Business Development & Partnerships Coordinator
ID: 001346SR
JOB FUNCTION: General Administration
LOCATION: Boston
WORK FORMAT: Hybrid
JOB TYPE: Full-time
BRAND: Harvard Business School
Company Description
About Harvard Business School (HBS) Foundry:
HBS Foundry is a new innovative digital learning platform designed to empower entrepreneurs globally by providing access to world-class resources, tools, and knowledge. Our mission is to democratize entrepreneurship education, enabling individuals from diverse backgrounds to launch and scale impactful ventures. Through adaptive learning pathways, AI tools, and a supportive community, HBS Foundry equips entrepreneurs with the skills they need to succeed.
Why Join HBS Foundry?
- Impactful Work: Play a pivotal role in shaping the future of global entrepreneurship education. Your contributions will directly empower entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds to launch and scale impactful ventures, driving real-world change.
- Innovative Environment: Be part of a forward-thinking team working with cutting-edge technologies such as AI and interactive simulations to design transformative learning experiences that push the boundaries of digital education.
- Professional Growth: Engage in continuous learning, with opportunities for professional development and career advancement in a mission-driven organization committed to innovation and excellence.
- Collaborative Culture: Thrive in a supportive, inclusive team environment where your ideas and creativity are valued and essential in driving our shared vision forward.
Job Description
We are seeking a resourceful and globally minded Business Development & Partnerships Manager to lead and manage strategic partnerships for HBS Foundry. Reporting to the Senior Director, this role will focus on partnership outreach, coordination, and relationship management. The ideal candidate will possess a strategic view of business development, a strong ability to navigate U.S.-based and global environments, identify potential partners, and lead relationships that align with HBS Foundry’s mission to empower entrepreneurs worldwide. This role is pivotal in expanding HBS Foundry’s global network and ensuring long-term, valuable collaborations.
Job-Specific Responsibilities:
- Partnership Coordination: Support the execution of partnership strategies by coordinating outreach efforts, managing communications, and tracking follow-ups with potential and existing partners to ensure timely and professional engagement.
- Partnership Outreach Support: Conduct research to help identify potential partners in diverse markets and assist in outreach via email, phone, and other communication channels.
- Partner Relationship Support: Maintain regular communication with current partners, schedule and prepare for meetings, and help ensure the successful and timely delivery of partnership commitments and materials.
- Event and Affiliate Partnerships: Manage logistics and coordination for partner-related events, sponsorships, and affiliate collaborations as part of HBS Foundry’s broader business development efforts. Ensure strong follow-through on planning, communications, and execution in alignment with partnership goals.
- Tracking & Reporting: Monitor partnership activity and engagement, maintain organized records, and assist in preparing reports and summaries for internal stakeholders to evaluate partnership effectiveness.
- Market Research Support: Conduct desktop research and gather information on potential partners, markets, and relevant organizations. Help compile and organize findings to support the business development team’s outreach and partnership planning.
- Cross-Functional Support: Collaborate closely with internal teams (content, product, marketing) to ensure seamless integration of partnership initiatives into the platform’s offerings and promotional strategies.
Time Allocation Breakdown:
- Partnership Coordination & Outreach – 40%: Support outreach and communication with potential and current partners, including scheduling, follow-ups, and basic documentation.
- Partnership Maintenance & Communication – 30%: Assist in managing ongoing relationships, supporting partner engagement, and ensuring the delivery of partnership benefits in line with strategic objectives.
- Tracking, Reporting, & Analysis – 20%: Monitor partnership activities and track key performance metrics. Assist in preparing detailed reports for internal stakeholders to evaluate the effectiveness of partnerships.
- Market Research & Support – 10%: Conduct basic research and provide administrative support to identify and document partnership opportunities, particularly in emerging markets.
This role is responsible for other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Basic Qualifications:
- High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent is required.
- 5+ years of experience in business development, partnerships, or a similar role is required.
- Education beyond high school may count toward experience.
- Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook) experience is a must.
- Proficiency in CRM tools (e.g., Airtable, Salesforce, HubSpot) for managing partner relationships and tracking activities)
Additional Qualifications and Skills:
- Experience within the education, entrepreneurship, or technology sectors is preferred
- Experience supporting or managing global partnerships is highly desirable.
- Communication & Organizational Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with strong organizational abilities to manage multiple relationships, projects, and deadlines effectively.
- Collaboration & Teamwork: Proven ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams, including marketing, product, and content teams, and coordinate tasks in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
- Problem-Solving & Adaptability: Strong problem-solving skills with a proactive and adaptable approach to overcoming challenges and seizing new opportunities in partnership development.
Additional Information
- Appointment End Date: This position is approved as a term appointment with an end date of 06/30/26. There is a possibility of renewal/extension.
- Standard Hours/Schedule: 40 hours per week, overtime eligible
- Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
- Pre-Employment Screening: Identity
- 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.
Culture of Inclusion: The work and well-being of HBS is profoundly strengthened by the diversity of our network and our differences in background, culture, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, and life experiences. Explore more about HBS work culture here https://www.hbs.edu/employment
Work Format Details
This is a position that is based at a Harvard campus location with some remote work options available. 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.
Salary Grade and Ranges
This position is salary grade level 055. 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, sex, ethnicity, color, national origin, 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.
Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.
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