Coordinator, Religion and Public Life

26-Jun-2024

Coordinator, Religion and Public Life

Harvard Divinity School

66122BR

Job Summary

*This position is a fully benefits-eligible term appointment through June 30, 2025 with a strong possibility of renewal.*

Religion and Public Life (RPL) at Harvard Divinity School promotes the public understanding of religion in the service of a just world at peace. Under the direction of Associate Dean Diane L. Moore, RPL provides an umbrella for programs, research, and scholarship that explore the ways that religion is entwined with social, political, and economic dimensions of human experience and the institutions that structure human interaction. The two central initiatives at RPL are the Religious Literacy and the Professions Initiative and the Religion, Conflict, and Peace Initiative. 

Reporting to the RPL Administrative Director, the RPL Coordinator is a core member of the team who is responsible for overall general business administration including internal systems, financial and payroll operations, event coordination and logistics, communications support, and day-to-day operational support. Working with RPL staff, fellows, students, and the wider HDS and Harvard community, this critical role serves as the administrative core of RPL.

Position Description

Events Coordination 

• Provide full logistical support for the planning & execution of public events, fellowship programs & internship programs. Includes room bookings, catering, travel arrangements, and materials preparation.
• Contact person for speakers and panelists regarding travel arrangements, expense reimbursements, and honorarium payments.
• Webinar registration and technical support, coordination for audio-visual needs, event recordings and attendance reports, in collaboration with Communications Specialist.
• Support Communications Specialist in publicity and marketing of events.

HR and Payroll Support

• Initiate general student and LHT hiring.
• Track student internship hours. 
• Work with the financial aid office to process student interns stipend payments.

Financial Administration

• Process invoices, expense reimbursements, and other financial transactions (including reconciling P-cards and corporate cards).
• Register vendors in HDS financial systems for payment (Buy2Pay). 
• Reconcile monthly credit cards reports.

General Administration 

• Perform basic office functions such as purchasing and maintaining an inventory of supplies and submitting maintenance requests.
• Logistical support for office functions (staff meetings, open houses and special events).
• Support RPL staff in general administrative functions including maintaining shared Outlook calendars, replying to general emails, and fielding question to various staff members.
• Develop & maintain information management (SharePoint) systems for RPL files and IT support for RPL.
• General front desk responsibilities (greeting students and office visitors).

Basic Qualifications

• At least three years of professional work experience.
• Candidates wishing to be considered must supply a cover letter in addition to a resume.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Strong familiarity with Office365 and ability to learn new software applications, databases, and CRM systems.
• Demonstrated proficiency and experience in financial administration (processing invoices, expenditures, financial reporting, etc.).
• Excellent communication, organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Attention to detail is a must.
• Self-starter who can prioritize and manage competing deadlines and requests.
• Ability to work independently and with a team. 
• Experience in an academic setting preferred; familiarity with Harvard systems a plus.
• Must thrive in small entrepreneurial environment that is mission driven.

Working Conditions

This position is based in Cambridge, MA and requires an on-campus presence. All HDS positions have a regular schedule of Monday - Friday, 9am - 5 pm. A hybrid schedule, involving some remote work, may be possible, subject to business needs and manager and HR review/approval. HDS may adjust flex schedules as necessary or appropriate. Harvard has an established Flexwork Policy.

Please Note: We are currently conducting interviews virtually for selected candidates. Final interviews may be conducted on campus.

The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines. 

Additional Information

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 Divinity School seeks to respect, understand, and learn from all cultures, beliefs, and faith backgrounds, including those who are unaffiliated with a traditional denomination, of the members of our diverse community. HDS actively seeks and welcomes people of color, women, the LGBTQIA+ community, persons with disabilities, and people at intersections of these identities.

Founded in 1816, Harvard Divinity School is most religiously diverse divinity school in the United States and is one of 12 graduate/professional schools at Harvard University. HDS is grounded in pluralism and fosters the kind of thoughtful, respectful exchange of ideas that is vital for human flourishing. The School’s degree programs prepare students for careers in academia, ministry, and a wide range of roles across the nonprofit, private, and public sectors.

Work Format Details

This is a hybrid position that is based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Work is expected to be performed in an office setting, but may be remote, as directed by HDS. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which are currently Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). Additional details will be discussed during the interview process.

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:

• Flex-work options at HDS, including an optional summer compressed workweek (end of May through mid-August)
• 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

403134 Coordinator I

Work Format

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

Sub-Unit

------------

Salary Grade

054

Department

RPL

Union

55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

Time Status

Full-time

Appointment End Date

30-Jun-2025

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.

LinkedIn Recruiter Tag (for internal use only)

#LI-HY1