Job Information
Harvard University Chief of Staff in Cambridge, Massachusetts
64287BRAuto req ID:64287BRJob Code:361058 Administrative Manager Department Office Location:USA - MA - Cambridge Business Title:Chief of StaffSub-Unit:------------ Salary Grade (https://hr.harvard.edu/salary-ranges#ranges) :058Time Status:Full-time Union:00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary Basic Qualifications:
A bachelor’s degree and 10+ years’ experience across a wide-range of relevant functions, including but not limited to strategy and business development, operations management, designing and implementing complex, organization-wide efforts/processes, partnership development, and high-level relationship management.
Any applicant wishing to be considered must supply a cover letter in addition to a resume.
Additional Qualifications and Skills:
Strategic thinker—data-driven, analytical, and process-oriented while also understanding and considering the big picture.
Proven success in managing complex situations and multiple responsibilities, balancing long-term timelines, fixed deadlines, and the urgency of immediate demands.
Ability to successfully navigate ambiguity in a fast-paced environment.
Experience supporting and managing a diverse staff through periods of organizational change.
Excellent written and oral communication skills – including the ability to manage information flow and synthesize actionable takeaways.
Confident managing up and across; effectively influencing others to achieve outcomes by deftly and quickly building credibility, relationships, and networks across a variety of stakeholders.
Skill in creative problem-solving and in reconciling conflicting viewpoints.
A demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Entrepreneurial self-starter with a team-oriented work style; comfortable supporting collective success—performed with low ego, integrity, and the ability to anticipate the needs of busy executives.
Versatile; at ease diving into any area of the enterprise.
Additional Information:
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.
HGSE Human Resources values diversity in all forms and believes that each employee brings a set of diverse experiences and identities to the workplace that makes us stronger, encourages innovation, and enhances our collective contributions. We continue to develop and support a workforce that reflects the diversity of those we serve; fosters an environment that allows everyone to belong and to bring their best self to work; and creates the conditions that empower employees to contribute their full potential to advancing the work of the school.
We do this by:
· Hiring and retaining staff reflecting the diversity of those we serve
· Providing employees opportunities to learn, grow, and be challenged
· Reviewing and ensuring fairness and equity in HR practices and policies including but not limited to hiring, promotion, and compensation
· Developing strong relationships and partnerships internal and external to our community to advance diversity and inclusion
· Communicating transparently and respectfully; and
· Fostering an inclusive, respectful, and professional work environment
About the Harvard Graduate School 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
Department:CDCPre-Employment Screening:Education, IdentityJob Function:General Administration Position Description:
High-level support for the Executive Team (ET)
Act as advisor to the ET on strategic and tactical matters, prioritizing time, attention, and decision making at key moments
Contribute to the ET’s determination of priorities in pursuit of vision; chart a resulting course of action to strategically align their and the organization’s time and attention
Proactively surface issues that impact the successful execution of the Center’s vision; provide analysis, recommendations, and strategic counsel to support priorities, objectives, decision making, and operations
Identify and act on opportunities to increase the ET’s efficacy and efficiency; design, develop, and implement standard operating procedures for how they function, deliberate, and interface with stakeholders
Facilitate internal and external requests coming to the ET: prioritize, triage, gather data, respond
Track ET priority initiatives, identify and mitigate obstacles; communicate status
Prepare for, facilitate, and follow up from “critical path” meetings; draft talking points and presentations
Participate in meetings with the ET, synthesize notes and facilitate action items and follow up items
Participate in meetings representing the ET, reporting back with key takeaways and action items; follow up as needed
As extension of the ET, effectively convey internally and externally the strategic direction, purpose, and values of the Center
Develop and proactively manage effective avenues of input from broader Leadership Team and staff to inform ET decision-making and enhance organizational engagement and morale
Build and manage critical ET relationships (e.g., funders, Harvard stakeholders) to drive momentum and influence outcomes
Hire and supervise an Executive Assistant
High-level support for the Center Leadership Team (CLT)
Improve CLT coordination and communication to facilitate cross-org collaboration across teams and functions
- Identify operational pain points in the Center; spearhead and implement systems, workflows, or processes to address challenges and optimize efficiency and productivity
Manage CLT’s operations and deliberations
Develop and implement standard operating procedures to improve efficacy and flow
Build and run cadence of LT meetings—prepare agendas, facilitate discussions, note action items, and follow up
Synthesize complex information and strategic insights into clear summaries of considerations for informed decision-making
Structure and facilitate annual strategic planning process
Set and manage timelines for multi-stakeholder input and engagement
Integrate multiple sources of information into clear, shared planning documents to advance discussions and ensure effective decision-making
Design and run quarterly review sessions to monitor progress and highlight items at risk; recommend strategies to address problems; follow up to ensure success
Maintain a birds-eye view, connecting dots across the organization
Collaborate with members of CLT to align cross-functional objectives and strategies with overall Center priorities
Enable information flow throughout the organization (particularly to and from CLT)
Partner with CLT to keep staff abreast of key strategic efforts and decisions, helping them connect their roles to shifts in the bigger organizational strategy
Special Initiatives
Add capacity to the ET by taking on complex program design and implementation of high-visibility projects critical to achieving the Center’s goals
Explore and develop high-priority, high-leverage partnerships on behalf of the Center
This is a two-year term position from the date of hire with a high possibility of renewal.
School/Unit:Harvard Graduate School of Education 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.Working Conditions:
HGSE is currently developing dynamic workplace models which will actively support a combination of on-campus and remote work (within a state in which Harvard is registered to do business) where business and operational needs allow. You and your manager will discuss the best schedule based on your role and operational need. If your role allows for remote work, please note that all remote work must be performed within a state in which Harvard is registered to do business (CA (Only Exempt), CT, GA, IL, MA, MD, ME, NH, NJ, NY, RI, VA, VT, and WA). Please also note that Harvard will withhold each applicable state’s required tax and other withholdings from your paycheck for the time you work there.
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.
We regret that the Harvard Graduate School of Education does not provide Visa sponsorship
Job Summary:
The Center on the Developing Child is seeking a Chief of Staff (CoS) to join the Center’s Leadership Team at an exciting time in the organization’s development. This pivotal new role will provide high-level thought partnership and support to the Center’s Executive Team as it leads the organization into a new era focused on strategic alignment and sustainability.
A high-visibility position, the CoS will use strong leadership and problem-solving skills to facilitate collective pursuit and achievement of the Center’s vision in multiple ways: they will steward the efficient and effective operation of the Executive Team Office; improve coordination and communication across the broader Leadership Team and Center to enhance collaboration and productivity; and develop and drive key strategic initiatives that advance the Center’s mission. The CoS will operate at both a tactical and strategic level, overseeing projects of high importance that do not neatly fit into the org chart or that fall between departments or leadership areas of responsibility. As a key advisor and partner on the Leadership Team, this role is perfect for someone who enjoys both the development of strategy and being hands-on in operationalizing it.
Reporting to the Managing Director but working in tandem with her and the Deputy Director/Chief Strategy Officer (the new “Executive Team”), the Chief of Staff will be based in the Cambridge office with flexibility for some remote work.
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.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.
Work Format:Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote) Work Format Details:This is a hybrid position that is based in Massachusetts. 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.