Program Assistant

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Why join the Harvard Kennedy School?

The John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University is one 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 Carr-Ryan Center for Human Rights at the Harvard Kennedy School focuses on building more just, peaceful societies through human rights teaching, training, and collaboration.  More information on the Center’s mission, programs and priorities can be found on its website at www.carrcenter.hks.harvard.edu   
 
The Center seeks a Program Assistant to help support the programming, events, curriculum, and related activities of two key fellowships at the Center. The Carr-Ryan Center has a small team, and the individual is expected to work independently with the ability to juggle multiple priorities in a flexible, proactive, and detail-oriented manner. They should have the foresight to plan, the judgment to check in advance on sensitive concerns, and a problem-solving approach when dealing with a range of influential stakeholders.  
 

Under the guidance of the Executive Director, this position supports the work of two new Carr-Ryan Center research programs: the Global LGBTQI+ Human Rights program (50%) and the Human Rights and Foreign Policy program (50%). Responsibilities will include events-related support for each fellowship. The Program Assistant will be expected to support a group of high-profile senior fellows within each program, so impeccable customer service is required.  
 
LGBTQI+ Program:
The position will support two of our flagship initiatives within the Global LGBTQI+ Human Rights Program: the Global LGBTQI+ Changemakers Network and the Online Program for LGBTQI+ Leadership and Advocacy. This individual will contribute to the strategic, pedagogical, and operational success of both programs, ensuring a high-quality experience for participants and strengthening our global impact.

1. Global LGBTQI+ Changemakers Network
 

• Support the development of the annual strategic plan for the network, including calendar of activities and growth goals.
• Assist the Program Manager in shaping and implementing the pedagogical approach of network programming and events.
• Support event logistics and stakeholder coordination, including outreach to participants, partners, and collaborators.
• Draft and coordinate newsletters, updates, and communications to the global network.
• Maintain up-to-date records of network members and support long-term engagement efforts.

2. Online Program for LGBTQI+ Leadership and Advocacy
 

• Coordinate logistics for each module of the program, including scheduling, materials distribution, and participant communications.
• Upload and organize digital content across relevant platforms and track participant engagement.
• Provide real-time troubleshooting and general support to program participants throughout the course.
• Collaborate with faculty and facilitators to ensure sessions run smoothly and content is delivered effectively.

Human Rights and US Foreign Policy program:

This position will be a key support for the Fellowships & Admin Coordinator at the Center and will take primary responsibility for the day-to-day coordination of the new Human Rights and US Foreign Policy program. This position will support the work of several high-profile Senior Fellows who will visit campus regularly throughout the year.

• Coordinates the fellowship activities, including scheduling and coordinating seminars and meetings as well as study groups, and other fellows-related programs.
• Communicates with faculty, students, staff, and other University departments on issues relating to this fellowship programs; serving as the primary contact and source of information for fellows, students, and faculty interested in connecting with these fellows; updating materials for program website and for the Center’s Annual Report; working with the Center’s communications team as needed.
• Providing administrative support to these Fellows on an ongoing basis for a wide range of administrative tasks, including (but not limited to): office needs, IT needs, incoming and outgoing fellow processes, etc.
• Supporting the Fellowships & Admin Coordinator at fellowship convenings and as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned supporting other projects and team needs.

Basic Qualifications:

• Two or more years of administrative experience is required

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Comfortable exploring and learning new technologies and working in a variety of databases.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment, be flexible and meet strict deadlines.
• Ability to prioritize work in an environment with multiple expectations and handle complex and confidential information with discretion.
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office, Zoom, Creative Contact.
• Strong writing, project management, and time management skills.  
• The individual should be detail oriented. 
• Exposure to meeting and event technology and virtual event platforms is highly desired.

• Appointment End Date: This position is a fully benefits eligible term appointment through 7/31/26, 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
  
  
  
   
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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, sex, ethnicity, color, national origin, 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.