Operations Coordinator

Harvard University • Cambridge, MA

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Harvard Kennedy School Government Performance Lab (GPL) seeks an Operations Coordinator, who will further the GPL’s mission by working closely with other members of the GPL’s operations team to advance critical functions supporting GPL staff, including hiring and training, events, and operations. They will report to the Senior Director of Operations and work closely with GPL program leads and the Director of Strategic Operations.

About the Government Performance Lab:
The mission of the Harvard Kennedy School Government Performance Lab (GPL) is to accelerate progress on difficult social problems by improving how state and local governments across the country deliver services to their residents. Our team collaborates closely with government innovators in developing and testing ways to create more just and effective service systems in areas including child and family wellbeing, public safety and justice, and homelessness and housing. To date, the GPL has engaged with 110 jurisdictions across 37 states and has conducted more than 284 projects, shifting more than $7B in government spending towards results.

Requirements

• At least 3 years of administrative experience is required.
• Strong administrative and procedural practices including self-organization, time management, and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated project management and event coordination capabilities.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure, adjust to frequently changing work assignments, respond promptly to multiple requests, and remain flexible and positive in the face of changing priorities.
• High level of maturity and empathy with outstanding interpersonal and communication skills to develop and maintain collaborative relationships with colleagues and potential fellows.
• Ability to exercise independent leadership, prioritize multiple tasks, and work collaboratively with a variety of constituencies.
• Strong writing and verbal communication skills.
• Eagerness to learn, discretion on confidential matters, and ability to multitask.
• Demonstrated proficiency with MS Office, database systems, and e-mail computer applications.
• Commitment to mission-driven work.

Responsibilities

• Manage the planning and execution of multiple large-scale events on campus each year, including staff convenings, practitioner and expert gatherings, and off-campus policy team retreats, often involving 60+ participants.
• Prepare convening supplies and printed materials.
• Oversee event logistics, including event catering, session room reservations, and audio-visual equipment needs.
• Coordinate day-of event execution, troubleshoot issues in real time, and ensure a seamless participant experience.
• Coordinate and book accommodations and support services, including campus space, hotel accommodations, external meeting spaces as needed, and shuttle transportation.
• Manage communications with staff, speakers, and participants before, during, and after events.
• Engage with and manage external vendors, including for off-campus activities, specialized session materials, photographers, and catering/restaurants.
• Manage virtual events (Zoom setup, behind-the-scenes help, Q&A management).
• Ensure the organization runs smoothly behind the scenes by managing technology, administrative support, and internal processes, providing staff and fellows with the tools, resources, and support needed to work efficiently and maximize impact.
• Serve as the primary liaison with HKS IT for fellow and staff IT needs, including monitoring inventory and ordering new laptops, ensuring timely setup of laptops for new fellows (on campus and remote), and troubleshooting IT needs.
• Monitor telecommunication charges and service needs.
• Act as the main administrative point of contact for GPL fellows and staff, prioritizing multiple tasks and projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Manage the GPL inbox and respond to and route inquiries related to hiring and general operations.
• Serve as a backup to the GPL Financial and Administrative Coordinator (such as processing financial transactions and HR paperwork).
• Assist the GPL in recruiting, hiring, and training talented fellows to advance high-impact transformation projects helping improve government performance and outcomes for residents.
• Manage project management and execution related to improvement and administration of GPL hiring systems, including updating project scopes and job descriptions, managing cross-team hiring process administration and logistics, and incorporating ongoing improvements to the GPL hiring system.
• Execute outreach, recruitment, and processing of applicants, including maintaining targeted databases, developing and testing new outreach and fellow recruitment strategies, managing applications (reviewing applicants, scheduling interviews, coordinating reference checks), and implementing and managing software systems related to GPL hiring.
• Direct communications with applicants and interviewers.
• Assist the Director of Strategic Operations, as needed, on the organization's strategic priorities which may include fellowship support, alumni engagement, staff trainings, and engagement with government leads.
• Serve as the back-up to the Senior Director of Operations and review and approve third-party payroll provider’s monthly payroll and benefit expense sheets for fellows.
• Supervise a seasonal temporary worker on the hiring process if circumstances require.

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: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed