Assistant Director, Interfaculty Initiative in Health Policy

Harvard University • Cambridge, MA

3h • Hybrid

About The Position

The Assistant Director manages administrative operations, academic operations, and student support for Harvard’s PhD Program in Health Policy within the Interfaculty Initiative in Health Policy (IIHP). The IIHP advances interdisciplinary research, teaching, and training at the intersection of health, policy, and society. The PhD program enrolls approximately 60 students and brings together faculty from multiple Harvard Schools. It offers concentrations in Decision Sciences, Economics, Management, Methods for Policy Research, and Political Analysis.

Reporting to the Executive Director of the Interfaculty Initiative in Health Policy, the Assistant Director oversees day-to-day program administration, interprets and implements Graduate School of Arts and Sciences policies, supports students and faculty, and coordinates admissions, communications, events, and financial administration. The role also supports course administration, maintains program records and materials, monitors student progress, and contributes to federal training grant applications and progress reports. Other duties may be assigned as required.

Requirements

• At least five years of administrative experience in higher education, academic research, or a comparably complex organization.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, including 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 high-stress situations, using sound judgment and coordinating with appropriate University resources.
• High degree of flexibility and adaptability, with the ability to manage concurrent projects and multiple priorities.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree strongly preferred.
• Experience working with students in an academic setting preferred.
• Familiarity with Harvard desirable.
• Interest in health policy is 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 initiative’s academic mission.
• Prepare and maintain administrative and student records; review complex documents and reports; and ensure compliance with university requirements.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and briefing materials for program staff, faculty, review committees, and other stakeholders.
• Support administration of the Core Course in Health Policy, including course and classroom scheduling.
• Serve as a primary administrative contact for students and connect them with appropriate university services.
• Advise students on academic, administrative, and university-related matters.
• Coordinate faculty committee meetings, 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 needing attention.
• Support faculty addressing student-related academic and administrative matters.
• Correspond with prospective applicants and admitted students in a timely and professional manner.
• 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 application review, including organizing materials, scheduling interviews, and communicating with applicants and admitted students.
• Evaluate applications and provide initial recommendations regarding admission candidates according to established criteria and procedures.
• Update the PhD program website and materials, ensuring clear, accurate, and accessible communication.
• 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, including orientation, fellowship advising sessions, a job market panel, program dinners, alumni events, and commencement activities.
• Coordinate schedules, communications, vendors, facilities, materials, and other event operations.
• Support program financial administration, including processing student reimbursements and payments.
• Contribute to federal training grant applications and annual progress reports.
• Perform other duties as required.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager