Staff Assistant III

Harvard University • Cambridge, MA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Weatherhead Center for International Affairs facilitates the production of pathbreaking social science research on international, comparative, transnational, and global issues. Our community of scholars consists of over 400 affiliates from multiple social science disciplines and includes both Harvard faculty and students drawing from ten of Harvard’s schools as well as visitors to Harvard from all over the world. We house several dynamic research programs, initiatives, and clusters; host conferences, seminars, and workshops; and provide competitive fellowships to global scholars and research funding to Harvard faculty and students. This position is responsible for many of the day-to-day administrative functions that are in line with the research and teaching missions of the Program on US-Japan Relations.

Requirements

• 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.

Nice To Haves

• 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

• Supports the daily operations of the Program on U.S.-Japan Relations, working closely with the Faculty Director and administrative leadership.
• Combines program support, community building, and occasional research assistance, providing direct support to the Faculty Director while helping to advance the program’s academic, educational, and public outreach activities.
• Conducts research on topics related to East Asia, including trade, international political economy, and foreign policy.
• Prepares background memoranda and literature reviews, collects and analyzes data, produces graphs and other visualizations, and assists with the preparation of presentations.
• Manages logistical and administrative aspects of the program’s events, including seminars, workshops, conferences, and activities with Harvard undergraduate and graduate student groups.
• Coordinates speakers and participants, manages event logistics, and supports successful program execution.
• Serves as the primary point of contact for visitors and general inquiries.
• Assists with office operations.
• Acts as the departmental IT liaison.
• Supports the program’s website and social media communications.
• Performs other duties as required.
• Occasional overtime 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: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED