Faculty Assistant and Global Food System Program Coordinator

Harvard University•Cambridge, MA

18d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Global Food Systems Program at Harvard Kennedy School is seeking an organized and proactive administrative professional to support its growing program. This program focuses on the question of how to feed the world well, bringing together faculty, policymakers, business leaders, and practitioners to address food security and sustainability. The administrative coordinator will be central to the program's smooth operation, coordinating events, serving as a key contact for various stakeholders, and assisting in the development of new initiatives.

Requirements

A minimum of 2 years of related experience including demonstrated office administration, event planning and customer service experience. Relevant internships will count toward experience.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and internet tools, with a willingness to learn new technologies.
Demonstrated experience prioritizing tasks to changing needs and seeing tasks to completion in a timely manner.
Prior academic research and writing experience.
Interest in research related to the food system.
Proficient written and spoken English.
Comfortable juggling competing priorities, reporting to multiple supervisors, and accommodating a broad range of work-styles.
Ability to work well independently and contribute as a valuable team member.
Reliability and a commitment to following through and striving to surpass expectations.
Experience working in an office environment.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree is a plus.

Responsibilities

Manage course delivery, including copyright clearances, posting readings on Canvas, tracking student work, liaising with guests, coordinating audiovisual support, organizing in-class activities, and managing faculty office hours.
Serve as the principal source of information on established unit/project/program policies and advise faculty, students, or staff.
Oversee the teaching team, including teaching fellows and course assistants.
Communicate professionally with internal and external stakeholders on behalf of the faculty.
Potentially assist with faculty recruitment or promotion processes.
Manage complex calendars, travel arrangements, and expense reimbursements.
Proofread documents, retrieve research resources, and submit materials for publishing and distribution.
Plan events, including communicating with guests, reserving rooms, ordering catering, and managing all logistics.
Move projects forward and look for ways to leverage faculty time.
Assist in the planning and teaching of degree program classes and executive education programs.
Work with course coaches and research assistants on cases and simulations.
Assist in growing the newly established Program in Global Food Systems by setting up programmatic meetings for faculty.
Coordinate with student groups in agriculture and food when they host events and invite outside speakers.
Coordinate the annual PAPSAC conference, including space and room reservations, catering, communication, marketing, travel, event set-up, event registration, greeting guests, coordinating security, and managing audiovisual needs.
Manage programmatic reimbursements for guests and other stakeholders.
Fulfill programmatic administrative needs as necessary.

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
Opportunity for on-the-job learning in a supportive environment with continuous professional training
Opportunity to grow career by being exposed to the inner workings of a world-renowned public policy and leadership school
Work-life balance