Harvard University

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 T.H. Chan School of Public Health?

The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health is a world-renowned institution dedicated to advancing public health through cutting-edge research, education, and global collaboration. Our school is a special place to work because of its vibrant, mission-driven community, interdisciplinary approach, and commitment to addressing some of the most pressing health challenges worldwide. We foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment where innovation, continuous learning, and work-life balance are valued.

Learn more about the School’s mission, objectives, and core values, our Principles of Citizenship, and about the Dean’s AAA vision about our school’s ongoing strategic initiatives.

Job Description

Job Summary:

The Research Program Coordinator within the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences serves as the principal research and administrative partner to Dr. Mary Bassett and the primary manager for two grant-funded projects focused on health, racial justice, and reparations as a public health intervention. This role independently oversees complex academic, research, and operational activities, including scholarly and teaching support, and development and maintenance of administrative systems and records. The Research Program Coordinator leads the planning and execution of events and programs, manages communications and relationships with students, collaborators, and external partners, and ensures compliance with University and sponsor requirements. The position requires a high degree of autonomy, judgment, and initiative to support strategic goals, streamline processes, and contribute to the overall success and impact of Dr. Bassett’s work and related initiatives.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Academic and Administrative Support
  • Coordinate and provide high-level support for scholarly and teaching activities, including literature review, writing, references, publications, course logistics, preparation of teaching materials, PowerPoint presentations, briefings, and letters.
  • Track and maintain Dr. Bassett’s CV and publications list and ensure that academic records and documentation are accurate and up to date.
  • Serve as a subject matter resource on departmental and University policies and procedures for Dr. Bassett’s students, collaborators, and staff, providing guidance and training as needed.
  • Independently manage Dr. Bassett’s day-to-day administrative needs, including complex calendar management, scheduling meetings, arranging travel, processing reimbursements, and preparing correspondence and other documents.
• Program and Project Management
  • Coordinate, and have primary administrative responsibility for, two grant-funded projects centered on health, racial justice, and reparations as a public health intervention.
  • Develop, implement, and continuously improve administrative systems, procedures, and workflows to support project goals and ensure compliance with University and funder requirements.
  • Maintain regular communication with Harvard Chan doctoral students and other project participants; organize meetings, working groups, and small events; support internship placements and ensure timely disbursement of stipends.
  • Oversee project documentation, including tracking milestones, deliverables, and participation; maintain accurate and organized electronic and physical records.
• Events, Meetings, and External Relations
  • Lead all logistical planning and execution for events such as webinars, consortium meetings, small conferences, and seminars related to the health and racial justice initiatives.
  • Manage facilities, technology, catering, invitations, registration, materials, and onsite staffing for events; negotiate with hotels, caterers, and other vendors as needed.
  • Serve as the principal administrative contact and liaison for program partners, invited speakers, consortium members, and other external constituencies, representing the program professionally and effectively.
  • Oversee communication workflows for events and projects, including email announcements, agendas, meeting minutes, and follow-up actions.
• Data Tracking and IT Support
  • Assist with obtaining the data and execute any necessary data agreements
  • Develop and manage data tracking systems (e.g., for program participation, internships, events, and outcomes) using a variety of software tools; prepare statistics, dashboards, and reports for internal and external audiences.
  • May serve as the IT point person for the program, troubleshooting routine issues and coordinating with central IT; may oversee content and updates for relevant program websites and online platforms.

PLEASE NOTE: This position has a term appointment of June 30, 2027, with the possibility for extension.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• 3+ years of related experience required; a combination of education and experience may be considered

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree
• Experience using REDCap, WordPress, Mail Chimp, and social media sites in context of professional communications
• Solid working knowledge of office operations and related computer software (including the Microsoft Office Suite) and electronic communications tools
• Excellent attention to detail, organizational and time management skills
• Proven interpersonal skills with experience in providing administrative support across groups and across a variety of projects
• Strong listening, communication, writing, presentation, and problem-solving skills
• Aptitude to effectively collaborate and communicate with a broad range of researchers, partners, and audiences

Additional Information

• Appointment End Date: June 30, 2027
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity

Join the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health to support our mission of health research and education, and to be a part of the oldest institution of higher learning in the country!

• The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health does not provide visa sponsorship, now or in the future, for staff positions.
• Harvard University requires pre-employment reference checks and background screenings.
• This position has a 90 day orientation and review period. The O&R period will be waived for any internal Harvard employee transfers.

The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up to date on CDC-recommended vaccines.

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 054. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Wellbeing and mental health resources
• Support for families and caregivers
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.