Director, Data & Technology, Alumni Engagement and Development

Job Summary:
This position offers a unique opportunity to work across dynamic teams at Harvard Business School. The Sr. Director will drive technology and data strategy for AE&D, ensuring alignment with HBS and Harvard-wide technology while identifying where differentiated HBS capabilities create greater alumni value. You will unlock the value of alumni data using AI, machine learning, and advanced analytics to identify untapped alumni, surface engagement and philanthropic opportunities, and enable more personalized outreach. Ideal for someone who enjoys problem-solving, this cross-functional role is perfect for those passionate about helping others thrive in their positions while driving innovation and excellence at Harvard Business School.
As part of the Alumni Engagement and Development (AE&D) team, you will contribute to strengthening the lifelong relationship between alumni and the School by supporting meaningful engagement, learning opportunities, and philanthropic initiatives that advance the HBS mission. As a member of the broader AE&D, MBA, and Doctoral (AMD) programs team, you will consult with and align, as appropriate, data and technologies working closely with staff across teams.
Job-Specific Responsibilities:
Technology Strategy and Implementation
Drives AE&D’s digital business transformation, prioritizing technology investments and reshaping processes to be digitally native, scalable, and more effective
Champion the use of data, analytics, and AI to enhance decision-making, drive insight generation, and enable a more personalized and effective alumni experience
Identify and prioritize opportunities to leverage data and emerging capabilities, including AI/ML, across systems to improve operational efficiency, scale impact, and unlock new strategic value
Strengthen coordination and alignment between AE&D and HBS IT on strategic planning and delivery
Collaborate with IT leadership to align technology service delivery and strategies with goals
In partnership with HBS IT, use a strategic lens to optimize and implement effective and scalable tools, processes, and procedures across AE&D in support of School or University-wide technology goals
Effectively communicate decisions about future technology directions to senior leadership at the School
Provide strategic stewardship of alumni data, partnering across HBS and Harvard to strengthen governance while enabling trusted, responsible access and use. Serve as a consultant/partner across AMD.
Ensure that contracts for technology tools are properly sourced, executed, and tracked in collaboration with HBS IT
Oversee coverage of major incidents for AE&D and ensure effective response
Organizational Leadership
Identify opportunities for innovation and enhancement, leveraging emerging technologies to drive efficiency, effectiveness, and stakeholder engagement
Partner with and lead cross functional efforts for data and technology efforts across AMD, working closely with data stewards that are embedded in other groups across the department
Represent and advance AE&D technology needs across HBS and Harvard, influencing enterprise decisions and ensuring alumni priorities are considered in broader technology investments and direction
Lead the AE&D Business Intelligence and Alumni Records teams, including six FTEs and additional contractor support
Mentor managers and team members, offering various problem-solving tools to guide people, processes, and outcomes
Collaboration and Outreach
Ensure that AE&D is represented on various HBS or University HBS strategic committees and task forces
Maintain awareness of changing IT trends and regulations impacting student and alumni lifelong learning
Prioritize, review, and manage project AE&D’s technology pipeline and portfolio
Build trust and collaboration by being present on-site and engaging directly with colleagues and various constituents
Other duties as assigned.
Basic Qualifications:
Minimum of seven years’ post-secondary education or relevant work experience
Supervisory experience
At least 5 years in an IT leadership role and 10 years’ information technology experience
Additional Qualifications and Skills:
Experience in higher education, non-profit or technology sectors
Ability to work effectively at all levels of the organization and influence others to progress toward a common vision or goal
Experience with principles, practices, methods, and techniques applicable to long-range and strategic technology planning
Demonstrated experience leading successful implementations of IT systems or tools in a diverse and complex organization
Ability to communicate, negotiate and thrive in a complex, matrixed, organization and to manage human and organizational dynamics
Possess a demonstrated commitment to promoting diversity, inclusion, equity, and staff development; and the ability to establish good working relationships with faculty, staff, students, administrators, alumni, vendors, and other institutional constituencies

Employment type
Full-time

Work arrangement
Hybrid