Job Listings

Deputy Chief of Staff and Advisor to the President

Company:
Harvard University
Job Location:
Cambridge, 02138
Category:
Executive Assistants
Type:
Full-Time
University Administration

63802BR

Job Summary
Harvard University's Office of the President is hiring for the Deputy Chief of Staff and Advisor to the President, a key position in President Claudine Gay's administration. Claudine Gay became the 30th president of Harvard University on July 1, 2023.

Job Summary
The Deputy Chief of Staff and Advisor to the President (DCOS) supports the Chief of Staff (COS) in the management and execution of strategic priorities within the Office of the President. The DCOS is a senior leader in the Office of the President and will serve both with and in the absence of the COS overseeing the work within the Office of the President. The DCOS develops systems to enable forward-thinking approaches and to ensure best practices are incorporated into the work of the Office of the President.

This position serves as a point of contact and is a conduit for information flow between the President's Office and senior leaders and other key stakeholders.

Position Description
Key Responsibilities
  • Works with the COS to manage priorities within the Office of the President and ensure that critical projects, meetings, events, and activities are designed and executed to advance University initiatives and goals as established by the president.
  • Provides strategic advice to the president; keeps the president apprised of major issues. Identifies approaches to resolve issues and ensures appropriate actions are taken.
  • Oversee the projects and programs portfolio within the Office of the President, including the supervision of the Executive Assistant, Briefing and Project Manager. Has direct line responsibility for several presidential programs and committees including the Presidential Public Service Fellowship, University Professors, and Scholars at Risk.
  • Works closely with senior academic and administrative leaders on the development and implementation of strategic projects and initiatives.
  • Reviews systems and structures that support the work of the Office of the President and utilizes available technologies and innovative approaches to continuously improve efficiency and outcomes.
  • Provides advice, collaboration, and operational support in response to campus, local and national issues, key projects, trends impacting Harvard, issues management, and stakeholder relations.
  • Serves as a liaison to university religious life including Memorial Church, the Muslim Chaplain's Office, both of which report to the President, and the Harvard Chaplains (currently 47). Convenes monthly meetings with the University Chaplains.
At the request of, or in the absence of the COS, the deputy chief of staff will:

Manage the day-to-day operations of the president's office, including scheduling and coordinating meetings and events, preparing reports and briefings, and managing the budget.
  • Staff weekly and special meetings of the senior team. Develop agendas, oversee preparation and timely distribution of materials, oversee meeting logistics. Assist president with facilitation.
  • Serve as a liaison to internal leadership teams and external constituencies related to strategic projects, initiatives, and priorities.
  • Manage the President's schedule, activities, and calendar, working with the special assistant to the president and senior team to ensure alignment with the University's needs and the President's strategic priorities/needs.
  • Attends meetings with and on behalf of the President. As needed, accompanies the President on Presidential travel, both internationally and domestically.
Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree required.
  • Minimum of (10 years) of experience in a senior role in higher education administration, non-profit, or industry.
Additional Qualifications and Skills
  • Advanced degree preferred
  • Highly collaborative with proven record of establishing strong and effective relationships within a highly matrixed organization.
  • Significant experience in managing teams and working with senior level administrators
  • Extensive experience in project management, detail-oriented task management, deadline management and problem-solving within a collaborative decision-making environment
  • Ability to move tasks, assignments, and projects forward. Proactive approach to anticipating and alleviating roadblocks.
  • Skilled at navigating political or other situations that require discretion and tact.
  • Outstanding communication (written and verbal): Ability to represent the President's agenda and initiatives to diverse internal and external parties confidently.
  • The ability to research, analyze, and synthesize information to provide data, presentations, or other verbal, written or visual presentations.
  • Ability to identify key action points and issues arising from meetings, communications, and other sources
  • Proven record of abiding by the highest level of confidentiality.
Additional Information
This is an exciting opportunity to become part of an evolving team under new leadership in the President's Office. This is a hands-on role that will help establish new ways of supporting the priorities of the president and the right candidate will bring a sense of innovation and possibility to the work.

This role is on-site, 5 days a week and will have responsibilities outside of normal business hours. 

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.

Benefits
We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website 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
361061 Administrative Manager

Work Format
On-Site

Department
Office of the President

Sub-Unit
Office of the President and Provost

Time Status
Full-time

Salary Grade
061

Union
00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Pre-Employment Screening
Education, Identity

Schedule
Full time. Monday through Friday. 35 hours per week. 

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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