Lead Technical Project Manager

06-May-2024

University Administration

65813BR

Position Description

The Kempner Institute for the Study of Natural and Artificial Intelligence, a recently established research institute at Harvard University, is a dynamic and diverse community of students, scientists, and engineers dedicated to unraveling the basis of intelligence in both natural and artificial contexts. To support this growing community of scientists and students, the Kempner Institute is establishing one of the largest academic AI supercomputers in the world. 

We are hiring a Lead Technical Project Manager to enhance our engineering team at the Kempner Institute and advance our AI research and engineering capabilities. This position involves a comprehensive approach to managing engineering projects. Primary responsibilities include overseeing project development and execution, ensuring projects align with the institute’s technical and research objectives, managing resources, timelines, and stakeholder communication, and overseeing the institute's AI engineering internship program. The lead technical project manager should have deep experience in managing complex engineering projects to facilitate cutting-edge research.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate a passion for managing large-scale and cross-functional AI engineering projects and an enthusiasm to contribute to a collaborative and innovative environment. Harvard University encourages candidates with diverse backgrounds and fresh perspectives to join the Kempner Institute.

Lead development and implementation of complex engineering projects to solve problems that may have wide impact, requiring high levels of functional integration and involving multiple disciplines to be managed. May manage a number of projects simultaneously.

• Under the direction of project sponsor, provide support for assembling project teams, assigning individual responsibilities, identifying appropriate resources needed, and developing schedules to ensure timely completion of engineering projects.
• Serve as expert regarding scope and project objectives as well as the role and function of each team member for the reporting purposes and stakeholder communication. 
• Overseeing AI Engineering Internship program and helping with recruiting, project assignment, project management, communication facilitation with engineers and researchers, and reporting. 
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to leverage resources for successful project completion
• Make independent decisions within the confines established by project leaders
• Serve as primary contact with user groups and stakeholders as requested
• Help establish standardized systems for the evaluation, review and resource allocation for new projects.
• Provide project summary reports, including project milestones and metrics, to the senior leadership team. Identify and report on potential or actual roadblocks which may negatively impact timelines.
• Help to support project compliance with institute requirements including data and code sharing prior to project close out. Help to socialize and support the adoption and use of engineering best practices. 
• Actively identify opportunities for improvements to user support or experience, system enhancement, knowledge gaps, or opportunities for resource sharing to support continuous improvement.     
• Absorb and leverage project related technology to ensure effective project management and collaboration. 
• Advise project and Kempner Institute leadership regarding post project operations
• Provide training to project team members, staff, and others as required. 
• Apply Harvard University’s IT technical standards and best practices
• Abide by and follow the Harvard University IT Code of Conduct

Basic Qualifications

• Minimum of seven years’ post-secondary education or relevant work experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Expertise in managing complex engineering projects, especially in software/data engineering.
• Proficiency in various project management methodologies (e.g., Agile, Scrum).
• Proficient in project management tools for task tracking and team collaboration (Asana, Jira).
• Strong leadership skills with experience in team management and motivation.
• Experience in mentoring and managing engineering interns 
• Skilled in project reporting and the creation of comprehensive roadmaps and stakeholder reports.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Background in software engineering or related technical field.
• Prior experience as a software engineer or exposure to AI projects is a plus.
• Demonstrated team performance skills with a service mindset and clear communication abilities
• Proficient in Agile methodologies to enhance collaboration in engineering projects.
• Detail-oriented expertise, with solid project management skills to support projects.
• Quick learner, stays updated on new agile project management tools and technologies.

Certificates and Licenses

Completion of the Harvard IT Academy Project Management Foundations course (or external equivalent) preferred

PMP or other relevant certification and experience preferred, e.g., Scrum Master

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in an office setting

Additional Information

We are unable to provide visa sponsorships for these positions.

The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up to date on CDC-recommended vaccines.

Work Format Details

This is a hybrid position that is based in Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards ) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• 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.

Job Function

Information Technology

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Allston

Job Code

I0059P IT Project Manager V

Work Format

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

Sub-Unit

Interfaculty Initiatives

Department

Kempner Institute

Union

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Pre-Employment Screening

Education, Identity

Schedule

Full time. Monday through Friday. 35 hours per week. 

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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