Briefing and Correspondence Coordinator

Harvard University; Massachusetts; Hybrid; USD 56,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time off

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Tuition assistance and reimbursement

Commuter benefits

Job summary

Harvard University in Cambridge, MA seeks a Briefing and Correspondence Coordinator to support the Provost’s Office. Reporting to the Deputy Provost & Chief of Staff, the role develops comprehensive briefings, drafts responses, and assists with special projects and communications.

The position is primarily on campus with a minimum four days in the office during the academic year, offers a 35-hour week schedule, and requires strong writing with high confidentiality.

Qualifications

• Three years of relevant work experience.
• Strong interpersonal skills and excellent written and verbal communication, including ability to write clearly for different audiences.
• Superlative command of grammar, diction, and syntax.

Responsibilities

• Briefings: Collecting and preparing comprehensive briefings for many of the Provost’s meetings, including agendas, pre-readings, attendee bios, talking points, memos, proposals, and travel itineraries.
• Correspondence: Triaging, tracking, and managing the Provost’s incoming correspondence; draft responses and other correspondence.
• Special Projects: Assisting with special projects and writing formal remarks and other communications as needed.
• General Support: Providing backup support to the Provost’s Executive Assistant, including scheduling and on-site support as needed.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Attention to detail

Customer service

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred

Job 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 Harvard University Central Administration?

Harvard University's Central Administration (CADM) is a 5,000+ employee organization that supports the university's overall excellence by understanding and serving the needs of its schools, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and surrounding communities. Through dynamic and collaborative partnerships, CADM provides high-quality and efficient services to the schools to help them achieve their goals.

Duties & Responsibilities

Reporting to the Deputy Provost & Chief of Staff, the Briefing and Correspondence Coordinator is a member of the Provost’s support team. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Briefings: Collecting and preparing comprehensive briefings for many of the Provost’s meetings. Briefings include, but are not limited to, agendas, pre-readings, attendee biographies, talking points, memos, proposals, and detailed travel itineraries. Briefing support may include preparing occasional materials for the Deputy Provosts as well.
• Correspondence: Triaging, tracking, and managing the Provost’s incoming correspondence. Engage with colleagues within and outside of the Provost’s Office to ensure that messages receive a timely response and are followed up on as needed. Draft potential responses and other correspondence.
• Special Projects: Assisting with special projects and writing formal remarks and other communications as needed.
• General Support: Providing backup support to the Provost’s Executive Assistant, including scheduling and on-site support to the Provost as needed. Other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions:

• This position is primarily on campus, with a minimum of four days in the office during the academic year. There may be times when additional on-campus presence is required; flexibility is essential.

Basic Qualifications are the minimum requirements a candidate must meet to be considered for this role.

• Three years of relevant work experience. Strong interpersonal skills and excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to write clearly, concisely and for different audiences. Superlative command of grammar, diction, and syntax.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred. Ability to prioritize, multitask, and work in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines. Sound judgment and a high level of confidentiality and discretion. Strong organizational and problem-solving skills with a keen attention to detail and accuracy. Dedicated team player with a strong customer service orientation and an ability to work collaboratively with colleagues throughout the university, including senior leadership, and beyond.

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Harvard University requires pre-employment reference and background screenings:Identity
• Other Information:
  • This is a 35-hour per week, non-union, confidential position.
  • The deadline-based nature of this position requires an individual who is responsive for the duration of the day and can occasionally work late.
  • This position will have a 3-month orientation and review period.
  • Candidates will be asked to provide at least two writing samples.

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.