"Senior Executive Coordinator"

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 Kennedy School? The John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University is one of 12 graduate and professional schools at the university. Harvard Kennedy School’s mission is to improve public policy and leadership so people can live in societies that are more safe, free, just, and sustainably prosperous. By combining cutting-edge research, the teaching of outstanding students, and direct interaction with practitioners, we have an impact on solving public problems that no other institution can match. When you work at Harvard Kennedy School, you make a difference.

Job Description

The Center for International Development is Harvard University’s hub for cutting-edge research on the world’s most pressing international development issues. The center brings researchers and practitioners together to collaborate, using the latest analytical tools to address pressing development challenges. CID builds, convenes, and deploys global talent worldwide to build a thriving world for all.

The Executive Coordinator is a key strategic partner to CID’s Faculty Director and Executive Director, ensuring effective leadership support and operational excellence across the Center. This role anchors high-level coordination for CID’s leadership, serves as the primary liaison for the Global Development Council, and supports flagship events and initiatives that drive CID’s global mission.

The ideal candidate will have an interest in international development, be data driven in their work, and contribute to technological advances in the center. This candidate must be proactive in problem-solving, be able to multitask and prioritize successfully, and have high-level communication (oral and written) and interpersonal skills. This candidate must have the ability to interact with a variety of stakeholders including students, faculty, donors, and prominent individuals and organizations with tact and diplomacy. This candidate will speak on behalf of CID for external stakeholders. This position requires working independently and as part of a team, and a high level of maturity and good judgment.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Executive Coordination:

• Manage complex scheduling and coordinate domestic and international travel, including visas, itineraries, briefing packets, and reimbursements.
• Identify and keep track of meetings at which the Faculty Director or Executive Director will have staffing needs and coordinate with the schedules of those staff.
• Respond to Director’s correspondence and invitations as directed; compose and edit letters, memos, and reports; prepare presentations.
• Serve as the Faculty Assistant for both the Faculty Director and the Director as required including web content; preparing course materials (including copyright requests), and working closely with student course assistants.

Center-wide Management

• Serve as primary point of contact for CID’s Global Development Council: manage annual engagement calendar, communications, and logistics for domestic and international meetings.
• Coordinate high-profile events as required (e.g., Global Empowerment Meeting), including speaker and guest outreach, logistics, and day-of execution.
• Represent CID and Directors in external communications and interactions with faculty, donors, students, and global institutions.
• Compile and prepare meeting materials. Research and prepare background information, draft high level strategy briefings for faculty, senior administrators and volunteers, and draft correspondence or other communications.
• Develop and monitor budget for center-wide activities such as community events, faculty lecture luncheons, and supplies.
• Support general administrative operations including phone and email triage, calendar updates, and database maintenance.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications: 5 or more years of administrative support and/or project management experience. A relevant graduate degree in international development or public policy will count towards experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Experience providing administrative support to an executive, principal, or faculty.
• Must enjoy working in a fast-paced environment, work well under pressure and be able to prioritize work.
• Excellent computer skills, including word processing, spreadsheet and database management experience.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion.
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills, tact, poise and the ability to handle complex, confidential issues required.
• Enthusiasm for new and emerging technologies.
• Dedicated team player with strong customer service orientation.
• College degree preferred.

Additional Information

• Appointment End Date: This is a fully benefits eligible one year term appointment, with the possibility of renewal.
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Work Format Details: This is a position that is based at a Harvard campus location with some remote work options available. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States.
• Salary Grade and Ranges: This position is salary grade level 056. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.
• Benefits: Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package including generous paid time off, medical insurance, retirement plans, and more. Learn more on the Benefits & Wellbeing Page.