Program & Research Assistant, U.S.–Japan Relations

Harvard University FAS Human Resources; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Harvard University’s Weatherhead Center for International Affairs seeks a Staff Assistant to support the Program on U.S.-Japan Relations. You will work with the Faculty Director and admin leadership to help advance research, teaching missions, and outreach activities.

Responsibilities include preparing background memos, data collection and analysis, coordinating seminars and events, handling inquiries, and maintaining program communications online.

Qualifications

• Three or more years of administrative experience.
• Education beyond high school may count toward experience.
• Computer skills required.
• Bachelor's degree.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Suite, and social media platforms.
• Excellent writing, organizational, and communication skills are essential.
• Well-developed cross-cultural and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Ability to handle complex and confidential information with discretion.
• Familiarity with Japanese society and language preferred.
• Experience using statistical software (e.g., R) and document preparation with LaTeX is desirable.
• Familiarity with Harvard also preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support daily operations of the Program on U.S.-Japan Relations.
• Assist Faculty Director and administrative leadership.
• Contribute to academic, educational, and public outreach activities.
• Conduct background memoranda and literature reviews.
• Collect and analyze data, produce graphs and visualizations.
• Prepare presentations.
• Coordinate seminars, workshops, conferences, and events.
• Serve as the primary contact for visitors and general inquiries.
• Assist with office IT liaison and website/social media support.
• Overtime may be required.

Skills

Administrative experience

Microsoft Office

Adobe Suite

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

LaTeX

R

Job description

Harvard University’s Weatherhead Center for International Affairs seeks a Staff Assistant to support the Program on U.S.-Japan Relations. You will work with the Faculty Director and admin leadership to help advance research, teaching missions, and outreach activities.

Responsibilities include preparing background memos, data collection and analysis, coordinating seminars and events, handling inquiries, and maintaining program communications online.