Program Assistant for the Fairbank Center

19-Nov-2024

Program Assistant for the Fairbank Center

Faculty of Arts and Sciences

67311BR

Job Summary

The Fairbank Center's mission is to advance scholarship in all fields of China Studies at Harvard. You can learn more about our work on our website.

Position Description

Duties & Responsibilities:
Reporting to the Fairbank Center Executive Director with a dotted line to the Fairbank Center Faculty Director, the Program Assistant will provide staff support including scheduling and managing appointments, responding to emails, travel arrangements, preparing reimbursements, preparing materials for meetings, taking meeting notes, and other tasks as needed.

In addition, the PA will provide support for other staff on a variety of activities, including organizing materials for faculty and student grants, tracking non-resident associate renewals, assisting on work with visiting scholars and other affiliates, gathering information for communications, sending out information to various mail lists, coordinating some faculty events, preparing and setting up for meetings, and other related administrative tasks as needed. The PA will also provide administrative support and back-up for conferences, seminars, lectures, community events, special events, receptions, and visiting delegations. The PA will assist with reimbursements, Concur/PCard submissions, and purchasing using the Buy2Pay system, and other duties as assigned.  The PA will also assume receptionist responsibilities by greeting Center visitors and addressing their inquiries.  

Basic Qualifications

2+ years of office experience. Education may count toward experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

BA preferred. Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs, including Outlook calendaring. Experience or familiarity with China, Chinese Studies and language strongly preferred, as is previous experience with event support, managing calendars, and booking travel. Must be able to prioritize work, meet deadlines, and work independently. Strong writing skills and attention to detail are essential. Must have excellent interpersonal skills and be able to manage and prioritize multiple demands in a fast-paced environment. Must also be able to communicate—in emails and in person—with people at a variety of levels, including deans, faculty, senior administration, students, peers, and visiting dignitaries from China. A positive attitude and teamwork are essential. 

Working Conditions

Must be able to work 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday. This is an on-campus position. When business needs allow, there may flexibility to work remotely in an approved payroll state 1 day/week. Further details will be discussed during the interview process. Occasional early morning/evening work may be required to support events and other Center initiatives. 

Additional Information

All formal offers will be made by FAS HR.

The Fairbank Center will not sponsor visas for this position.

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.

Work Format Details

This position is based primarily on-campus, in Massachusetts. This may include in-person during emergency situations (if applicable). Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

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.

Job Function

General Administration

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code

403033 Staff Assistant III

Work Format

On-Site

Sub-Unit

Social Sciences

Salary Grade

053

Department

Fairbank Center for Chinese Studies

Union

55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

Time Status

Full-time

Pre-Employment Screening

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.

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