Briefing and Correspondence Coordinator

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Harvard University's Central Administration (CADM) is a 5,000+ employee organization that supports the university's overall excellence by understanding and serving the needs of its schools, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and surrounding communities. Through dynamic and collaborative partnerships, CADM provides high-quality and efficient services to the schools to help them achieve their goals.

About the role

Reporting to the Deputy Provost & Chief of Staff, the Briefing and Correspondence Coordinator is a member of the Provost’s support team.

Responsibilities

• Briefings: Collecting and preparing comprehensive briefings for many of the Provost’s meetings. Briefings include, but are not limited to, agendas, pre-readings, attendee biographies, talking points, memos, proposals, and detailed travel itineraries. Briefing support may include preparing occasional materials for the Deputy Provosts as well.
• Correspondence: Triaging, tracking, and managing the Provost’s incoming correspondence. Engage with colleagues within and outside of the Provost’s Office to ensure that messages receive a timely response and are followed up on as needed. Draft potential responses and other correspondence.
• Special Projects: Assisting with special projects and writing formal remarks and other communications as needed.
• General Support: Providing backup support to the Provost’s Executive Assistant, including scheduling and on-site support to the Provost as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions

This position is primarily on campus, with a minimum of four days in the office during the academic year. There may be times when additional on-campus presence is required; flexibility is essential.

Requirements

• Three years of relevant work experience.
• Strong interpersonal skills and excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to write clearly, concisely and for different audiences.
• Superlative command of grammar, diction, and syntax.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Ability to prioritize, multitask, and work in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines.
• Sound judgment and a high level of confidentiality and discretion.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills with a keen attention to detail and accuracy.
• Dedicated team player with a strong customer service orientation and an ability to work collaboratively with colleagues throughout the university, including senior leadership, and beyond.

This is a 35-hour per week, non-union, confidential position. The deadline-based nature of this position requires an individual who is responsive for the duration of the day and can occasionally work late. This position will have a 3-month orientation and review period. Candidates will be asked to provide at least two writing samples.

Work Format

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:

• 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