Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Timeline
Generic

David E. Nicholson

Program Director And Operations Specialist
Cambridge

Summary

Strategic program director with 15+ years orchestrating high-impact events and projects in academic and nonprofit sectors, including five award events in the past five years featuring collaborations with high-profile figures and budgets exceeding $200K, demonstrating expertise in delivering exceptional outcomes and forging strategic partnerships.

Overview

19
19
years of professional experience
2009
2009
years of post-secondary education

Work History

Program Director & Operations Specialist

Future of Life Institute
01.2020 - Current
  • Direct the prestigious Future of Life Award program—managing logistics of event planning, candidate nomination, and award ceremonies—while overseeing a budget exceeding $200K
  • Lead award events featuring collaborations with high-profile figures in science, academia, and government
  • Oversee comprehensive promotional initiatives for award events by managing video production, crafting press releases, and collaborating with external media partners
  • Implemented operational processes that reduced overall costs by 20% within one year
  • Manage all logistics of staff retreats, achieving a 30% improvement in staff satisfaction within six months while ensuring all sessions run smoothly

Teaching Assistant / Instructor

Harvard Division of Continuing Education
01.2006 - Current
  • Designed and delivered curriculum-integrated sessions that foster interactive and engaging learning environments
  • Managed course operations and logistics for hybrid and online formats to support seamless program delivery
  • Collaborated with faculty to integrate innovative instructional methodologies and emerging technologies

Learner Engagement Manager

Harvard University, John F. Kennedy School of Government
01.2020 - 01.2021
  • Developed and executed engagement strategies for online leadership program targeting mid-career professionals
  • Within 12 months, developed and implemented data-driven Salesforce solutions that resulted in a 25% reduction in support tickets
  • Designed and facilitated an online community to enhance learner engagement - analyzed learner feedback to drive continuous course improvements

Project Manager

Momenta Solutions
01.2015 - 01.2020
  • Led strategic projects focused on operational excellence, managing project timelines, budgets, and cross-functional teams
  • Implemented process improvements that delivered measurable cost savings and optimized project delivery
  • Conducted industry analysis to inform project design and enhance overall engagement strategies

Partner Manager

Archibus
08.2007 - 06.2015
  • Provided comprehensive relationship and project management services, ensuring seamless coordination between internal teams and external partners
  • Cultivated strategic partnerships and managed internal projects, contributing to overall client initiative success

Education

Master of Liberal Arts - Government

Harvard University Extension School
Cambridge, MA

Bachelor of Science - Marketing

Geneva College
Beaver Falls, PA

Skills

  • Event Coordination
  • Effective Strategic Leadership
  • Financial Management
  • Salesforce Proficiency
  • Proficient in Canvas LMS
  • Project Oversight

Timeline

Program Director & Operations Specialist

Future of Life Institute
01.2020 - Current

Learner Engagement Manager

Harvard University, John F. Kennedy School of Government
01.2020 - 01.2021

Project Manager

Momenta Solutions
01.2015 - 01.2020

Partner Manager

Archibus
08.2007 - 06.2015

Teaching Assistant / Instructor

Harvard Division of Continuing Education
01.2006 - Current

Bachelor of Science - Marketing

Geneva College

Master of Liberal Arts - Government

Harvard University Extension School
David E. NicholsonProgram Director And Operations Specialist