OpenDP Community Coordinator

Posting date: March 10, 2026

Reference: 002347SR

Job Details

1. Job Type: Full-time
2. Location: Allston
3. School/Unit: Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
4. Department: Area Administration
5. Salary Grade: 054
6. Job Function: General Administration
7. FLSA Status: Non-exempt
8. Term Appointment: Yes
9. Union: 55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

Company Description

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 the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences?

At the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS), we work within and beyond the disciplines of engineering and foundational science to address the most pressing issues of our time. Through teaching and collaborative research, SEAS discovers, designs, and creates novel technologies and approaches to societal challenges – in service to the world, the nation, and our community. We collaborate across academic areas at SEAS and the larger university, and with colleagues in academia, industry, government and public service organizations beyond Harvard. By joining SEAS, you will be part of an inclusive community of dedicated problem-solvers who hold themselves – and one another – to the highest academic and professional standards. To learn more about us, please visit https://seas.harvard.edu/.

Job Description

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Vicky Joseph Professor of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics at the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS), the OpenDP project is seeking a highly motivated and organized individual to fill the role of Community Coordinator. This position is responsible for executing community engagement tasks. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in fostering a vibrant and inclusive community around the project. Training will be provided for learning Harvard-specific administrative processes. This is a six-month term position with the possibility of extension.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• Organize on-site in-person and virtual technical workshops, community meetings, and research seminars, ensuring successful logistics operations.
• Assist project staff and community members with expense reimbursements, process financial transactions, including corporate card payments, invoices, and other transactional activities for internal and external vendors, and ensure compliance with university policies and guidelines.
• Perform administrative tasks for the academic position application process.
• Plan, schedule, track, and follow up on tasks for the annual fellows and intern program to ensure deadlines are met.
• Coordinate the onboarding logistics, such as payroll and facility access setup, for new fellows, interns, and staff members. Approve intern timesheets where applicable.
• Assist the Program as needed in maintaining the OpenDP and Privacy Tools projects’ online presence, such as websites, social media and Slack, ensuring the publicly distributed information is accurate and up-to-date.
• Monitor mailing lists and release legitimate email posts within one business day in most cases. Triage inquiries received via the mailing lists to team members as needed. Respond to inquiries from fellow and intern applicants professionally and effectively.
• Other duties as assigned in support of community engagement efforts.

Working Conditions:

Work is performed in an office environment. Must be able to work Monday through Friday during normal business hours, with a one-hour, unpaid lunch break.

Physical Requirements:

There are no significant physical requirements for this role. Must be able to commute between Allston and Cambridge campuses as needed. A shuttle bus is available during work hours.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

3 years administrative experience. Education beyond high school may count towards years of experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Experience managing administrative tasks and event logistics.
• Proficiency in online collaboration tools and platforms.
• Strong organizational and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a diverse team.
• Experience with open-source projects and community management is a plus.
• Excellent problem-solving and interpersonal skills.
• Interest in issues involving computing and society – especially privacy – a plus.

Additional Information

• 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 and Education
• Other Information:
  • This is a six-month term appointment with the possibility of extension.
  • Applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to be considered for this position

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.