Assistant Director, Health Policy Interfaculty Initiative

Harvard University FAS Human Resources; Cambridge (MA); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Tuition assistance

Commuter benefits

Parental leave

Job summary

Harvard University Central Administration is seeking an Assistant Director for the PhD Program in Health Policy within the IIHP. The role oversees administrative and academic operations, student support, and coordination with multiple Harvard Schools and faculties.

Reporting to the Executive Director, you will manage records, reports, course scheduling, admissions processes, and program communications, while ensuring compliance and a student-centered environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of administrative experience in higher education, academic research, or a comparably complex organization.
• Bachelor’s degree strongly preferred.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with faculty, administrators, and students.
• Commitment to supporting inclusive, student-centered academic programs.
• Ability to support graduate students navigating complex academic or personal challenges, including conflict resolution and response to high-stress situations, exercising sound judgment and coordinating with appropriate University resources.
• High degree of flexibility and adaptability, and ability to manage concurrent projects and multiple priorities.
• Experience working with students in an academic setting preferred; familiarity with Harvard desirable.
• Interest in health policy a plus.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day administrative operations of the PhD Program in Health Policy.
• Interpret and implement Graduate School of Arts and Sciences policies and procedures for students.
• Foster a collaborative, service-oriented office culture aligned with the academic mission of the initiative.
• Prepare and maintain unit's administrative and student records, review complex documents and reports, assure compliance with university requirements.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and briefing materials for program staff, faculty, review committees, and other stakeholders.
• Support course administration for the Core Course in Health Policy, including coordinating course scheduling and classroom scheduling.
• Coordinate meetings of faculty committees, including scheduling, preparing materials, tracking action items, and facilitating follow-up.
• Monitor students’ academic progress and provide faculty with timely updates on milestones, requirements, and areas requiring attention.
• Support faculty in addressing student-related academic and administrative matters.
• Maintain timely and professional correspondence with prospective applicants and admitted students.
• Support admissions activities, including information sessions and recruitment events.
• Process, review, and track applications in accordance with program and Graduate School policies and deadlines.
• Coordinate the application review process, including organizing materials, scheduling interviews, and communicating with applicants and admitted students.
• Evaluate applications and provide initial recommendations regarding candidates for admission, in accordance with established program criteria and admissions procedures.
• Update the PhD program’s website and program materials, ensuring clear, accurate, and accessible communication for students, faculty, and external audiences.
• Maintain accurate academic and program information in course catalogs, student handbooks, and related publications.
• Plan and organize logistics for academic, professional development, recruitment, and community-building events.
• Coordinate schedules, communications, vendors, facilities, materials, and other operational details to ensure successful events.
• Support the financial administration of the PhD program, including processing student reimbursements and payments.
• Contribute to federal training grant applications and annual progress reports.
• May assume other duties as required.

Skills

Administrative experience

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Harvard University Central Administration is seeking an Assistant Director for the PhD Program in Health Policy within the IIHP. The role oversees administrative and academic operations, student support, and coordination with multiple Harvard Schools and faculties.

Reporting to the Executive Director, you will manage records, reports, course scheduling, admissions processes, and program communications, while ensuring compliance and a student-centered environment.