Program and Events 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. Why join the Harvard Kennedy School? The John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University is one of 12 graduate and professional schools at the university. 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. By combining cutting‑edge research, the teaching of outstanding students, and direct interaction with practitioners, we have an impact on solving public problems that no other institution can match. When you work at Harvard Kennedy School, you make a difference. The Program Coordinator is a key member of the Office of Student Services (OSS), providing administrative and programmatic support for the OSS team, student organizations and events, and student conferences and symposiums. They serve as the primary on‑site staff member for student and OSS events, and also seasonally as a key support for the MPA Summer Program and commencement. The position performs a wide range of duties and the ability to seamlessly transition between projects, prioritize efficiently, and manage work independently is critical. Requires excellent attention to detail, strong communication and interpersonal skills, sound judgment, a degree of confidentiality, the ability to prioritize and multitask in a fast‑paced work environment, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team. This position reports to the Assistant Director of Student Services. Job‑Specific Responsibilities Oversee the student organization re‑registration process including tracking training completion, tracking leadership, updating EMS as needed, updating the active organizations list, reminders and follow‑ups, etc. Serves as the main point of contact for all regular student organization events. Keeps up‑to‑date on all student organization and event related policies, as well as policies of service providers that may affect student events. Processes student organization event finances (reimbursements, invoices, sending billing codes to HUDS/CPO/Security/Media). Ensures student organization events keep within allocated budget. Serves as support for student symposia logistics including providing assistance for signage, rooms, ordering of materials, staffing/organizing staffing, serving as the first round vetting of speakers with support from student workers, other support as assigned. Serves as support for student conference logistics including providing assistance for signage, rooms, ordering of materials, staffing/organizing staffing, serving as the Touchnet contact/expert for students, first round vetting of speakers with support from student workers, other support as assigned. Additional Event and Student Support Approves student tabling requests Primary contact for the Student Community Service Collaborative, including programming and event oversight Plan and execute OSS events, such as Halloween party and study breaks Quorum call oversight including working with featured organizations and staffing the event Additional event support for future initiatives Programmatic and Seasonal Support Works closely with the Associate Director and Senior Director to support Commencement and related events, including financial processing of Commencement related invoices. Works with the MPA team to provide support for summer programming materials and logistics Provides seasonal project support for OSS team Administrative Support Assists with very occasional scheduling for OSS related meetings, including room bookings/zoom set up as needed. Performs office administrative tasks and financial transactions for the office, such as processing payments to outside vendors, processing reimbursements, and processing corporate card transactions. Orders office supplies and supplies for the student coffee station. Undertaking other operational tasks as needed. Basic Qualifications At least 2 years of administrative and/or project management experience is required. Must have demonstrated experience coordinating and planning events. Additional Qualifications and Skills Exceptional organizational and project management capabilities, with a demonstrated ability to work independently and effectively prioritize time and tasks. High level of maturity and empathy with outstanding interpersonal and customer service skills. Attention to detail, eagerness to learn, and discretion on confidential matters are critical. Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously, and flexibility to adapt to changing needs and priorities. Creative thinking and problem solving, with interest and ability to improve processes and learn new technical and financial tools. Team player with the proven ability to build strong relationships and develop trust with colleagues and stakeholders. Strong writing, proof‑reading, and verbal communication skills. Technology proficient; experience with MS Office, Salesforce, and Qualtrics preferred. Available to staff events and programs approximately 5 – 6 evenings per semester, as well as weekend availability 1 – 2 in the fall and 5 – 6 weekends in the spring. Passion for supporting students Experience in a higher education environment is preferred. Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position Pre‑Employment Screening: Identity Work Format Details 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. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment. Salary Grade and Ranges This position is salary grade level 054. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information. Benefits Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work‑life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. 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 Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. EEO/Non‑Discrimination Commitment Statement Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non‑discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes. Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non‑discrimination policy. #J-18808-Ljbffr