Job summary
Job post source
This job is directly from Harvard Kennedy School
Job overview
The Faculty Assistant at Harvard Kennedy School supports Professor Marshall Ganz and the Practicing Democracy Project by managing administrative, logistical, and relational tasks to facilitate impactful teaching and civic engagement work.
Responsibilities and impact
The Faculty Assistant manages course support including materials and grading, coordinates Professor Ganz's schedule and communications, tracks tasks and relationships, supports meetings and follow-ups, arranges travel, and maintains databases and websites for the Practicing Democracy Project.
Compensation and benefits
The position offers a salary at grade level 054 with comprehensive benefits including paid time off, medical/dental/vision insurance from day one, retirement plans, mental health resources, family support, professional development, and commuter perks.
Experience and skills
Requires 2 years office experience with administration and customer service skills; strong organizational, communication, and time management abilities; proficiency with email/calendar tools and willingness to learn databases; discretion and professionalism; bachelor's degree preferred; interest in civic engagement is a plus.
Career development
The role offers professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement, supporting growth within Harvard Kennedy School and related networks.
Work environment and culture
Harvard Kennedy School fosters a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative environment dedicated to public leadership and democratic renewal, with a mix of on-campus and remote work options.
Company information
Harvard Kennedy School is a graduate school at Harvard University focused on public policy and leadership to improve societies through research, teaching, and practitioner engagement.
Team overview
The Faculty Assistant supports Professor Ganz, a senior lecturer and faculty director, and collaborates with the Practicing Democracy Project team and global networks of organizers and educators.
Job location and travel
The position is based on a Harvard campus with some remote work allowed within specific states; work location must meet visa and payroll requirements.
Unique job features
This role uniquely supports a globally recognized public policy leader and a project dedicated to democratic practice, combining academic, practitioner, and global community engagement.
Company overview
Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) is a prestigious graduate school of public policy and government at Harvard University, located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It offers master's and doctoral programs designed to train leaders in public service, including public administration, public policy, and international development. HKS generates revenue through tuition fees, executive education programs, and research grants. Established in 1936, it has a rich history of influencing public policy and administration globally, with notable alumni including heads of state, government officials, and leaders in non-profit organizations.
How to land this job
Position your resume to highlight strong organizational and time management skills, emphasizing your ability to handle complex scheduling, correspondence, and task tracking, as these are central to the Faculty Assistant role at Harvard Kennedy School.
Emphasize experience with email and calendar management tools like Google Workspace or Microsoft Outlook, and any familiarity or willingness to learn database systems such as Salesforce, since these technical skills are crucial for managing course logistics and communications.
Apply through multiple platforms including Harvard Kennedy School's official careers website and LinkedIn to maximize your application's visibility and ensure it reaches the right hiring managers.
Connect with current staff or faculty in the Center for Public Leadership or the Practicing Democracy Project on LinkedIn. When reaching out, use ice breakers like commenting on Professor Ganz’s impactful work on leadership and organizing or expressing enthusiasm about the PDP’s mission to foster democratic renewal.
Optimize your resume for ATS by incorporating keywords from the job description such as 'organizational skills,' 'calendar management,' 'communication,' 'task tracking,' 'database management,' and 'public leadership.' This will help your resume pass initial automated screenings.
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