Alumni Relations Assistant, External Relations
By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.
Why join Harvard Business School?
Harvard Business School, located on a 40-acre campus in Boston, was founded in 1908 as part of Harvard University. It is among the world's most trusted sources of management education and thought leadership. For more than a century, the School's faculty has combined a passion for teaching with rigorous research conducted alongside practitioners at world-leading organizations to educate leaders who make a difference in the world. Through a dynamic ecosystem of research, learning, and entrepreneurship that includes MBA, Doctoral, Executive Education, and Online programs, as well as numerous initiatives, centers, institutes, and labs, Harvard Business School fosters bold new ideas and collaborative learning networks that shape the future of business.
Job Description
Are you excited about joining a world class organization at the intersection of higher education and business? Do you excel at multi-tasking? Are you drawn to roles that require interaction with many colleagues across departments? If so, join us as we work to strengthen the lifelong relationship between alumni, our faculty and the School by delivering meaningful engagement and learning opportunities and by inspiring philanthropy that supports and extends the HBS mission of educating leaders who make a difference in the world.
In an ever-changing environment, this position serves as the primary point of contact for alumni customer service related to events, reunions, programs, and general alumni inquiries. Reporting to the Assistant Director of Operations and working closely with the broader Alumni Relations (AR) team, this individual manages a variety of complex administrative tasks and operates independently in a fast-paced setting with multiple and competing priorities.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Providing administrative support to ensure smooth operations within AR and across HBS departments
- Managing general inquiry email inboxes and phone lines for Alumni Relations and Career and Professional Development
- Preparing reports and materials, and drafting correspondence for alumni and internal partners across External Relations (ER) and HBS
- Scheduling meetings, drafting agendas, reserving space, and recording meeting minutes
- Ordering office supplies and handling other operational logistics
- This role is responsible for other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Basic Qualifications:
- High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent is required.
- 3+ years of experience in administrative support role(s) and/or related experience is required.
- Education beyond high school may count toward experience.
- Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook) experience is a must.
Additional Skills, Experience, and Credentials Needed for this Position:
- The successful candidate excels at multitasking, anticipates and proactively resolves problems, demonstrates sound judgment, and is highly organized, detail-oriented, flexible, and adaptable.
- This individual demonstrates strong initiative and accountability, communicates clearly and professionally, manages competing priorities, and meets deadlines. They are comfortable asking questions, take ownership of their work, and follow through on projects.
- The role requires a strong customer service orientation and frequent interaction with alumni, donors, and colleagues.
- The ideal candidate thrives in a team-oriented environment with a “no job is too big or too small” mindset and a hands-on approach.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Proven customer service, interpersonal and organizational skills.
- High level of attention to detail, ability to work independently, and work effectively with Interruptions to meet tight deadlines and respond quickly.
- Ability to establish and promote good working relationships with alumni, colleagues, and faculty.
- Able to manage confidential information appropriately with a high level of tact and discretion.
- Ability to learn new software and databases.
- Ideal candidates will have a desire to work as part of a team with an all-hands-on deck approach.
Additional Information
- Appointment End Date: This position is approved for as a term appointment with an end date of June 30, 2026.
- Standard Hours/Schedule: This is a 40 hours/week, overtime eligible position.
- 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.
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 053. 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, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, 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.