About the Work


The Center for International Development (CID) is Harvard University’s hub for cutting-edge research on the world’s most pressing international development issues. The Center brings researchers and practitioners together to collaborate, using the latest analytical tools to address pressing development challenges. CID builds, convenes, and deploys global talent worldwide to build a thriving world for all.

CID’s Executive Coordinator is an integral part of the team, providing high-level support for the Faculty Director, Executive Director, and the Center for International Development overall. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Executive Coordinator will serve as the primary point of contact for CID’s Global Development Council and provide administrative support to the Center through complex calendar coordination, drafting/editing/proofing and mailing correspondence, preparing meeting briefings and agendas, coordinating and preparing for travel, as well as project management and other activities.

As the Executive Coordinator, you will perform a wide range of high-level, critical, and complex administrative and support duties in a timely and accurate manner. You will be proactive in problem-solving, able to multitask and prioritize successfully, and have high-level communication (oral and written) and interpersonal skills. You will have the ability to interact with a variety of stakeholders including students, faculty, donors, and prominent individuals and organizations with tact and diplomacy. You will speak on behalf of CID for external stakeholders. You will work independently and as part of a team, and will possess a high level of maturity and good judgment.


Position Description


Responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

Executive Director and Faculty Director Coordination

  • Manage complex calendars; schedule appointments and coordinate all aspects of travel.
  • Manage travel domestic and international travel, including visa procurement, developing briefing packets, and managing expenses and reimbursements.
  • Identify and keep track of meetings at which the Faculty Director or Executive Director will have staffing needs and coordinate with the schedules of those staff.
  • Respond to Director’s correspondence and invitations as directed; compose and edit letters, memos, and reports.

Center-wide Coordination

  • Serve as the primary point person for CID’s Global Development Council (GDC). Develop an annual calendar of engagement, manage travel and logistics for meetings. Track contacts and document communication with the GDC.
  • Will often interact with other organizations representing Executive Director and CID.
  • Compile and prepare meeting materials. Research and prepare background information, draft high level strategy briefings for faculty, senior administrators and volunteers, and draft correspondence or other communications.
  • Answer, screen and refer incoming phone calls; manage email and snail mail; greet visitors. 
  • Work collaboratively with the Executive Director and CID team, providing backup for various support functions, including Center events.
  • Provide general office support including but not limited to answering phones, responding to phone and email inquiries, maintaining calendars, filing, and managing data updates in the development database.

Faculty Assistant for the Faculty Director

  • Execute, with proficiency and a minimum of supervision, a broad range of clerical and technical work in support of teaching and research such as: basic design and maintenance of course and faculty web pages; compose and edit documents; and copyright requests for course materials. 
  • Perform online and library research and summarize findings.
  • Work closely with student course assistants.
  • Assist with preparation of class materials, create PowerPoint demonstrations, act as the key contact for student inquiries, order textbooks and supplies, prepare reimbursements for faculty and guest speakers, order and ensure proper functioning of AV equipment, make room reservations.
  • Perform other responsibilities upon request, as needed, with or without accommodation.

Basic Qualifications
Minimum of 5 years experience providing executive-level administrative support.

Additional Qualifications and Skills
If you have some but not all of the following, we encourage you to apply; we value employees with a willingness to learn:

  • College degree preferred
  • Excellent computer skills, including word processing, spreadsheet and database management experience 
  • Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion
  • Must enjoy and thrive working in a fast-paced environment
  • Work well under pressure and be able to prioritize work 
  • Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills, tact, poise and the ability to handle complex, confidential issues 
  • Enthusiasm for new and emerging technologies
  • Dedicated team player with strong customer service orientation

Working Conditions
Work is performed in an office environment, on-campus. 


Additional Information


This position is a fully benefits-eligible term appointment ending one year from date of hire with possibility of renewal. 

We regret that the Harvard Kennedy School does not provide Visa Sponsorship.
Harvard University requires pre-employment references and background checks.
Harvard University is committed to supporting a healthy, sustainable learning and working environment.

This is a hybrid position based on our campus in Cambridge, MA.  As a campus-based institution, we place a high value on the in-person experience, cross-team collaboration, and strong community building in order to create a vibrant campus for our students, faculty, staff, and research fellows. The position is required to work in-person on campus a minimum of three days per week during the academic year. Specific days and schedule will be determined between you and your manager.

The University requires all Harvard community members to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and remain up to date with COVID-19 vaccine boosters, as detailed in Harvard’s Vaccine & Booster Requirements. Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. More information regarding the University’s COVID vaccination requirement, exemptions, and verification of vaccination status may be found at the University’s “COVID-19 Vaccine Information” webpage: http://www.harvard.edu/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-information/. 

Salary Range: $58,965 - $93,830
Note: Starting salaries typically fall in the lower half of the salary range; however, they are ultimately determined by the scope of the position, the candidate's relevant experience, and internal equity. 


Harvard offers a generous benefits package including:

  • Time Off: 3- 4 weeks paid vacation, paid holiday break, 12 paid sick days, 12.5 paid holidays, and 3 paid personal days per year.
  • Medical/Dental/Vision: We offer a variety of excellent medical plans, dental & vision plans, all coverage begins as of your start date.
  • Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with full vesting after 3 years of service.
  • Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive tuition assistance program, $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and discounted options through participating Harvard grad schools. 
  • Transportation: Harvard offers a 50% discounted MBTA pass as well as additional options to assist employees in their daily commute.
  • Wellness Options: Harvard offers programs and classes at little or no cost, including stress management, massages, nutrition, meditation and complimentary health services.
  • Harvard access to athletic facilities, libraries, campus events and many discounts throughout metro Boston.

 
Job Function: General Administration
Location: USA - MA - Cambridge
Job Code: 403040 Coordinator II
Sub-Unit: ------------
Department: Center for International Development
Time Status: Full-time
Salary Grade: 055
Union: 55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers
Pre-Employment Screening: Identity
Schedule: Monday - Friday 9:00am-5:00pm


Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Harvard Kennedy School’s Mission and Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Anti-Racism

At Harvard Kennedy School, fostering a diverse and inclusive community where everyone feels they belong is a matter of basic fairness consistent with our core values as an institution. It is also essential to our mission of improving public policy and leadership—because recruiting the best people and creating an environment where they can thrive make us better at what we do, because we learn more from people with different perspectives, and because we work in diverse groups and serve diverse societies.

Learn more about Harvard Kennedy School’s commitment to Diversity Equity, and Anti-Racism.

EEO Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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