Coordinator I (Program Coordinator)

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Why join the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health?

The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health is a world-renowned institution dedicated to advancing public health through cutting-edge research, education, and global collaboration. Our school is a special place to work because of its vibrant, mission-driven community, interdisciplinary approach, and commitment to addressing some of the most pressing health challenges worldwide. We foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment where innovation, continuous learning, and work-life balance are valued.

Learn more about the School’s mission, objectives, and core values, our Principles of Citizenship, and about the Dean’s AAA vision about our school’s ongoing strategic initiatives.

Job Summary:

The Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences (SBS) is an active unit in the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health with a mission to understand and intervene on the social determinants of health and health equity across the life-course. This mission is achieved through research to identify the social and behavioral determinants of health, development and evaluation of interventions and policies leading to the improvement of population health, and the preparation of professionals and researchers who will fill leadership positions in advocacy and public service.

The Lee Kum Sheung Center for Health and Happiness at SBS works to build a rigorous and interdisciplinary science of positive health, happiness, and well-being with a focus on health equity, and to translate the science to influence practice and policy. The Center aims to transform thinking in public health and medicine from a deficit- to asset-based approach, with the goal of achieving complete physical, mental, and especially social well-being for all, without distinctions between racial, socioeconomic, political, or geographical factors.

The Center seeks a highly motivated Program Coordinator to support its work in advancing the science of well-being through research, translation, and capacity building. The program Coordinator will report to Kelsey Torres, Assistant Director of Operations. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to a leading center shaping the global conversation on health and well-being. Working closely with the Center team, the Program Coordinator will coordinate events and programs, support research and administrative activities, and contribute to communications and partnership efforts. The role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a collaborative environment.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Co-plan and execute Center events (e.g., seminars, workshops, symposiums, roundtables) coordinating with speakers and vendors, and managing all meeting logistics
• Provide administrative and operational support to Center leadership related to recruitment logistics, onboarding, scheduling and booking, and tracking key metrics
• Independently manage all timelines and deliverables for multiple projects with competing priorities
• Support translational research activities, which could include:
  • Managing grant review and administration processes (e.g., tracking applications, timelines, and reporting requirements)
  • Synthesizing research, developing reports, and disseminating findings based on the Center research agenda
  • Maintain and update digital resources, including website content and research repositories
  • Foster relationships with potential and existing partners
  • Assist with Center communications (e.g., drafting social media content, creating promotional materials) 
• The Program Coordinator will perform other duties as assigned.

PLEASE NOTE: This position has a term appointment of one year from the date of hire with the possibility for extension.

PLEASE NOTE: Please submit both a resume and cover letter when applying. Applications received without a cover letter will not be considered.

Basic Qualifications:

• 3+ years of related experience required; a combination of education and experience may be considered

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor's Degree in public health, social sciences, or a related field
• Masters-level degree in public health, social science, or related field 
• Minimum of three years of school/work experience, including at least two of the following:
  • Program coordination
  • Administrative or project management
  • Research synthesis and reporting
  • Experience in a public health, non-profit, or academic setting
• Experience in an academic or research environment
• Experience supporting student or training programs
• Experience working with community-based organizations or global health initiatives
• Familiarity with interdisciplinary research or public health programming
• Familiarity with the literature and advances in the field of well-being and related research   Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Experience with website, data management, and design platforms such as WordPress, Qualtrics, Canva
• Basic proficiency in applying AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT) to support research synthesis, drafting, and workflow efficiency
• Motivation and ability to pick up and learn new tools and technologies quickly
• Skills and knowledge in synthesizing, writing about, and disseminating science
• Strong administrative management and organizational skills     
• Conducting literature reviews and systematic reviews
• Event planning and coordination
• Tracking and reporting on data
• Social media management and content development
• Basic graphic design skills
• Strong interpersonal skills, with an ability to work collaboratively with fellow staff, researchers, educators, administrators, and partners
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills   
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Experience managing projects independently and drive work to completion
• Works effectively under shifting demands, maintaining productivity and quality while adapting to new challenges
• Interest in staying current with research and developments in well-being science and practice      

• Appointment End Date: One year from date of hire
• 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

Join the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health to support our mission of health research and education, and to be a part of the oldest institution of higher learning in the country!

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• The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health does not provide visa sponsorship, now or in the future, for staff positions.
• Harvard University requires pre-employment reference checks and background screenings.
• This position has a 90 day orientation and review period. The O&R period will be waived for any internal Harvard employee transfers.

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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.

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 054. 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.