Job Summary
The First-Year Seminar Program at Harvard College delivers a diverse array of educational experiences to students through seminars taught by faculty across a variety of Harvard Schools. The Program provides students with the opportunity to work closely with faculty members in an ideal setting for intellectual and academic exploration.
Reporting to the Director of the First-Year Seminar Program, with a dotted line to the Assistant Director of Administration, the Graduate Student Associate will have the chance to gain hands-on experience in higher education administration. The Graduate Student Associate will be responsible for logistical and administrative aspects of the program. This role will work collaboratively with the First-Year Seminar Program team to support the operations of this foundational academic opportunity for first-year students. This role allows the Associate to bring their educational experience to bear on planning and programming, as well as the opportunity to be immersed in the process of the day-to-day experience of helping an academic office to run smoothly. This role will work closely with the Program Coordinator to provide a high level of support to faculty, students, and staff.
Position Description
In collaboration with the Program’s team, the Graduate Student Associate will:
- Provide administrative and logistical support for faculty teaching in the program and first-year students
- Triage the Seminar program inbox and respond in a timely manner to faculty, student, and staff questions
- Update and ensure accuracy of course information in my.harvard, the program website, and other systems
- Assist faculty and students in the seminar application and placement process, including troubleshooting issues with HUIT in the online application system
- Organize program information and share with relevant stakeholders
- Assist program team in updating key programmatic data and preparing for presentation to stakeholders
- Assist in planning and execution of post-seminar modules to take place in January 2026
- Be responsible for other duties as assigned
Basic Qualifications
- Currently enrolled as a graduate student at a Harvard school
- Administrative experience
- Hands-on experience using Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Word), Adobe Acrobat, and Zoom
- Basic AI literacy
Additional Qualifications and Skills
- Program management experience is desired
- Demonstrated ability to think quickly, manage multiple priorities and generate solutions when unexpected problems arise
- Excels at providing a high level of customer service in person and virtually
- Flexible team player with a positive attitude and excellent problem-solving skills
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Superb attention to detail
- Manage confidential information with utmost discretion
- Aptitude to learn and adapt to new technologies and processes
Extensive training and support will be provided by the First-Year Seminar Program and University
administrative teams. The ideal candidate will be a highly motivated, solution-driven individual who takes initiative and works well both independently and in a team.
Additional Information
This position will be based on our campus in Cambridge, MA. During June, July, and August and mid-
January, the role is expected to require 35 hours/week, with 20-25 hours/week of work during the academic year. The pay is $30/hr. Hybrid arrangements may be possible with specific days and schedule to be determined between the employee and the manager following the orientation period.
To be considered for this position, a resume and cover letter must be submitted. Please send all
application materials to Toni Trainor at atrainor@fas.harvard.edu.
As part of the interview process, candidates may be asked to complete a technical skills assessment that involves tasks related to the role utilizing the Microsoft Office suite.
Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.
EEO Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for
employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.