Job Summary:

The Research Program Coordinator within the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences serves as the principal research and administrative partner to Dr. Mary Bassett and the primary manager for two grant-funded projects focused on health, racial justice, and reparations as a public health intervention. This role independently oversees complex academic, research, and operational activities, including scholarly and teaching support, and development and maintenance of administrative systems and records. The Research Program Coordinator leads the planning and execution of events and programs, manages communications and relationships with students, collaborators, and external partners, and ensures compliance with University and sponsor requirements. The position requires a high degree of autonomy, judgment, and initiative to support strategic goals, streamline processes, and contribute to the overall success and impact of Dr. Bassett’s work and related initiatives.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• Academic and Administrative Support: Coordinate and provide high-level support for scholarly and teaching activities, including literature review, writing, references, publications, course logistics, preparation of teaching materials, PowerPoint presentations, briefings, and letters. Track and maintain Dr. Bassett’s CV and publications list and ensure that academic records and documentation are accurate and up to date. Serve as a subject matter resource on departmental and University policies and procedures for Dr. Bassett’s students, collaborators, and staff, providing guidance and training as needed. Independently manage Dr. Bassett’s day-to-day administrative needs, including complex calendar management, scheduling meetings, arranging travel, processing reimbursements, and preparing correspondence and other documents.
• Program and Project Management: Coordinate, and have primary administrative responsibility for, two grant-funded projects centered on health, racial justice, and reparations as a public health intervention. Develop, implement, and continuously improve administrative systems, procedures, and workflows to support project goals and ensure compliance with University and funder requirements. Maintain regular communication with Harvard Chan doctoral students and other project participants; organize meetings, working groups, and small events; support internship placements and ensure timely disbursement of stipends. Oversee project documentation, including tracking milestones, deliverables, and participation; maintain accurate and organized electronic and physical records.
• Events, Meetings, and External Relations: Lead all logistical planning and execution for events such as webinars, consortium meetings, small conferences, and seminars related to the health and racial justice initiatives. Manage facilities, technology, catering, invitations, registration, materials, and onsite staffing for events; negotiate with hotels, caterers, and other vendors as needed. Serve as the principal administrative contact and liaison for program partners, invited speakers, consortium members, and other external constituencies, representing the program professionally and effectively. Oversee communication workflows for events and projects, including email announcements, agendas, meeting minutes, and follow-up actions.
• Data Tracking and IT Support: Assist with obtaining the data and execute any necessary data agreements. Develop and manage data tracking systems (e.g., for program participation, internships, events, and outcomes) using a variety of software tools; prepare statistics, dashboards, and reports for internal and external audiences. May serve as the IT point person for the program, troubleshooting routine issues and coordinating with central IT; may oversee content and updates for relevant program websites and online platforms.

PLEASE NOTE: This position has a term appointment of June 30, 2027, with the possibility for extension.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

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

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree
• Experience using REDCap, WordPress, Mail Chimp, and social media sites in context of professional communications
• Solid working knowledge of office operations and related computer software (including the Microsoft Office Suite) and electronic communications tools
• Excellent attention to detail, organizational and time management skills
• Proven interpersonal skills with experience in providing administrative support across groups and across a variety of projects
• Strong listening, communication, writing, presentation, and problem-solving skills
• Aptitude to effectively collaborate and communicate with a broad range of researchers, partners, and audiences