Director Digital Initiative Harvard University Boston

Job Description: • 2-minute read •
Harvard Business School (HBS) is now accepting applicants for the role of Director, Digital Initiative, Harvard Business School. The Digital Initiative (D/I) studies the digital transformation of the economy, and seeks to shape it by equipping leaders and engaging our community with cutting-edge research. D/I also serves as an internal catalyst and facilitator for HBS’s own digitally-inspired and empowered experimentation.

Working with the core D/I faculty, the Director helps develop, refine and implement strategies and tactics designed to leverage D/I’s intellectual capital, its network, and its executional capabilities. The Director helps to develop communities of practice by linking faculty and practitioners with shared interests, serving as an ambassador for the Initiative and HBS, and interfacing with a wide constituency including HBS faculty, staff, students, and alumni; Harvard faculty and programs; leaders in business, government, and the nonprofit sector; academics; and other interested parties. The director must be able to effectively represent HBS in discussions with academics, entrepreneurs, senior business leaders, and thought leaders in the digital space.

Responsibilities include:

• Work closely with D/I faculty co-chairs and leadership team to drive and regularly assess D/I’s strategy and advance its progress to goals. Provide managerial and intellectual leadership to guide this process.
• Develop and nurture a deep working knowledge of the research and most current thinking relating to digital transformation, including the work of HBS faculty and others in the field.
• Serve as a subject matter expert and key contact on the work of the Initiative for internal and external constituents, including faculty, administration, and the media. Play a leadership role in developing relationships to optimize the impact of the Initiative’s work within HBS, at Harvard University, and externally.
• Participate in the design of and support faculty-led efforts to enhance research, course development, teaching activities, seminars, and conferences, including the identification of case research sites, field-based project opportunities, and partners. Work with faculty to design and execute targeted practitioner engagements aligned with D/I priorities.
• Oversee the exploration of new platforms by experimenting with innovative technologies and media while understanding core audience needs and institutional strategies in order to pursue integrated approaches toward engaging and growing key networks, advancing shared research agendas, and exploring new opportunities for impact.
• Develop and oversee a communications strategy to enhance D/I’s external presence among thought leaders and key influencers through the dissemination of D/I research output and information about related activities, including managing the content, use, and maintenance of D/I’s website, social media, and other digital communications.
• Work closely with select MBA student activities including coordination with MBA admissions and career and professional development and interact with student club leaders to leverage existing opportunities, advance field-based engagements, and raise awareness.
• Identify and link common interests across constituents.
• Oversee the internal operations of the Initiative including budget, staffing, technology infrastructure, and resource management. Provide managerial oversight and leadership of the D/I administrative team.
• Provide staff leadership for the D/I faculty steering committee.
Basic Qualifications The ideal candidate will have a passion for and demonstrated knowledge of the digital transformation of the economy and society, in addition to significant management experience. S/he will have a proven record of accomplishment within a complex environment, with excellent leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills. Facility in building consensus, “managing up,” and driving process amidst competing priorities. Familiarity with the management and operation of academic programs within a research environment is a plus. S/he will possess self-motivation, creativity and comfort in building collaborative relationships throughout the organization as well as within the digital community. Ability to work independently while establishing strong team relationships. Proven ability to successfully manage multiple projects, experience managing and motivating staff, and proven skills in budget management are essential. Strong verbal and written skills required. MBA or other advanced degree strongly preferred.

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