Senior Project Manager

March 25, 2026002586SR

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 Harvard University Central Administration?

Harvard University's Central Administration (CADM) is a 5,000\+ employee organization that supports the university's overall excellence by understanding and serving the needs of its schools, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and surrounding communities. Through dynamic and collaborative partnerships, CADM provides high-quality and efficient services to the schools to help them achieve their goals.

Job Description

The Central Administration (CADM) Project Management Office (PMO) supports the planning and delivery of complex initiatives across the University’s multiple Schools and Units. The Senior Project Manager (PM) is a key member of the CADM PMO and reports to the Assistant Director. The PM manages a portfolio of cross-functional projects based primarily in Financial Administration (FAD) — a Unit within CADM—and plays an important role in supporting decision-making, change adoption, and continuous improvement efforts across the University.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• Partner with FAD and other University leaders to implement complex, cross-functional projects with broad organizational impact
• Manage end-to-end project planning and execution, including timelines, deliverables, business requirements, risks, decisions, and outcomes
• Manage cross-functional project teams in a complex, decentralized environment, using influence, credibility, and structured problem-solving to drive progress and decisions without direct authority
• Facilitate and drive discussion and decision-making among a wide variety of stakeholder groups by preparing relevant content, analysis, and recommendations
• Collaborate with stakeholders across multiple functional areas to ensure alignment, coordination, and readiness while proactively addressing barriers and driving accountability for project commitments
• Develop and execute change management activities for assigned projects, including communications, training materials, and stakeholder engagement strategies to support the adoption of new processes and ways of working
• Engage with steering and executive committees for decision-making, change management, and communications; develop and deliver executive-level updates
• Build and maintain strong, collaborative working relationships with colleagues across the University’s Schools and Units, demonstrating a service-oriented and consultative mindset
• Contribute to PMO best practices, standards, and tools by identifying opportunities for improving project delivery, workflows, and stakeholder engagement
• Handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and professionalism

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications in order to be considered for this role.

• BA/BS in related field required.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in a related field; advanced education may count towards years of experience.
• Demonstrated cross-functional project management experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

The following are strongly preferred. If you meet some, but not all, you are still encouraged to apply; we value employees with a willingness to learn

• Project management experience in a higher education or similarly complex, decentralized environment
• Experience supporting process improvement or organizational change initiatives
• Ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities in evolving, ambiguous environments
• Agile, flexible, and iterative working mindset
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), project management software, and collaboration tools
• Demonstrated ability to act as a trusted advisor and influence senior stakeholders without direct authority
• Strong analytical and communication skills, including the ability to tailor messaging to different audiences
• Strong team-based, service-oriented approach
• Demonstrated skill in fostering strong, collaborative relationships
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment
• PMP or other relevant certification, e.g., Scrum Master

Additional Information

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Harvard University requires pre-employment reference and background screenings (Identity and Education)
• Other Information: This position has a 3-month orientation and review period.

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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 University’s 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.