Reporting to the Dean for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging (EDIB), Interim Dean of Students, and Special Projects Advisor, with a dotted line to the Assistant Director of Administration, the Staff Assistant serves as general administrative support for the OEDIB at the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS).

The Staff Assistant works independently performing a wide range of complex and confidential administrative and clerical support duties for the EDIB office.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• This position primarily manages a complex calendar and organizes meetings, appointments and travel arrangements for the Dean for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging, and Special Projects Advisor. This position may occasionally schedule and organize meetings for the Harvard Griffin GSAS EDIB Office.

• Serves as a principal administrative contact and liaison with University constituents and external contacts, including students, faculty, senior leaders and staff across the University, as well as external grants organizations, etc.

• Provides phone and email support for general office inquiries for the EDIB office. This position interacts with a wide variety of both internal and external constituents and coordinates a wide variety of events for the EDIB office. These events include small student groups, summer programs, student workshops, etc. This position will also assist with larger events for Harvard Griffin GSAS on behalf of the EDIB team, such as Newly Admitted Students’ Day, Commencement, Orientation, etc.

• Provides support in office communications including daily email correspondence, composing and editing reports, presentations, and office materials.

• Purchases and maintains inventory of supplies for the EDIB office.

• May serve as back up coverage for the Harvard Griffin GSAS front desk.

Minimum two years’ experience in high volume customer service area with diverse populations.

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.

• Punctuality and reliability are essential.

• Demonstrated excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to respond to a variety of constituents in a highly professional manner.

• Complex calendar management and event experience.

• Prior office and customer service experience, including phone support, preferably in a university environment.¿

• Strong organizational skills and ability to handle details with accuracy in a fast-paced setting.

• Self-motivated and ability to work independently as well as part of a team.¿

• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.

• Must be proficient in Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel and other Microsoft applications.

This position is based in Cambridge, MA.

The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines.

We invite you to visit Harvard’s Total Rewards website to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

General Administration

USA - MA - Cambridge

403033 Staff Assistant III

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences

-

Full-time

053

55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

Identity

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

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.