Career Center

Harvard University seeks a leader with exceptional strategic, operational, and interpersonal skills to lead the Campus Services team as Vice President for Campus Services (VPCS). The Vice President is responsible for the leadership and executive direction of essential operational services to the University’s schools and departments in a highly decentralized management environment. 

Campus Services at Harvard serves as a part of the central administration with a goal to advance Harvard’s mission of teaching and research, by partnering to provide stewardship, strategies, and services that create exceptional community experiences.  The scope of responsibilities of the VPCS includes oversight of and accountability for a large array of operating service departments, including facilities services and property management, sustainability services, capital projects, residential and commercial real estate management, dining and hospitality, engineering and utilities, transportation and parking, global support services and international student/scholar services, and environmental health and safety. The overarching objective of these units is to ensure that essential services and critical infrastructure are organized appropriately and function with the highest possible effectiveness in support of the University’s academic mission.

Campus Services departments are primarily self-supporting, fee-based business operations, consisting of approximately 1,800 employees (70% of staff are represented by eight unions) and with annual revenues of $540 million and a capital budget of $930 million over the next five years. Operations in real estate, parking, and plants cover approximately 7.6 million square feet of campus and provide essential services to the Harvard community under market-based, competitive cost structures.

The VPCS is a member of the senior management team of the Executive Vice President and works closely and collaboratively with other senior leaders across the campus including deans, vice-presidents, and senior managers. Responsibilities include leading and participating in a variety of University and school initiatives and programs, serving on ad-hoc committees, and advising senior leadership on policy issues.  This role is dynamic, and the scope of responsibilities is broad and likely to evolve to meet the needs of the University.

The position requires proven executive and leadership skills necessary to manage both the immediacy of daily operations and a long-term strategic vision in support of the University’s mission of teaching and research. Well-qualified candidates will also possess:

• A demonstrated track record of effective leadership and collaboration with various constituents at all levels and ranges of expertise.
• A deep commitment to customer service and a track record of leading high-performance service delivery teams defined by a results-oriented culture of excellence and responsiveness.
• Demonstrated ability and commitment to cultivating a work environment that is equitable and inclusive of faculty, staff, and students from diverse cultural backgrounds and social identities.
• Effective written and presentation skills, proven financial acumen and negotiation skills, a creative bent and innovative approach to problem-solving,
• A minimum of 15 years of progressive growth in management and specific executive experience in one or more of the service areas within the scope of responsibilities of the position. Experience in an academic or other non-profit environment is preferred but not required.
• An academic degree in a related field is required, with an advanced degree in business management strongly preferred.

Harvard University has engaged Opus Partners to support the recruitment of this position. Katie Dean, Associate Partner, and Thomas Lapierre, Senior Associate, are leading the search. Confidential inquiries, applications, and nominations should be submitted by email to thomas.lapierre@opuspartners.net.

 A complete application will include a resume, cover letter, and diversity statement. The diversity statement should be a one-page document describing your experiences and commitments to implementing principles of Diversity, Inclusion, Equity, and Belonging through your professional roles. In your statement, please provide evidence of your experience with the following: Providing inclusive leadership for a diverse team; Advancing equity, inclusion, and belonging within an organization; Incorporating the voices of diverse constituencies into your decision-making process. In your answer, please be as specific as possible, providing relevant examples that might assist the committee in understanding the role you played in the process.

Harvard University is 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.