Alumni Relations Assistant, External Relations

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 Harvard Business School?

Harvard Business School, located on a 40-acre campus in Boston, was founded in 1908 as part of Harvard University. It is among the world's most trusted sources of management education and thought leadership. For more than a century, the School's faculty has combined a passion for teaching with rigorous research conducted alongside practitioners at world-leading organizations to educate leaders who make a difference in the world. Through a dynamic ecosystem of research, learning, and entrepreneurship that includes MBA, Doctoral, Executive Education, and Online programs, as well as numerous initiatives, centers, institutes, and labs, Harvard Business School fosters bold new ideas and collaborative learning networks that shape the future of business.

Job Summary:

Are you excited about joining a world-class organization at the intersection of higher education and business? Do you excel at multitasking? Are you drawn to roles that require interaction with many colleagues across departments? If so, join us as we work to strengthen the lifelong relationship between alumni and the School by delivering meaningful engagement and learning opportunities and by inspiring philanthropy that supports and extends the HBS mission of educating leaders who make a difference in the world.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Managing general inquiry email inboxes and phone lines for Alumni Relations and Career and Professional Development

  • Providing administrative and project work support to ensure smooth operations within AR and across HBS departments

  • Preparing reports and materials, and drafting correspondence for alumni and internal partners across External Relations (ER) and HBS

  • Scheduling meetings, drafting agendas, reserving space, and recording meeting minutes

  • Handle operational logistics as needed

  • Build trust and collaboration by being present on-site and engaging directly with colleagues and various constituents.

  • This role is responsible for other duties as assigned. 

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:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proven customer service, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• High level of attention to detail, ability to work independently and effectively
• Interruptions to meet tight deadlines and respond quickly.
• Ability to establish and promote good working relationships with alumni, colleagues, and faculty.
• Ability to manage confidential information appropriately with a high level of tact and discretion.
• Ability to learn new software and databases.
• Ideal candidates will have a desire to work as part of a team with an “all-hands-on-deck” approach, and maintain a “no job is too big or small” philosophy.

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 40 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.

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 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.