The Office of Career Advancement (OCA) at Harvard Kennedy School seeks an organized, detail-oriented, and collaborative professional to serve in a temporary contract role supporting employer relations operations, event coordination, systems management, and broader OCA operational support during staff leave.
This role will provide administrative and operational support across several core OCA functions, including inbox management, employer engagement activities, recruiting events, data support, and platform administration. The position plays an important role in helping OCA operate efficiently and deliver high-quality support to students, employers, alumni, and institutional partners.
While the role will work closely with employer relations activities, it will also support broader operational needs across the Office of Career Advancement.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

OCA Operations & Inbox Management

• Manage and triage multiple OCA inboxes, ensuring timely responses and appropriate routing of inquiries and requests.
• Support day-to-day operational coordination across OCA activities and initiatives.
• Assist with scheduling, logistics, communications, and follow-up related to OCA programs and events.

Event & Program Support

• Provide operational and event support for career fairs, employer briefings, alumni visits, industry events, and related programming.
• Coordinate event logistics, materials, communications, scheduling, and attendee support.
• Attend employer briefings and meetings as needed to provide logistical support and capture notes and action items.
• Support and partner with the employer development and coaching functions/teammates as needed

Systems & Vendor Coordination

• Maintain and update JACK system information, contacts, and related records.
• Suggest system process improvements as needed

Data & Reporting Support

• Respond to and support data requests related to employer engagement and recruiting activity.
• Maintain accurate employer and contact records across systems and databases.

 

Basic Qualifications:

Minimum of 5 years of administrative experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Strong organizational and administrative skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and follow-through.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and respond effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Bachelor's degree preferred. Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Experience supporting events, operations, stakeholder engagement, or administrative coordination preferred.
• Experience in higher education, nonprofit organizations, recruiting, employer relations, student services, or related environments preferred.
• Experience with the Symplicity career management platform a plus.
• Collaborative and service-oriented approach.
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple operational details.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and coordination skills.
• Strong follow-through and attention to detail.
• Comfort working across teams and supporting a wide range of operational and stakeholder needs.
• Comfort working with databases, systems, spreadsheets, and reporting tools.

• Appointment End Date: This position is a fully benefits eligible term appointment through January 8, 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
• Other Information:  This position is based on campus in Cambridge, MA and required to work on campus at least 3 days/week.

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 055. 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.