Academic ConnectJob Description
The East Asian Legal Studies (EALS) program is devoted to the study of the law and legal history of the people and nations of East Asia and their interaction with the United States. In this arena, EALS supports Law School courses, advances opportunities for students to engage in research and work related to East Asia, hosts Visiting Scholars, and organizes events ranging from large public talks to small-group workshops. The Staff Assistant will serve an essential role as the point person for event logistics and will assist the Director and Associate Director with a variety of other EALS activities. Although this position is primarily within the EALS program, the Staff Assistant will also provide some support to another affiliated program, the Harvard Law School Project on Disability (HPOD), which advances the understanding of disability law, policy, and education around the world.
- Coordinate logistics for EALS events, including room reservations, media services, catering, publicity, travel arrangements, and on-site event management. Events include lunch talks, panels, workshops, Visiting Scholar roundtables, and occasional conferences.
- Assist with EALS communications, including website, social media, and email newsletters.
- Provide general administrative support for EALS, including welcoming visitors, editing documents, printing and scanning materials, and maintaining office equipment, supplies and records.
- Process a variety of financial transactions, such as expense reports, reimbursements, invoicing, and student grant payments.
- May provide administrative support for EALS visiting faculty.
- May conduct ad hoc research tasks using library resources and the open web.
- Provide administrative support for HPOD, its Executive Director, and related academic courses. May assist in coordinating logistics for class meetings and HPOD events held in person and on Zoom.
Qualifications
Basic Qualifications: Three or more years of related experience. Education beyond high school may count toward experience.
Additional Qualifications and Skills: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent foreign degree. Ability to work independently on multiple projects requiring very close attention to detail, with minimal supervision. Ability to work collaboratively as part of a small administrative team that adapts flexibly to the changing needs of a busy program. Fluency with social media and experience or interest in website maintenance. Ability to communicate effectively with a variety of students, staff, faculty, other Harvard departments, and visitors, including high-profile speakers. Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion and sound judgment. Strong writing and editing skills. Enthusiasm for working in a cross-cultural setting. Study of East Asia, experience living in East Asia, proficiency in an East Asian language, and interest in disability rights would be valuable additional attributes but are not required.