Harvard University

Position Description

The DA is directly responsible for administrative and operational activities within the department including staff supervision and performance management, HR support for indirect reports, payroll, facilities and space management oversight, faculty search administration, academic appointments and promotions, and academic affairs oversight. This position jointly oversees finance, research administration and compliance matters in conjunction with the School's Offices of Sponsored Programs and Financial Services. The DA fosters improvements in policies and procedures in the department and ensures efficient operations of all areas of the office with a strong emphasis on providing quality customer service to the department community. Within SBS, the DA will work directly with the Department Chair, Associate Chair, Associate Director of Finance, Assistant Director of Operations and Finance and the Assistant Director of Academic Affairs. Furthermore, the DA maintains and nurtures effective communication and partnerships throughout the school and university by conferring with colleagues and leadership on issues pertaining to administrative functions and proactively representing the department.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic advice and support to the Department Chair and the Associate Chair and work collaboratively with faculty and research professionals in support of their teaching, research, and community service objectives.
• Provide leadership for the administrative and technical staff, establishing and ensuring achievement of performance goals and standards of excellence.
• Oversee all hiring, personnel, and related human resource functions; repsonsible for stategic planning for the department and staffing
• Manage day-today operations, new and existing initiatives, and special projects on an as-needed basis.
• Directly managing a staff of 4; oversee a team of 14 administrative staff and co-manage 5 research administrative staff.
• Other duties and projects as assigned

This position will provide highly effective and efficient service to faculty, staff, students, and individuals both inside and outside of the Department. As a strategic partner to the Chair and Associate Chair, this position will assist in the design and implementation of all departmental activities, including fundraising, communications, budgeting and forecasting, faculty recruitment, space allocation, and career and professional development. This position represents the Department on School-wide initiatives and committees.

PLEASE NOTE: This position may require night or weekend work. 

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Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or an equivalent experience is required
• 8+ years of related experience, with progressively responsible administrative management experience, required
• Supervisory experience required

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Additional Qualifications and Skills

The following job-specific skills and competencies are preferred:

• Master's Degree in a related field (such as administration, higher education administration, public health, etc.)
• Strong computer skills, particularly in Microsoft Office and Excel
• Experience working in an academic environment -- research and/or public health sector is a plus; knowledge of sponsored research, and experience with human resources functions and payroll
• Strong computer and systems skills, particularly in Microsoft Office and Excel
• Experience exercising diplomacy in communications and interpersonal relations; poised confidence in dealing effectively with multiple constituencies at senior levels both at the School and across the University
• Experience evaluating problems thoroughly, showing resourcefulness in identifying solutions, and displaying sound judgment
• Experience motivating, developing, and inspiring employees at all levels
• Experience demonstrating maturity and capacity to respond to shifting and fluid priorities
• Excellent writing and editing skills

The following cultural competencies are also preferred:

• Awareness of and aptitude to appropriately and effectively understand, respect, and adapt to cultural and identity-based difference within group environments
• Knowledge of and commitment to concepts and issues tied to social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Skills related to creating and supporting an environment that allows for inclusion, effective intercultural engagement, and personal humility and authenticity
• Experience fostering and reinforcing an environment that values unique experiences, cultures, backgrounds, and goals

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Additional Information

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 180 day orientation and review period.
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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.

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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.,

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

At the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, we believe that diversity is integral to the Harvard experience and our mission of improving public health education, research and policy. Diversity of cultural backgrounds, identities, lived experiences, perspectives, and ways of understanding the world enriches our community and enables us to best meet the public health needs of the United States and the world. Ongoing learning and development related to diversity allows for both individual and institutional growth, and is necessary to foster and sustain a culture of inclusion. To achieve this, we are committed to ensuring equitable access to opportunities for learning, living, and working at the Harvard Chan School. We maintain an unwavering dedication to diversity, inclusion, and belonging as core to our institutional values and to actively counter, minimize, and address racism, sexism, xenophobia, homophobia, gender bias, and all forms of discrimination.

Learn more about the School’s mission, objectives, and core values, our Principles of Citizenship, and our diversity, inclusion, and belonging initiatives.