Network Engagement Specialist Job at HBS (Boston)

Job Description

The Network Engagement Specialist is a key operational and strategic contributor in cultivating and activating the Harvard Innovation Labs’ network of mentors, experts, operators, partners, and investors. This role helps build a vibrant, high-impact ecosystem that connects students and alumni with the guidance, expertise, and relationships they need to advance their ventures. The Specialist helps manage and improve the systems, processes, and stakeholder experience that make this ecosystem work—from recruiting and onboarding experts, to designing engagement pathways, to supporting seamless touchpoints between founders and the broader network. The role combines program management, relationship management, and data-informed operations.

Job Responsibility

Contribute to building, stewarding, and growing a diverse, high-quality volunteer network of mentors, experts, operators, and investors
Support the development and implementation of engagement frameworks that create clear pathways for involvement across different stakeholder groups and levels of experience
Represent the Harvard Innovation Labs to external partners in select contexts, helping cultivate relationships that create ongoing value for both the network and founders
Help ensure the network is aligned with founder and venture needs, program stages, and evolving strategic priorities
Support long-term strategic planning around ecosystem development and future network models
Operate with flexibility and adaptability as the i-lab’s programs and offerings evolve
Design and manage programs and experiences (both virtual and in-person) that connect founders with experts, ensuring clarity, accessibility, and high satisfaction on both sides
current offerings include a mentor program, expert office hours, and curating judges for various competitions and challenges
Create and refine systems for expert onboarding, expectations, communications, and ongoing engagement, including managing the onboarding experience to qualify experts
Use feedback and data to continuously improve processes, supporting scalability, quality, and consistency across all network-related touchpoints
Support signature engagement moments—events, orientations, match experiences, or curated interactions—that strengthen the ecosystem
Identify gaps in network capabilities relative to founder needs and surface recommendations to address them
Help oversee the tools and workflows used to manage the network (e.g., CRM, scheduling platforms, engagement tracking), including some partner programs such as perks and discounts. Partner with the internal technology team to define and execute system needs
Contribute to defining and monitoring key metrics such as participation, satisfaction, retention, and match success to evaluate network effectiveness
Partner with Technology and Operations to support accurate, reliable tracking of interactions and outcomes
Produce periodic reports and insights to inform strategic decision-making
Conduct regular reviews of network engagement systems, identifying opportunities to streamline operations and reduce friction
Work with Program Leads to integrate expert and mentor engagement into founder programming and stage-based pathways
Partner with Marketing to support clear, consistent communication to founders, prospective volunteers, and current experts
Contribute to organization-wide initiatives that enhance the overall founder and expert experience
Build trust and collaboration by being present on-site and engaging directly with colleagues and various constituents

Requirements

High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent is required
5+ years of experience in administrative support role(s) is required
Education beyond high school may count toward experience
Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook) experience is a must
5+ years of experience in program management, relationship management, partnerships, or operations—ideally within entrepreneurship, innovation, higher education, or venture environments. is preferred
Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills
Strong program design and stakeholder-management capabilities
Experience with volunteer management a plus
Ability to gather, interpret, and use data to improve systems and measure impact
Strong experience with CRM/scheduling tools (e.g., Salesforce, Airtable, Calendly-style platforms)
Comfortable operating in a fast-paced environment that values structure, adaptability, and experimentation
Demonstrated ability to collaborate across teams and balance short-term execution with longer-term thinking
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with comfort representing the i-lab to external stakeholders
Knowledge of the startup, innovation, or venture ecosystem is preferred

Nice to have

Experience with volunteer management a plus
Knowledge of the startup, innovation, or venture ecosystem is preferred

What we offer

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

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Network Engagement Specialist

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