Program Assistant, Advanced Leadership Initiative

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Job Summary:

Harvard’s Advanced Leadership Initiative (ALI) seeks a full-time Program Assistant to help design, plan, and execute all events related to the ALI Fellowship Program. The Program Assistant will join a fun and dynamic team with opportunities for growth, education, and ongoing professional development. They will staff events and support Harvard faculty and ALI Fellows—a diverse, global group of accomplished senior leaders including former CEOs, executive directors, and heads of state with a common commitment to making a positive social impact in the world in their next chapter.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• Build trust and collaboration by being present on-site and engaging directly with colleagues and various constituents.
• Works with the Fellowship Director and Program Team to design and execute the ALI core program, including weekly class sessions, workshops, and conferences.
• Staffs all events from orientation through commencement, anticipating and responding to the needs of fellows and faculty.
• Coordinates with external vendors, caterers, AV/IT support, and colleagues across Harvard to ensure programs run smoothly.
• Maintains a high level of customer service, adapting to challenges with flexibility and good humor. Formats curriculum materials and updates information on the ALI Canvas course site and internal ALI database.
• This role is responsible for other duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements:

Must be able to lift 25 lbs. Must be able to sit and stand for extended periods of time during events.

Basic Qualifications:

• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent is required.
• 3+ years of experience in administrative support role(s) is required.
• Education beyond high school may count toward experience.
• Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook) experience is a must.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

The successful candidate will be a talented, committed, and flexible individual, motivated by contributing to team success. They will embrace working in a role that requires coordination and collaboration with a range of colleagues in an entrepreneurial, innovative organization. Previous experience in customer service or event delivery is highly valued, as these skills will contribute directly to the effectiveness and positive impact of the Program Assistant. A helpful and empathetic nature are personal characteristics that will also position the Program Assistant to achieve optimal success in this role.
 

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per 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.