Research Associate, California Research Center

08-Mar-2024

Harvard Business School

65262BR

Job Summary

Are you a voracious reader? Do you process the world through writing? Are you someone that is intrigued by big ideas, but is also detail oriented? Do you want to play a role on a small, high-energy team? The California Research Center is looking for a part-time Research Associate. Join us in our work to support the Harvard Business School’s (HBS) mission to educate leaders who make a difference in the world.

Established in 1997, the California Research Center (CRC) is one of a network of Harvard Business School’s research outposts across the globe. These 18 research offices, along with a team in Boston, comprise the Global Initiative, and their purpose is to promote global engagement and encourage an international outlook in research, study, and practice. These research teams serve as the School’s local ‘’eyes and ears’’ in their respective geographies.

The CRC’s primary mission is to facilitate faculty research and case study writing on West Coast companies, with an emphasis on California and the Bay Area. Since its opening, the CRC has helped develop more than 350 cases, which are used in all academic units within the School's MBA and Executive Education programs. Recent cases examine Zoom’s strategy during the pandemic, assess the San Francisco Ballet’s efforts to grow their audience, explore Heineken’s acquisition of Lagunitas Brewing Company, and evaluate of the transformation of Microsoft’s corporate culture.

As part of its faculty support, the CRC also creates tailored immersion experiences for professors, connecting faculty ideas to business in action. Apart from research, the CRC also assists in the development of high impact programs for area alumni, students, and applicants in partnership with other areas of the school including the Rock Center for Entrepreneurship, Admissions, Career & Professional Development, and Alumni Relations.

Position Description

The Research Associate will report to the CRC’s Executive Director based in Burlingame, CA and will work under the direction of the CRC’s Assistant Director and Senior Researchers.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Research and marketing:

• Assist research team by gathering and synthesizing data from a variety of sources
• Prepare background briefs summarizing information about a company or industry
• Participate in drafting cases
• Transcribe case interview recordings
• Research industry and HBS contacts
• Assist research team in case processing including citations, style guidelines, proofreading, exhibit production, and permissions for exhibits
• Arranging faculty visits to companies relevant to research

Office operations and administration:

• Assist with preparation of Advisory Board meeting materials
• Help track Office metrics through reporting and database entry
• Help develop marketing materials - Research and book meeting/function venues, and handle other meeting logistics
• Organize and troubleshoot office operations (ordering supplies, maintaining office equipment)

This role is responsible for other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required
• 5+ years of relevant work experience is required
• Fluency in verbal and written English is required

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• This position requires an energetic and highly responsive individual.
• The applicant should have a demonstrated interest in business and technology.
• The successful candidate will have excellent writing skills, as well as organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills with a focus on customer service.
• The individual must be both resourceful and collaborative.
• Candidates must display professionalism, confidence, and poise in working with diverse constituents.
• Must have commitment to quality, excellence, and be detail-oriented.
• Experience working on a small, entrepreneurial team a plus. 

Additional Information

This role is offered as a hybrid (some combination of onsite and remote) where you are required to be onsite at our Boston, MA-based campus 3 days per week. Specific days and schedules will be determined between you and your manager.

We may conduct candidate interviews virtually (phone and/or via Zoom) and/or in-person for this role.

A cover letter is required to be considered for this opportunity. Candidates must also provide 2 writing samples. 

Harvard Business School will not offer visa sponsorship for this opportunity.

Culture of Inclusion: The work and well-being of HBS is profoundly strengthened by the diversity of our network and our differences in background, culture, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, and life experiences. Explore more about HBS work culture here https://www.hbs.edu/employment .

About Us

Founded in 1908 as part of Harvard University, Harvard Business School (www.hbs.edu ) is located on a 40-acre campus in Boston. The School offers two full-time MBA and PhD programs, more than 175 Executive Education programs, and certificates and courses through Harvard Business School Online. For more than a century, Harvard Business School faculty have drawn on their research, connection to practice, global expertise, and passion for teaching to educate leaders who make a difference in the world. The School and its curriculum attract the boldest thinkers and the most collaborative learners who will shape the practice of business and entrepreneurship around the globe.

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.

Department Office Location

USA - CA - Menlo Park

Job Code

RS0056 Researcher II Humanities

Work Format

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

Department

Global Initiative

Annual Salary Range

$35,000 - $40,000 annually (This role has a 30 hour per week schedule.)

Union

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Pre-Employment Screening

Education, Identity

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.