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 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.

The Global Food Systems Program is seeking an organized and proactive administrative professional to support a growing program dedicated to one overarching question: How can we feed the world well? The program brings together faculty from across campus as well as policy makers, business leaders, and practitioners working in the food system with a common goal of securing a stable, affordable supply of healthy food while reducing the environmental footprint of how food is produced, processed, and distributed. As the program's administrative coordinator, you will be central to keeping it running smoothly-coordinating events and convenings, and serving as a key point of contact for faculty, fellows, students, and partners around the world as we develop new initiatives.

What you’ll do:

• Manage course delivery: get copyright clearances for course readings and post them on Canvas (online course website), track student work, liaise with guests, coordinate audiovisual support, organize in-class activities, manage office hours for faculty
• Serve as principal source of information on established unit/project/program policies and advises faculty, students or staff; including overseeing the teaching team (of teaching fellows and course assistants)
• Communicate professionally with internal and external stakeholders on behalf of the faculty, possibly assist with faculty recruitment or promotion processes
• Manage complex calendars, travel arrangements, and expense reimbursements
• Proofread documents, retrieve research resources, and submit materials for publishing and distribution on campus and globally
• Plan events: communicate with guests, reserve rooms, order catering, and manage all logistics
• Move projects forward and continually look for ways to leverage faculty time
• Assist in the planning and teaching of degree program classes as well as executive education programs
• Work with course coaches and research assistants on various cases and simulations that demand great attention to detail, effective communication, and organizational flexibility
• Assist in growing the newly established Program in Global Food Systems by setting up programmatic meetings for faculty across campus working in the food space
• Coordinate with student groups in agriculture and food when they host events and invite outside speakers
• Coordinate the annual PAPSAC conference - coordinate space and room reservations, catering, communication, marketing, travel, event set-up, event registration, greet guests, coordinate security when necessary, manage event audiovisual needs
• Manage programmatic reimbursements for guests and other stakeholders. 
• Fulfill programmatic administrative needs as necessary 

Who you are:

• You set a high bar for yourself with attention to detail and strong customer service
• You can communicate with various different social styles and adjust to the working styles of others when necessary
• You are proactive and can anticipate the needs of your role
• You know how to be helpful even when you don’t have the answer
• Adaptability is second nature; with constant change, you are flexible and receptive to feedback
• You are comfortable juggling competing priorities, reporting to multiple supervisors, and accommodating a broad range of work-styles
• You work well independently and also contribute as a valuable team member
• People describe you as reliable - you always follow through and strive to surpass expectations
• You’ve worked in an office environment before and are proficient with Microsoft Office

Why you’ll love this job:

• Make an impact helping others achieve their goals by utilizing your administrative skills
• Build relationships with a diverse group of faculty and colleagues in a collaborative culture
• Practice on-the-job learning in a supportive environment with continuous professional training
• Grow your career here - be exposed to the inner workings of a world-renowned public policy and leadership school
• Maintain work-life balance
• Access the numerous benefits of Harvard including generous time off and retirement contribution, taking a course or achieving an advanced degree for as little as $40/class, and much more!

Sound like a great fit? Check out more about the work culture at Harvard Kennedy School and submit your resume and cover letter via Careers@Harvard

Basic Qualifications:

A minimum of 2 years of related experience including demonstrated office administration, event planning and customer service experience. Relevant internships will count toward experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and internet tools, with a willingness to learn new technologies.
• Demonstrated experience prioritizing tasks to changing needs and seeing tasks to completion in a timely manner.
• Prior academic research and writing experience.
• Interest in research related to the food system.
• Proficient written and spoken English.  
• Bachelor’s degree is not required - but a plus.

• Appointment End Date: This is a fully benefits eligible term appointment through June 30, 2027, with the possibility of renewal.
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity
• Other Information: Some events may involve adjusting your schedule to be available in evenings.

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.

About Harvard University

Harvard University is devoted to excellence in teaching, learning, and research, and to developing leaders in many disciplines who make a difference globally. The University, which is based in Cambridge and Boston, Massachusetts, has an enrollment of over 20,000 degree candidates, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Harvard has more than 360,000 alumni around the world. The University has twelve degree-granting Schools in addition to the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, offering a truly global education. Established in 1636, Harvard is the oldest institution of higher education in the United States.

Connections working at Harvard University