Graduate Program 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 Graduate Program and International Legal Studies is the division of Harvard Law School responsible for the Master of Laws (LL.M.) and the Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.) degrees and for various aspects of graduate legal studies, including a Visitors Program for researchers and scholars. The 280+ members of the LL.M., S.J.D., and Visitors Programs come from more than 60 countries and constitute a vibrant academic community noted for its diversity of interests and backgrounds.  

The Graduate Program Staff Assistant is a member of a team that processes 1700+ admission and financial aid applications to the LL.M., S.J.D., and Visitor Programs from a predominantly international applicant pool and provides assistance to other members of the Graduate Program and International Legal Studies department as needed. 

Job-Specific Responsibilities

As a Graduate Program Staff Assistant, you will:  

• Process admissions and financial aid applications and related materials, including analyzing transcripts, calculating GPAs, and following up with applicants to obtain missing documents 
• Respond to telephone inquiries and share responsibility for email and walk-in inquiries 
• Serve as the first reviewer for general inboxes managed by the Graduate Program.  
• Assist with the implementation of audits, workflows, and process improvements in the online admissions platform 
• Assist with the financial aid review process 
• Assist with the preparation and distribution of admission and financial aid notifications 
• Assist with student visa processing 
• Assist with financial aid processing and recordkeeping,  
• Maintain confidential student files and records 
• Assist with communications tasks such as announcements and event publicity 
• Assist with orientation planning and execution, including but not limited to administrative tasks, event staffing, and website updates 
• Provide assistance to the Graduate Program Student Affairs and Administration and International Legal Studies teams, including serving as a key member of the event planning team; some duties may report to other members of the Graduate Program and International Legal Studies department 
• Share office management and primary front desk responsibility for the Graduate Program and International Legal Studies department 
• Perform other duties as assigned 

Basic Qualifications

Three or more years related experience in office administration or business environment. Education beyond high school may count toward experience. 

Additional Qualifications and Skills

We are looking for people who: 

• Are proactive, organized and detail oriented 
• Have a strong customer service orientation and are sensitive to the needs of an international and diverse student population 
• Communicate effectively, in both written and oral formats  
• Enjoy learning new things, can handle multiple priorities, and work flexibly in both independent and team environments  
• Can handle complex and confidential matters with discretion 

Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week; Full-time, M-F. Substantial overtime required during peak application season, including evenings/weekends and winter recess. Overtime also required for other key events, including (but not limited to) Orientation. 

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.

All offers are made by HLS Human Resources.

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.