Admissions Assistant

Harvard University, Faculty of Arts & Sciences; Cambridge (MA); Hybrid; USD 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Parental leave

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Job summary

The Harvard College Admission Visitor Center seeks an Admissions Assistant to greet visitors, share information about Harvard College admissions, and support counselors and families. You will be the face of Harvard, handling inquiries in person, by phone, and via email, and coordinating logistics for Visitas and events.

Required are strong communication and organizational skills, with 3+ years experience and a bachelor\'s degree preferred.

Qualifications

• Three or more years of experience. (Education beyond highschool may count toward experience.)
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.

Responsibilities

• As a first point of contact, provide information about Harvard College admissions in person, by phone, or email.
• Triage inquiries from high school counselors, organizations, and alumni about the admissions process.
• Prepare and edit email correspondence and materials.
• Assist prospective and admitted students with academic departments and offices.
• Participate in Visitas weekend and welcome admitted students.
• Arrange overnight hosting for admitted students unable to attend Visitas.

Skills

Excellent communication

Interpersonal skills

Customer service

Teamwork

Office etiquette

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Slate InBox

Job description

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community thatadvances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways,inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills andexpertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcomingenvironment where everyone can thrive.

Why join the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences?

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) is the historic heart ofHarvard University. It is the home of Harvard’s undergraduateprogram (Harvard College, founded in 1636) as well as all ofHarvard’s Ph.D. programs (the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin GraduateSchool of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1872), Harvard Athleticsand the Division of Continuing Education. The 40 academicdepartments and 30+ centers of the FAS support a communityunparalleled in its academic excellence across the broadest rangeof liberal arts and sciences disciplines. Together, the FAS seeksto foster an environment of ambition, curiosity and sharedcommitment to knowledge and truth that elicits excellence from allmembers of our community and prepares the next generation ofleaders through a transformative educational experience.

Job Description

Job Summary

The Harvard College Admission Visitor Center welcomes prospectiveundergraduate students and their families from all around theworld, provides information about the College and admissionsprocess through multiple channels, and frequently serves as theface of the university to the general public. The AdmissionsAssistant plays a critical role in ensuring a positive andinformative experience for prospective students, admitted students,parents, guidance counselors, and others interested in theCollege.

Job‑Specific Responsibilities

• As a first point of contact, deliver accurate information aboutHarvard College and admissions process and policies in person, onthe phone, or through email; may respond to inquiries through otherchannels (e.g., chat, social media) as needed
• Triage calls, answer questions, and provide information to highschool counselors, organizations, and alumni about the admissionsprocess
• Compose, edit, proofread, and prepare email correspondence andother materials
• Assist prospective and admitted student contact with academicdepartments and other offices
• Participate in on-campus Visitas weekend, welcoming andchecking in admitted students
• Arrange overnight hosting for admitted students unable toattend Visitas
• Handle set-up (e.g., audio-visual, space) for daily informationsessions; assist with logistics for on-campus recruitment and yieldevents
• Maintain inventory of admissions publications
• Arrange room reservations for space in Agassiz House
• Proactively contribute to the improvement of officeoperations
• Gather and maintain data on visitor inquiries andengagement
• Make suggestions and contribute content for Harvard Collegewebsite and marketing materials, based on Visitor Center inquiriesand information requests
• Ensure compliance with admissions requirements and/orpolicies
• May assist in training student employees and temporaryworkers
• Perform additional duties as needed

Working Conditions

• Work is typically performed in an office setting, but may be remote hybrid, as directed by FAS.
• This position is public-facing and will require the candidateto work at least three days per week at the Visitor Center inCambridge, MA.
• Any remote work must be performed in a state in which Harvardis registered to do business (including, but not limited to, CT,MA, MD, ME, NH, NY, RI, and VT)

Physical Requirements

• Work will require sitting, near vision use for reading andcomputer use for extended periods of time, lifting (approximately20 to 30 pounds), bending, and other physical exertion.

Basic Qualifications (required)

• Three or more years of experience. (Education beyond highschool may count toward experience.)

Additional Qualifications and Skills (preferred)

• Bachelor's degree preferred
• Excellent communication (both oral and written) andinterpersonal skills, especially with a wide variety ofconstituents from diverse backgrounds
• Ability to exercise professional judgment and tact, as well ashandle complex and confidential information with discretion.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, andfollow-through.
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team withminimal supervision in a fast-paced and demanding environment.
• Ability to manage large volumes of work and meet shiftingdeadlines with flexibility and poise
• Previous experience providing a high level of customer servicein a busy office preferred.
• Computer literacy and ability to learn new applications andsystems quickly; experience with Microsoft Office and emailapplications; knowledge of Slate InBox a plus.
• Ability to work during Visitor Center hours of operations(typically, 9 am to 5 pm, weekdays) and overtime during peakperiods, as well as some weekends and holidays as needed.

Additional Information

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University isunable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Criminaland Reference checks required.

Other Information

• In order to be considered for this position, please demonstratebasic qualifications are met.
• Applicants MUST submit a cover letter in addition to their resume in order for their application to be reviewed.
• This position has a 3-month orientation and review period.
• All formal offers will be made by FAS HR.

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders thatsome of the duties and responsibilities can be effectivelyperformed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and locationwill be set by the department at its discretion and based uponoperational needs. When not working at a Harvard orHarvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions mustwork in a Harvard registered state in compliance with theUniversity’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 priorto employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 053. 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 tosupport a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental andfinancial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Ourbenefits include, but are not limited to:

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage startingon day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Wellbeing and mental health resources
• Support for families and caregivers
• Professional development opportunities including tuitionassistance 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.