Staff Assistant III (Program Assistant)

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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 Harvard Ministerial Leadership Program, launched in 2012, is a joint initiative of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, and the Harvard Graduate School of Education in collaboration with the Big Win Philanthropy. The program aims to enable goal-oriented ministerial leadership, supporting ministers to have clarity of vision and the ability to lead and drive large, transformational initiatives with effective, cross-government delivery to bring a lasting impact that changes the trajectory of their country.

The program engages each cohort of ministers with a pre-forum component, the forum, and post-forum engagements. The intensive four-day forum at Harvard helps ministers define/refine the major transformative goal they will pursue with a heightened sense of urgency. It is also designed to equip them with more skills they can employ for more effective leadership and delivery of measurable results and assert political influence to enable cross-government collaboration.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

The Program Assistant will work with the Assistant Director and under the direction of the Executive Director to coordinate planning and logistics for all aspects of the Harvard Ministerial Leadership Program (HMLP). This generally will include among other activities, all aspects related to organizing and conducting multiple annual meetings of government ministers, as well as other Program activities as these might arise.  Duties will also include supporting all administrative activities related to the HMLP.

Tasks will include assisting with:

• Coordinating and tracking communications with ministers, faculty, guest speakers, and the HMLP advisory board
• Travel and accommodation arrangements for all events
• Preparing Program materials as required including assembling printed materials
• Coordinating event logistics and delivery
• Scheduling meetings and managing the calendar for the Executive Director
• Program-related research, material development, and preparing reports as needed. May compose, proofread, edit, and prepare correspondence, reports, website and social media communication briefs, and other materials using word processing, spreadsheets, and/or databases
• Other Program related responsibilities as these might arise

PLEASE NOTE: This position has a term appointment of December 31, 2026 with the possibility of extension. Will need to be present for two full-week, in-person engagements that take place each year as part of the Harvard Ministerial Forums.

Basic Qualifications:

• 3+ years of relevant experience is required; a combination of education and experience may be considered.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

The following job-related skills and experience are preferred:

• Bachelor's Degree
• Experience with Microsoft Outlook, Word, PowerPoint and Excel.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail, and aptitude to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and adhere to tight deadlines. 
• Must be self-motivated with good time management and flexibility on hours when needed during Program events.
• Some knowledge of international affairs, particularly in Africa.
• High level of professionalism when interacting with dignitaries and HMLP participants.
• Research skills and source Program-related information as needed.

• Appointment End Date: December 31, 2026
• 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 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.