Special Assistant to the President - Military veterans preferred

Special Assistant to the President

ID: 001316SR
JOB FUNCTION: General Administration
LOCATION: Cambridge
WORK FORMAT: Fully On-site
JOB TYPE: Full-time
BRAND: Harvard University Central Administration

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.

The Special Assistant serves as a trusted liaison for the President, managing the flow of information, access, and engagement. This role provides high-level operational, tactical, and strategic support, enabling effective decision-making and smooth daily operations in a complex, fast-paced environment.

The Special Assistant reports jointly to the President and Chief of Staff/Managing Director. As a member of the President’s Office leadership team, the Special Assistant is a key strategic integrator, helping to ensure that Presidential effort is well-matched to his priorities. The Special Assistant works closely with the Chief of Staff and senior stakeholders to manage the Presidential schedule, additional activities, and briefings.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as primary point of contact for matters requiring presidential attention; exercise sound judgment, discretion, and diplomacy.
• Manage the President’s calendar and engagements to align with institutional priorities; advise and partner with Chief of Staff on requests of the President.
• Oversee daily schedule, track action items, ensure timely follow-up, and act as a proxy on designated matters.
• Liaise with senior leadership, governing board members, faculty, students, alumni, donors, and other high-profile constituencies.
• Collaborate with the Briefing Administrator to ensure the President is well prepared for meetings and events.
• Monitor and triage the President’s personal email inbox in coordination with the presidential correspondence team.
• Draft and send communications for the President’s Office with precision and appropriate tone.
• Optimize workflows and systems within the President’s Office for efficient information flow and policy compliance.
• Plan and execute presidential travel logistics in partnership with other university departments including Alumni Affairs and Development and Public Affairs and Communications.
• Coordinate with Harvard University Police and external agencies for security planning.
• Supervise and mentor two direct reports; provide guidance and performance feedback.
• Provide backup support across the President’s Office team, including executive assistants and briefing staff.
• Manage special projects as assigned and ensure timely execution.
• Provide personal support to enhance the President’s efficiency; coordinate with the President’s spouse on scheduling, events, and other logistics.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Candidates MUST meet the following basic qualifications to be considered for this role:

• Minimum 8 years of related experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Comprehensive executive-level support experience.
• Bachelor’s degree strongly preferred; Harvard or similar higher education experience a plus.
• Proven success navigating complex organizations and engaging diverse, senior-level stakeholders.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills; impeccable attention to detail.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills; calm under pressure.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office and expense/travel systems.
• High integrity and professionalism; demonstrated discretion and judgment.
• Experience managing and advancing cross-functional projects.
• Commitment to service, collaboration, and institutional excellence.

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 40 hours per week. The role requires evening and weekend availability.
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Harvard University requires pre-employment references and background screenings (Identity, Education)
• Other Information: This position has a 3-month orientation and review period.

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Work Format Details

This position is based on-site at a Harvard campus location. 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.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 059. 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, sex, ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university’s non-discrimination policy. Harvard’s equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.

Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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