Senior Executive Assistant to the Provost

Harvard University • Cambridge, MA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Executive Assistant to the Provost of Harvard University is a key member of the Provost’s support team and reports to the Deputy Provost and Chief of Staff. In partnership with the Chief of Staff, this role ensures the Provost’s administrative needs are met through high-level support and complex administrative work requiring sound judgment, confidentiality, and timeliness.

The position manages the Provost’s calendar, travel, expenses, events, contacts, and assigned projects; develops systems for administrative needs; and coordinates with colleagues and constituents across and beyond the University. It also provides in-person support, including greeting visitors, preparing meeting materials and conference rooms, coordinating catering, and offering backup calendar support to the Deputy Provosts.

The role is fully on-site at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. The regular schedule is generally 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, for 35 hours per week. The position may occasionally require early or late work, and extended hours are required. A three-month orientation and review period applies.

Requirements

• Seven years of experience working with and supporting senior or executive leaders.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• High level of discretion, confidentiality, organization, and attention to detail.
• Ability to multitask, prioritize, be flexible, and work in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines and frequently reprioritized demands.
• Ability to interact with colleagues throughout the University, including senior leadership, and with external contacts.
• Strong teamwork and customer service orientation.
• Creative approach to problem-solving.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Experience with Harvard.
• Familiarity with an academic environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-level support and perform complex administrative duties with judgment, confidentiality, and timeliness.
• Develop and maintain systems and processes for managing the Provost’s administrative needs.
• Manage the Provost’s complex calendar, evaluate and research scheduling requests, recommend alternatives, respond to changes, and resolve conflicts with University and external colleagues.
• Manage domestic and international travel arrangements in coordination with University Development and other partners.
• Manage the Provost’s business expenses and reimbursements.
• Manage logistics for small- and large-scale special events and assigned special projects.
• Manage contacts and liaise with internal and external constituents, including deans, senior administrators, faculty, students, staff, alumni, and external partners.
• Maintain professionalism and discretion in institutional interactions while adapting to changing priorities.
• Provide in-person support, including greeting visitors and guests, producing meeting materials, preparing conference rooms, and ordering and coordinating catering.
• Provide backup calendar support for the Deputy Provosts.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the smooth operation and responsiveness of the Provost’s Office.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off, including parental leave.
• Medical, dental, and vision 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: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed