"Special Assistant to the President"

The Special Assistant serves as a trusted liaison for the President, managing the flow of information, access, and engagement. This role provides high-level operational, tactical, and strategic support, enabling effective decision-making and smooth daily operations in a complex, fast-paced environment.

The Special Assistant reports jointly to the President and Chief of Staff/Managing Director. As a member of the President’s Office leadership team, the Special Assistant is a key strategic integrator, helping to ensure that Presidential effort is well-matched to his priorities. The Special Assistant works closely with the Chief of Staff and senior stakeholders to manage the Presidential schedule, additional activities, and briefings.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as primary point of contact for matters requiring presidential attention; exercise sound judgment, discretion, and diplomacy.
• Manage the President’s calendar and engagements to align with institutional priorities; advise and partner with Chief of Staff on requests of the President.
• Oversee daily schedule, track action items, ensure timely follow-up, and act as a proxy on designated matters.
• Liaise with senior leadership, governing board members, faculty, students, alumni, donors, and other high-profile constituencies.
• Collaborate with the Briefing Administrator to ensure the President is well prepared for meetings and events.
• Monitor and triage the President’s personal email inbox in coordination with the presidential correspondence team.
• Draft and send communications for the President’s Office with precision and appropriate tone.
• Optimize workflows and systems within the President’s Office for efficient information flow and policy compliance.
• Plan and execute presidential travel logistics in partnership with other university departments including Alumni Affairs and Development and Public Affairs and Communications.
• Coordinate with Harvard University Police and external agencies for security planning.
• Supervise and mentor two direct reports; provide guidance and performance feedback.
• Provide backup support across the President’s Office team, including executive assistants and briefing staff.
• Manage special projects as assigned and ensure timely execution.
• Provide personal support to enhance the President’s efficiency; coordinate with the President’s spouse on scheduling, events, and other logistics.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Candidates MUST meet the following basic qualifications to be considered for this role:

• Minimum 8 years of related experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Comprehensive executive-level support experience.
• Bachelor’s degree strongly preferred; Harvard or similar higher education experience a plus.
• Proven success navigating complex organizations and engaging diverse, senior-level stakeholders.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills; impeccable attention to detail.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills; calm under pressure.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office and expense/travel systems.
• High integrity and professionalism; demonstrated discretion and judgment.
• Experience managing and advancing cross-functional projects.
• Commitment to service, collaboration, and institutional excellence.