What are the responsibilities and job description for the Program Assistant, MPA position at Harvard University?
Job Summary
The MPA Program Assistant performs a wide range of complex and confidential administrative and professional duties to support the Master in Public Administration (MPA) Programs team. The role requires excellent communication and interpersonal skills, strong problem-solving skills, sound judgment, a degree of confidentiality, ability to prioritize and multitask in a fast paced work environment, and ability to work independently with minimal supervision and well as part of a team. We value and are dedicated to the goal of building a diverse community. We strongly encourage applications from candidates who can demonstrate capacity to strengthen the diversity of the student body and to work with a diverse school community. This position reports to the Assistant Director of MPA Programs.
Job-Specific Responsibilities
Master in Public Administration (MPA) Programs at HKS include an intensive one-year mid-career program (MC/MPA) and a two-year program. There are approximately 400 students enrolled in these two degree programs and they represent over 65 countries, with 60% of students coming from countries outside the United States.
The MC/MPA program—which includes the Edward S. Mason Fellows—enhances the knowledge and skills of established, high-performing professionals who are looking to move up in their public service careers or transition from the private sector to leadership positions in the public or nonprofit sectors. The two-year MPA program equips students who have prior work experience and have taken graduate-level courses with the skills, perspectives, and nuanced understanding they need to be effective leaders in solving public problems.
Position responsibilities (include, but are not limited to):
The MC/MPA program—which includes the Edward S. Mason Fellows—enhances the knowledge and skills of established, high-performing professionals who are looking to move up in their public service careers or transition from the private sector to leadership positions in the public or nonprofit sectors. The two-year MPA program equips students who have prior work experience and have taken graduate-level courses with the skills, perspectives, and nuanced understanding they need to be effective leaders in solving public problems.
Position responsibilities (include, but are not limited to):
- Serves as an enthusiastic ambassador and front-face of HKS, Degree Programs and Student Affairs (DPSA), and the MPA Programs team, as well as the principal source of information on the School’s established policies and procedures. Regularly engages with prospective, admitted, and current students through email, phone, and in-person meetings.
- Provides support with Mason Fall Launch and MC/MPA Summer Program planning and delivery.
- Provides event planning assistance—such as catering, room reservations, and audiovisual arrangements—for MC/MPA Seminars, Mason Seminars, and other ad hoc events.
- Administers departmental operations—such as processing financial transactions, ordering office supplies, and assisting with travel and meeting arrangements.
- Assists Director and Associate Directors of MPA Programs with project support as needed. Monitors the MPA Programs’ general email accounts.
- Ensures regular maintenance and organization of the MPA storage space.
- May assist in onboarding, training, scheduling, and distributing work of student and temporary workers. Drafts correspondence to a variety of stakeholders.
- Contributes to MPA Programs’ goals by accomplishing related duties as needed.
Basic Qualifications
Minimum of 2 years of administrative experience.
Additional Qualifications and Skills
- Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills. Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Ability to multitask while showing good judgment, diplomacy, and maintaining confidentiality.
- Ability to work independently and in teams and to work with a wide variety of people while being sensitive to diverse cultures and needs.
- Knowledge of Harvard University financial systems strongly preferred and some student affairs and/or event experience preferred.
- Website editing and social media skills a plus. Proficiency in Outlook and Microsoft products.
Additional Information
We regret that the Harvard Kennedy School does not provide Visa Sponsorship.
Harvard University requires pre-employment references and background checks.
Harvard University is committed to supporting a healthy, sustainable learning and working environment.
Please note: This is an on-campus position is based in Cambridge, MA, with possible flexible work arrangements available.
Harvard will require COVID vaccination for all Harvard community members who will have any on-campus presence. Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. More information regarding the University’s COVID vaccination requirement and exceptions may be found at the University’s “COVID-19 Vaccine Information” webpage: http://www.harvard.edu/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-information/.
Salary Range: $49,139 - $ 76,755
Note: Starting salaries typically fall in the lower half of the salary range; however, they are ultimately determined by the scope of the position, the candidate's relevant experience, and internal equity.
Harvard Kennedy School’s Mission and Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging
At Harvard Kennedy School, fostering a diverse and inclusive community where everyone feels they belong is a matter of basic fairness consistent with our core values as an institution. It is also essential to our mission of improving public policy and leadership—because recruiting the best people and creating an environment where they can thrive make us better at what we do, because we learn more from people with different perspectives, and because we work in diverse groups and serve diverse societies.
Learn more about Harvard Kennedy School’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and belonging.
Harvard Kennedy School’s mission is to improve public policy and leadership so people can live in societies that are more safe, free, just, and sustainably prosperous. Our teaching, research, and engagement with practitioners focus on these priorities:
Harvard offers a generous benefits package including:
Harvard University requires pre-employment references and background checks.
Harvard University is committed to supporting a healthy, sustainable learning and working environment.
Please note: This is an on-campus position is based in Cambridge, MA, with possible flexible work arrangements available.
Harvard will require COVID vaccination for all Harvard community members who will have any on-campus presence. Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. More information regarding the University’s COVID vaccination requirement and exceptions may be found at the University’s “COVID-19 Vaccine Information” webpage: http://www.harvard.edu/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-information/.
Salary Range: $49,139 - $ 76,755
Note: Starting salaries typically fall in the lower half of the salary range; however, they are ultimately determined by the scope of the position, the candidate's relevant experience, and internal equity.
Harvard Kennedy School’s Mission and Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging
At Harvard Kennedy School, fostering a diverse and inclusive community where everyone feels they belong is a matter of basic fairness consistent with our core values as an institution. It is also essential to our mission of improving public policy and leadership—because recruiting the best people and creating an environment where they can thrive make us better at what we do, because we learn more from people with different perspectives, and because we work in diverse groups and serve diverse societies.
Learn more about Harvard Kennedy School’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and belonging.
Harvard Kennedy School’s mission is to improve public policy and leadership so people can live in societies that are more safe, free, just, and sustainably prosperous. Our teaching, research, and engagement with practitioners focus on these priorities:
- Protecting security, freedom, and human rights
- Strengthening democracy
- Advancing social justice
- Increasing economic well-being
- Enhancing sustainability
- Improving public leadership and management
Harvard offers a generous benefits package including:
- Time Off: 3- 4 weeks paid vacation, paid holiday break, 12 paid sick days, 11.5 paid holidays, and 3 paid personal days per year.
- Medical/Dental/Vision: We offer a variety of excellent medical plans, dental & vision plans, all coverage begins as of your start date.
- Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with full vesting after 3 years of service.
- Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive tuition assistance program, $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and discounted options through participating Harvard grad schools.
- Transportation: Harvard offers a 50% discounted MBTA pass as well as additional options to assist employees in their daily commute.
-
Wellness Options: Harvard offers programs and classes at little or no cost, including stress management, massages, nutrition, meditation and complimentary health services.
Harvard access to athletic facilities, libraries, campus events and many discounts throughout metro Boston.
Job Function
General Administration
Location
USA - MA - Cambridge
Job Code
403033 Staff Assistant III
Sub-Unit
-
Department
Degree Programs and Student Affairs
Time Status
Full-time
Salary Grade
053
Union
55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers
Pre-Employment Screening
Identity
Schedule
9- 5 Monday through Friday
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.
Salary : $49,139 - $0
Assistant Group Leader
Driscoll Extended Day Program -
Brookline, MA
Assistant Playgroup Facilitator
Brookline Early Education Program -
Brookline, MA
Special Education Teaching Assistant (19hrs)
Newton Early Childhood Program -
Newtonville, MA
