Faculty and Research Assistant
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Why join the Harvard Kennedy School?
The John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University is one of 12 graduate and professional schools at the university. Harvard Kennedy School’s mission is to improve public policy and leadership so people can live in societies that are more safe, free, just, and sustainably prosperous. By combining cutting-edge research, the teaching of outstanding students, and direct interaction with practitioners, we have an impact on solving public problems that no other institution can match. When you work at Harvard Kennedy School, you make a difference.
Job Description
The Faculty and Research Assistant of the Women and Public Policy Program (WAPPP) at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government provides administrative support to the Faculty Co-Director of the Women and Public Policy Program. The Faculty and Research Assistantexecutes a broad range of technical systems to complete administrative and research-related tasks. The Faculty and Research Assistantprovides a timely and accurate flow of information between the Co-Director and the WAPPP team.
This position reports jointly to the Director and to the Director of Research and Programs.
Job-Specific Responsibilities:
Faculty Assistance and Faculty Co-Director Support: (50%)
- Provide support on all aspects related to Faculty Co-Director’s role of teaching, research, policy outreach, and fundraising.
- Take the lead on management of faculty and course websites and other communications devices (ie Power Point presentations) in support of the Co-Director’s role.
- Prepare course materials including locating materials online and in hard copy, submitting requests for permissions and copyright registration, ordering books and other materials, copying and preparing handouts.
- Perform a wide range of confidential administrative support duties, including extensive and complex calendar and travel management, travel reimbursements and business expense reconciliations.
- Track and monitor Co-Director’s various financial accounts including research grants and faculty funds.
- Organize projects and tasks to ensure commitments are met and workflow is appropriately prioritized.
- Work closely with Co-Director on research related activities, including working papers, news articles, letters of inquiry, and books/papers for publication.
- Prepare materials and briefings for all internal and external speaking engagements, media interviews, and meetings.
- Serve as the point of contact for internal (faculty, students, staff) and external (policy makers, board members) constituents seeking to meet with the Co-Director.
- Participate in Faculty Assistant Group meetings and trainings.
Research Support: (30%)
- Support the project management of the Gender Action Portal (GAP) workflow, including identifying and incorporating new articles, coordinating assignments with writers and editors, drafting correspondence to faculty authors, and uploading content to the Portal website.
- Conduct literature reviews and prepare summaries on topics related to gender equity and related policy issues.
- Provide support to the Director of Research and Programs as needed, assisting with research initiatives, program management, and other strategic or operational activities to advance WAPPP’s mission.
Other Program Support: (20%)
- Greet and assist visitors to the WAPPP suite as needed; manage and triage inquiries received via the main phone line and organizational email inbox; and maintain and update the WAPPP staff listserv.
- Partner with WAPPP’s finance and administration staff to support operational processes, including procurement and maintenance of office supplies and equipment.
- Support programmatic events in coordination with the WAPPP team, including Women’s Leadership Board meetings, and other on- and off-campus events.
Qualifications
Basic Qualifications:
Minimum of 3 years professional experience in increasingly responsible administrative positions. Prior experience with complex calendar management, international travel arrangements and a diverse portfolio of projects. Diligent with strong attention to detail.
Additional Qualifications and Skills:
- Bachelor’s degree and three or more years of administrative experience in an academic setting preferred.
- Prior knowledge of Harvard systems and data management is desired.
- Excellent communication skills are necessary, especially in writing and editing, as well as superior interpersonal and customer service skills.
- Ability to work on a collaborative team and have a can-do attitude.
- Must be able to respond to many requests from various sources in a quick, efficient, and professional manner.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment under strict deadlines.
- Ability to take initiative and use independent judgment.
- Must be detail oriented and be able to handle complex and confidential material with discretion.
Additional Information
- Appointment End Date: This is a fully benefits-eligible term appointment ending one year from date of hire, with the possibility of renewal.
- Standard Hours/Schedule: This is a 35-hour/week position with occasional overtime on nights and weekends required.
- Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
- Pre-Employment Screening: Identity
Work Format Details
This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. 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 054. 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.