Job Summary
The First-Year Academic Programs office is responsible for the pre-concentration academic experience of Harvard College students, supporting student programs such as Visitas and Orientation as well as working with offices and departments to deliver academic information and support to students in their first year.
A key piece of this work is the Rising Scholars Program (RSP), a seven-week on-campus residential academic program for select students from the matriculating first-year class. The program centers on an eight-credit interdisciplinary course taught by a team of world-class Harvard instructors, combined with a transformational residential experience designed to invite students into all dimensions of the Harvard community and prepare them for a successful college experience. For summer 2025, the program runs between June 21 and August 9.
Reporting to the Assistant Dean, First-Year Academic Programs (AD), with a dotted line to the Assistant Director of Administration, the Program Coordinator will have the chance to gain hands-on experience in higher education administration. The Program Coordinator will be responsible for much of the logistics and communications for the Rising Scholars Program, allowing the coordinator to build hard skills in real time.
Additionally, the Program Coordinator will partner with the AD to assess current programming and jointly plan additional programming to enhance the academic experience of participants. This role allows the coordinator 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.
Position Description
The Program Coordinator will:
- Provide administrative and logistical support to the AD’s portfolio of projects, which includes the RSP, first-year Orientation and other orienting and onboarding programming;
- Prioritize and manage complex, confidential tasks and projects;
- Manage program inventory and take the lead on preparing for RSP student arrival, including making name tags, creating information packets, assembling materials and swag bags, and more;
- Triage the Rising Scholars inbox and lead on composing, preparing, and editing correspondence;
- Organize program information and share with appropriate stakeholders;
- Oversee supply procurement and disbursal for residential and academic components of the Rising Scholars Program;
- Organize and track financial records (receipts and spending) for all programs;
- Assist the AD with creating and producing event and program materials;
- Manage and coordinate programming logistics, including booking rooms, requesting media services, arranging catering, etc.;
- Collaborate closely with campus partners and vendors to achieve program objectives;
- Maintain accurate and organized documentation and files for the team; and
- Be responsible for other duties as assigned.
Basic Qualifications:
- Currently enrolled as a graduate student at a Harvard school
- Prior administrative experience
- Hands-on experience using Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Word), Adobe Acrobat, and Zoom
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-Academic Programs 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 approach.
Additional Information
This position will be based on our campus in Cambridge, MA. During the academic year, the role requires 15-20 hours per week, increasing to full-time at 35 hours a week during the summer, and may include nights and/or weekends as required. 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 Dawn Ling at dawn_ling@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.