Staff Assistant

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Why join Harvard Law School?

Join a community that combines excellence in legal education and scholarship with a deep commitment to justice. Here at Harvard Law School (HLS), you’ll find an environment that values who you are and encourages you to grow, inspire others, and make a meaningful impact. Wherever you are in your career journey, HLS is a place where you can thrive, contribute, and be part of something bigger.

The East Asian Legal Studies (EALS) program is devoted to the study of the law and legal history of the people and nations of East Asia and their interaction with the United States. In this arena, EALS supports Law School courses, advances opportunities for students to engage in research and work related to East Asia, hosts Visiting Scholars, and organizes events ranging from large public talks to small-group workshops. The Staff Assistant will serve an essential role as the point person for event logistics and will assist the Director and Associate Director with a variety of other EALS activities. Although this position is primarily within the EALS program, the Staff Assistant will also provide some support to another affiliated program, the Harvard Law School Project on Disability (HPOD), which advances the understanding of disability law, policy, and education around the world. The Staff Assistant position is an excellent opportunity to learn about East Asian relations, the law and legal systems of East Asian countries, disability rights, and law school and university administration.  

As a Staff Assistant you will: 

• Coordinate logistics for EALS events, including room reservations, media services, catering, publicity, travel arrangements, and on-site event management. Events include lunch talks, panels, workshops, Visiting Scholar roundtables, and occasional conferences. 
• Assist with EALS communications, including website, social media, and email newsletters.  
• Provide general administrative support for EALS, including welcoming visitors, editing documents, printing and scanning materials, and maintaining office equipment, supplies and records. 
• Process a variety of financial transactions, such as expense reports, reimbursements, invoicing, and student grant payments. 
• May provide administrative support for EALS visiting faculty. 
• May conduct ad hoc research tasks using library resources and the open web. 
• Provide administrative support for HPOD, its Executive Director, and related academic courses. May assist in coordinating logistics for class meetings and HPOD events held in person and on Zoom.

Basic Qualifications

Three or more years of related experience. Education beyond high school may count toward experience.  

Additional Qualifications and Skills

We are looking for people who have: 

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent foreign degree 
• Ability to work independently on multiple projects requiring very close attention to detail, with minimal supervision. 
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a small administrative team that adapts flexibly to the changing needs of a busy program. 
• Fluency with social media and experience or interest in website maintenance. 
• Ability to communicate effectively with a variety of students, staff, faculty, other Harvard departments, and visitors, including high-profile speakers. 
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion and sound judgment. 
• Strong writing and editing skills.  
• Enthusiasm for working in a cross-cultural setting. 
• Study of East Asia, experience living in East Asia, proficiency in an East Asian language, and interest in disability rights would be valuable additional attributes but are not required. 

Appointment End Date: This is a one-year term appointment with the potential for renewal subject to funding and departmental need. 

Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week; Full Time M-F

Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position

Pre-Employment Screening: Identity

Other Information:

This position is based primarily on campus, with the opportunity for remote work based on business needs and manager approval.

Occasional need to work outside of business hours, mainly for in-person or online events held in the early evening. 

All offers are made by HLS Human Resources.

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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.