Job Summary

The Dean of Students Office (DOS) is the primary advocate and administrative liaison for Harvard Law students. It serves as a resource for information and guidance on issues concerning student life at HLS. Working collaboratively with students and other administrative offices, DOS strives to create an inclusive community, as well as an environment where students are set up to achieve their goals at HLS and beyond. DOS’s portfolio includes, among other things, oversight of the Board of Student Advisers and residential advisors, as well as Harvard Law School’s Student Government. In addition, DOS is the epicenter of planning and execution for major events, including Orientation, Commencement, Ames Moot Court, and many other community-building and wellness-related engagements.

The Communications and Operations Assistant has a key role in helping to support the office and serve our students within a high-volume, service-oriented setting. In addition to performing a variety of administrative and support duties, this role will contribute to the communication efforts of DOS and the larger student service umbrella at HLS.

Position Description

As a Communications and Operations Assistant, you will:

Prepare and maintain digital assets such as event posters and swag designs, and compose, proofread, edit, and prepare departmental email; as appropriate, find new and creative ways of reaching target audiences in a strategic and impactful way
Assist with the execution of the weekly newsletter
With direction, maintain department webpages and HLS student life Instagram, collaborating across departments to create opportunities to showcase student life and student services at HLS
Maintain the HLS Commencement email inbox and act as backup for the departmental email inbox, triaging a range of inquiries from students, faculty, administrators, and others
Assist with the operation of DOS student services such as the MBTA Semester Pass Program and annual locker assignments
Assist with the execution and staffing of DOS events, including Orientation and Commencement
Maintain office operations and organization, monitor inventory, and collaborate with DOS staff to order supplies
Identify areas for process improvement with an eye toward efficiency, adherence to applicable rules and policies, and the use of technology and automation
Occasionally act as backup for the office front desk, triaging a range of in-person, electronic, and telephone inquiries; and
Execute other responsibilities as assigned

Basic Qualifications

Three or more years of experience in office administration, business environment and/or customer service or related field. Education beyond high school may count toward experience.

Additional Qualifications And Skills

We are looking for people who have:

Experience with using social media, website, bulk email/listserv, and basic design platforms such as WordPress and Canva
Microsoft Office skills (Word, Outlook, Excel, SharePoint, Teams) and technical aptitude to learn new applications
Excellent interpersonal skills, as well as an ability to establish and promote good working relationships with colleagues, faculty, administrators, students, and vendors.
Highly organized. Able to balance multiple projects, prioritize work appropriately, and adapt easily to changing priorities.
Excellent communication skills with an eye for design and strong attention to detail.
Flexible and resourceful. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, as well as collaboratively as part of a team, in a fast-paced, high-volume, dynamic environment
A commitment to high-level customer service
Energetic, motivated to learn, and curious about academia
Must be able to treat confidential information with a high level of discretion

Additional Information

We regret that Harvard Law School is unable to provide visa sponsorship for staff positions.

All offers to be made by HLS Human Resources.

Work Format Details

This position is based on our campus in Cambridge, MA with the opportunity for remote work based on business needs and manager approval.   

About Us

Be a part of excellence and leadership in legal education and scholarship at Harvard Law School. We are a community of talented people from diverse backgrounds, lived experiences, and perspectives, dedicated to advancing the cause of justice all over the world. We value our differences and our diversity as a source of strength. We are committed to developing and inspiring our students and our workforce. Whoever you are, whatever you do, however you do it,  Harvard Law School  is a place where you can thrive.

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

Communications, Faculty & Student Services, General Administration

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code

404036 Staff Assistant III (FSS)

Work Format

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

Sub-Unit

Salary Grade

053

Department

Dean of Students Office

Union

55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

Time Status

Full-time

Pre-Employment Screening

Identity

Schedule

35hrs/week, M-F. Occasional early mornings, evenings, and weekends required

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.

Harvard Law School

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