Operations & Community Engagement Coordinator, The Project on Workforce

Harvard University; Cambridge (MA); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Harvard University’s Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Business and Government seeks an Operations & Community Engagement Coordinator to manage core admin and events, coordinate research projects, and support student and alumni engagement. The role is hybrid in Cambridge, MA, with a 1-year term and 35 hours per week.

Ideal candidates bring exceptional organization, strong communication skills, initiative, and interest in education/workforce issues. Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Qualifications

• At least 1 year of relevant professional experience.
• Exceptional organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication across diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated initiative and good judgment.
• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Experience coordinating events or administrative processes is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Support financial administration, including expense tracking and reports.
• Coordinate vendor relationships, purchasing and contracts.
• Maintain organizational systems and processes to support research and engagement.
• Coordinate convenings, meetings and events with Project partners.
• Assist with scheduling and administrative activities for Project leadership.
• Coordinate one to two research projects with timelines and assistants.
• Recruit, onboard, and engage student researchers and fellows.
• Support outreach to alumni and engagement initiatives.

Skills

Organization

Written communication

Verbal communication

Initiative

Independence

Collaboration

Event coordination

Education interest

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred

Job description

Operations & Community Engagement Coordinator, The Project on Workforce

• Full-time
• Work Format: Hybrid
• Salary Grade: 054
• Department: Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Business and Government
• FLSA Status: Non-exempt

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 the Harvard Kennedy School?

The John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University is one of 12 graduate and professional schools at the university. Harvard Kennedy School’s mission is to improve public policy and leadership so people can live in societies that are more safe, free, just, and sustainably prosperous. By combining cutting‑edge research, the teaching of outstanding students, and direct interaction with practitioners, we have an impact on solving public problems that no other institution can match. When you work at Harvard Kennedy School, you make a difference.

The Project on Workforce seeks a highly organized, collaborative, and proactive Operations & Community Coordinator to support the Project’s day-to-day operations and foster engagement across its network of researchers, students, practitioners, alumni, and advisors. The Coordinator will manage core administrative and event logistics; coordinate selected research projects; and support student, alumni, and partner engagement. This position offers an opportunity to work closely with leaders addressing some of the nation’s most pressing education and workforce challenges.

Operations, Administration & Events (50%)

• Support financial administration, including expense tracking, reimbursements, purchasing, and preparation of financial reports.
• Coordinate vendor relationships, purchasing, and contracts, in collaboration with Project leadership and Harvard administrative offices.
• Maintain organizational systems and processes that support the Project's research and engagement activities.
• Coordinate convenings, meetings, and events that bring together Project on Workforce partners and stakeholders.
• Support scheduling and other administrative activities for Project leadership, as needed.

Project Coordination (25%)

• Coordinate one to two research projects, including managing timelines, scheduling meetings, coordinating research assistants, and tracking project deliverables.

Student & Community Engagement (25%)

• Coordinate recruitment, onboarding, and engagement of research assistants and student fellows.
• Support the Project's Cross-Harvard Study Group and other student programming that connects students with researchers and practitioners.
• Support outreach to Project alumni and strengthen the network of former research assistants, fellows, and study group members.
• Assist with community communications, outreach, and other engagement initiatives.

Based at the Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Business and Government at the Harvard Kennedy School, the Project on Workforce is an interdisciplinary initiative spanning the Harvard Kennedy School, Harvard Business School's Managing the Future of Work project, and the Harvard Graduate School of Education. The Project produces rigorous research and actionable insights at the intersection of education, labor markets, and economic mobility, with the goal of creating stronger pathways between learning and work. Through research, policy engagement, strategic partnerships, and convenings, the Project brings together leaders across and beyond Harvard to address the nation's workforce challenges and expand opportunity for workers and learners.

Basic Qualifications:

At least 1 year of relevant professional experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to engage with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Demonstrated initiative, judgment, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Commitment to the Project on Workforce's mission of expanding economic opportunity through research and practice.
• Experience coordinating events, projects, or administrative processes is preferred.
• Interest in education, workforce development, public policy, or research is preferred.
• Bachelor's degree is preferred.
• Appointment End Date: Fully benefits‑eligible one year term appointment, with the possibility of renewal.
• 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 is a hybrid position based on our campus in Cambridge, MA, required to work 1-3 days/week on campus.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 054. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.

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

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.