Senior Coordinator and Project Specialist

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Why join the Harvard Graduate School of Education?

The Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE) is a diverse community of learners, teachers, and employees who are passionate about changing the world through education and striving for maximum impact in the field of education.

Many choose to work at the Harvard Graduate School of Education because they believe in our mission and are excited by our vision for the future. We have a reputation as a great place to work, for our excellent leadership, and we are a strong community that values diversity. For more information about HGSE, its programs, research, and faculty, please visit: www.gse.harvard.edu.

Job Summary:

The Senior Coordinator and Project Specialist independently advances, monitors, and supports key Dean’s Office initiatives, including mission-driven meetings and events as well as ongoing strategic planning efforts. This position balances detailed project management with high-quality communications in support of the Dean’s Office. The Senior Coordinator and Project Specialist produces materials that advance institutional goals, collects and manages data to inform strategic decisions, and ensures effective coordination across concurrent projects.

HGSE is a residential community supporting on-campus students along with faculty and staff. Our commitment to a vibrant campus culture relies on robust connections; we believe in-person work brings enhanced collaboration and innovation, strengthened organizational culture, and a stronger student experience. It also improves our ability to engage in teaming and shared work to advance the HGSE mission. In contributing to our on-campus community, this position requires an on-campus presence of minimum 3-4 days per week to support collective office coverage, with the possibility of additional flexibility during certain times of the year. Evening and weekend work may also be required either in person or remotely.  

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Project Management and Support for Decanal Initiatives

• Strategic Planning Efforts: Provide overarching project management including but not limited to establishing and tracking milestones; preparing regular status reports; communication drafting; action item coordination; data collection (e.g., survey distribution and/or data gathering from HGSE teams and units), and logistical support for listening sessions and committee meetings (rooms, IT, catering, etc.).  
• Visiting Committee: Oversee scheduling and preparation for Visiting Committee meetings including data collection, report generation, website development, briefing material generation, and logistical support (rooms, IT, catering, etc.). 
• Dean’s Impact Fund: Track, review, and make recommendations on funding requests; manage award communications as well as financial tracking and disbursements. 
• Project management support for other initiatives as assigned.

Data and Communications

• Reporting and Implementation: Manage the coordination of responses to reporting requests from central administration, including but not limited to University Task Force report implementation and progress reports. 
• Data and Materials: Support the design, preparation, and finalization of content for high-priority institutional initiatives (e.g., faculty and staff meetings) in collaboration with Dean’s Office leadership; includes data collection/coordination, review, and presentation drafting as needed. 
• Communications: Draft and send emails on behalf of the Deans and Chief of Staff via the hgse_dean email account; monitor, triage, and escalate messages as appropriate. As needed, draft and review remarks, memos, and other communications.

Other Duties

• Share responsibility for covering the front office during vacations, illness, etc.
• Manage and support additional initiatives and events as assigned.

This position is a term appointment for one year from the date of hire.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree and minimum 5 years of relevant experience. 
• Must be able to work evening and weekend hours as needed. 
• To be considered, you must submit a cover letter. Please submit your resume and cover letter as one document when applying for the role.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Project management experience and/or training preferred. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills, including time management. 
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in carrying out responsibilities. 
• Ability to juggle and execute multiple competing tasks. 
• Flexible and responsive to shifting deadlines. 
• Highly collaborative; must work well independently and as part of a team. 
• Ability to interact professionally with a wide range of internal and external constituents. 
• Ability to work with and maintain confidential matters with discretion. 

• Appointment End Date: 1 year from date of hire.
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Compensation Range/Rate (including Shift Differential if applicable):
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity and Education

Work Format Details

This is a position that is based at a Harvard campus location with some remote work options available. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). 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 056. 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. 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.