recruit, brief, and manage faculty advisors, faculty and expert speakers, and mentors participating in programs
• Serve as the primary point of contact for faculty and mentor logistics, scheduling, and content alignment with program goals
• Build a growing bench of mentors and speakers to support Foundry's expansion

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with internal functional teams (marketing, partnerships, technology/AI product, and operations) to align program delivery with broader Foundry strategy
• Work with the AI/product team to integrate Foundry's AI tools and platform into live program experiences
• Coordinate with the business development team on B2B customer requirements and customization needs

Customer & Partner Management

• Serve as a primary relationship owner for B2C paying customers enrolled in programs
• Gather and act on customer feedback to improve program satisfaction, retention, and referral
• Represent Foundry externally at partner and customer touchpoints, including program kickoffs and demo days

Performance & Reporting

• Define and track key program metrics (enrollment, completion, satisfaction, founder outcomes, revenue) and report results to Foundry's Director
• Use data to identify what's working, what to cut, and where to invest as programs scale
• Build trust and collaboration by being present on-site and engaging directly with colleagues and various constituents
• Perform other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in Business or a related field required
• 7+ years of program management and execution experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• Strategic thinker with very strong execution skills in fast-paced, growth-stage environments
• Excellent leadership, communication, and relationship-management skills
• Self-starter with an entrepreneurial mindset and collaborative approach; comfortable building and operating in ambiguity as the organization scales
• Comfort leveraging AI tools and emerging technologies to enhance program delivery and operations

• Appointment End Date: This position is approved for a (2)-year term (with possibility of renewal/extension) which begins on the person's first day of employment.
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 40 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education
• Other Information:
  • This is a hybrid position which we consider to be a combination of remote and onsite work at our Boston, MA based campus. HBS expects all staff to be onsite a minimum of 3 days per week and departments 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.

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Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the Universitys Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. 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 058. 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.