Program Assistant

09-May-2024

Faculty of Arts and Sciences

65695BR

Job Summary

The Harvard China Fund (HCF) has a small, lean team that works closely with the Harvard Center Shanghai and in collaboration with the staff of the Fairbank Center for Chinese Studies (FCCS).  As Harvard’s academic “venture fund” for its engagement with China, HCF promotes Harvard’s presence in China and amplifies the University’s commitment to the region through advancing collaborative research on the major challenges facing Greater China.  We provide opportunities for students to develop their lifelong engagement with China, seed funding for faculty to collaborate with institutions across Greater China, and support for the Harvard Center Shanghai.

Position Description

The Program Assistant's responsibilities would include the following:

• Program/grants: arrange publicity (design materials, social media, mailing list, info session, fairs), collect applications, create spreadsheets and enter data, communicate with applicants, process funding, distribute evaluations and summarize feedback
• Meetings and event support: gather team’s availability/arrange scheduling, book venue, order food, send invitations, collect RSVPs, send reminders, take attendance, compose meeting minutes, process Executive Director's expenses
• Support faculty director: organize mail, check voicemail and note messages, check receipts and file expense reports (Concur), prepare business trips and some travel arrangements, occasional tech support, and some office organization and other ad hoc tasks as needed
• Website maintenance: upload announcements and student blog posts, make edits and update program/grant info
• General departmental administrative support and communications: update general mailing lists, answer general questions by phone, email or in-person, staff large Fairbank Center events as needed (approx. 2-3 per semester), and other small tasks as needed
• Conduct general research related to contemporary China, such as U.S.-China relations, new national policies, and breaking news to keep the team updated as needed or requested

Basic Qualifications

1+ years of office experience. Education may count toward experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

Bachelor’s degree; proficiency with Microsoft Office programs; and Chinese language proficiency preferred.  Must be able to prioritize work, meet deadlines, and work independently.  Strong writing skills and attention to detail.  Must have excellent interpersonal skills.

Additional Information

We regret that we will not be able to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

All formal written offers will be made by FAS Human Resources.

Work Format Details

This is a hybrid position that is based in Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards ) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Job Function

General Administration

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code

403033 Staff Assistant III

Work Format

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

Department

Fairbank Center for Chinese Studies

Union

55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

Pre-Employment Screening

Identity

Schedule

This is a hybrid position, with 3-4 days on-site during the semester and more flexibility during the summer, depending on the team’s schedule. 

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

LinkedIn Recruiter Tag (for internal use only)

#LI-JB1