Director, Programs & Events
Harvard Cooperative Society
Established in 1882, The COOP is not only the oldest and largest university bookstore in the country. It is deeply rooted in the tradition and the fabric of the Harvard and MIT communities with a long history of supporting student groups and initiatives. The Coop, as a cooperative, is owned by its members, yet open to all. All members of the Harvard & MIT communities are eligible to join and enjoy a 10% member discount.
The COOP of the future will build on its storied history and will continue to evolve, enhancing the value we provide and reimagining what it means to be a member. The vision is dedicated to curating experiences that captivate and unite — a new model of modern retail and community engagement, leveraging innovative collaborations, products, and spaces, all designed to spark new ideas, forge meaningful connections, and strengthen our community.
Join the Harvard/MIT Coop Team in Shaping a New Future!
Be a part of a team that is not just thinking about the future, but actively shaping it. The Harvard/MIT Coop is looking to build a forward-thinking, dynamic, innovation-minded team to join in redefining the future of the organization. Here, you will have a unique opportunity to effect change and make a significant impact on the Harvard and MIT communities and beyond.
At the Harvard/MIT Coop, we are committed to fostering an inspiring environment that engages and enhances the experience of students, faculty, alumni, and those with affinity who visit from near and far. As we look to ensure future relevance, we aim to innovate and evolve, embrace new ideas and technologies, transform spaces and interactions, while preserving the best of rich traditions and values that have defined us for 150+ years. Together, we will create a Coop that is a center of innovation, engagement, and excellence, serving today’s and future generations of the Harvard and MIT communities.
After nearly 30 years of leading the COOP, Jerry Murphy, the current President and CEO, is retiring. Jodi Goldstein (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodi-goldstein-3529373/) will be taking over as CEO full-time effective September 2024.
Under Jodi’s leadership, a new executive team will be formed to reimagine the future of the COOP. Building on its storied history, the vision is to create a new model of modern retail and community engagement. This includes leveraging innovative collaborations, products, and spaces designed to spark new ideas, forge meaningful connections, and strengthen our community.
Position Details
Position Title: Director, Programs & Events
Location: Cambridge, MA
The Harvard Cooperative Society (The COOP) is seeking an experienced and strategic Director of Programs & Events to lead the design and execution of community-building initiatives that enhance member engagement and advance The COOP’s mission. This individual will be responsible for shaping the COOP’s programming vision, curating meaningful content, and overseeing the execution of events across campus, in-store, and online.
The ideal candidate will be a strong leader with excellent communication and organizational skills, a deep understanding of community dynamics, and experience developing and delivering programs that foster connection and brand relevance. Prior experience in academia, membership organizations, or cultural institutions is a plus.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Programs & Events Design
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Develop and lead an annual programs and events strategy aligned with COOP's goals and member interests.
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Oversee a diverse calendar of events including workshops, speaker series, community celebrations, and in-store activations.
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Ensure programs & events reflect the COOP’s values and connect with diverse student, alumni, faculty, and community audiences.
Leadership & Oversight
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Represent the Programs & Events function in leadership meetings and cross-functional planning efforts.
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Manage relationships with external execution partners—vendors, facilitators, speakers, and production teams—to ensure seamless, on-brand event delivery.
Member Engagement
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Ensure programs create meaningful, inclusive experiences that deepen member relationships and build community.
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Gather and evaluate feedback to improve impact, relevance, and participation.
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Support initiatives to engage key member segments, including students, alumni, and faculty.
Marketing & Communications
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Partner with the marketing team to develop promotional strategies for events.
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Contribute to content planning for COOP newsletters, digital platforms, and on-campus visibility.
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Ensure alignment of all messaging with brand voice and member engagement goals.
Budget & Reporting
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Build and manage the annual programs and events budget.
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Oversee all vendor relationships, contracts, and event-related expenses.
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Track ROI, report on performance metrics, and present recommendations for future programs.
Relationship Building
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Serve as a liaison between The COOP and the Harvard and MIT communities.
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Cultivate partnerships with university departments, student groups, alumni organizations, and local institutions.
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Negotiate with speakers, facilitators, and vendors to secure engaging, high-value experiences.
Qualifications:
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Bachelor’s degree in Event Management, Marketing, Public Programs, or related field (Master’s a plus).
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10+ years of experience in event strategy, program development, or community engagement.
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Proven ability to execute a vision and deliver high-quality, brand-aligned experiences.
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Strong interpersonal, communication, and project management skills.
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Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as needed.
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Familiarity with Harvard, MIT, or academic environments is a plus.
Benefits:
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Competitive salary and benefits package.
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Opportunities for professional development and growth.
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A collaborative and supportive work environment.
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The chance to make a meaningful impact within the Harvard and MIT communities.
Contact Us to learn more about this opportunity.
