Faculty Support Specialist

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.

Why join Harvard Business School?

Harvard Business School, located on a 40-acre campus in Boston, was founded in 1908 as part of Harvard University. It is among the world's most trusted sources of management education and thought leadership. For more than a century, the School's faculty has combined a passion for teaching with rigorous research conducted alongside practitioners at world-leading organizations to educate leaders who make a difference in the world. Through a dynamic ecosystem of research, learning, and entrepreneurship that includes MBA, Doctoral, Executive Education, and Online programs, as well as numerous initiatives, centers, institutes, and labs, Harvard Business School fosters bold new ideas and collaborative learning networks that shape the future of business.

Are you excited by the idea of joining a world-class organization at the intersection of higher education and business? As the professors’ administrative assistant, Faculty Support Specialists provide valuable tactical and administrative help to our faculty in support of Harvard Business School's mission to educate leaders who make a difference in the world. Reporting to a Manager of Unit and Faculty Support the Faculty Support Specialist (FSS) supports faculty with complex administrative duties related to their teaching, research, and other responsibilities. An FSS will act as a seamless extension of the faculty they support and will work closely with other Faculty Support Specialists across ten academic units, as well as with their manager. Faculty Support Specialists also work with and assist peers on activities that support teaching, research, finance, and other departments.

Responsibilities Include: 

• Build trust and collaboration by being present on-site and engaging directly with colleagues and various constituents.
• Administratively supports multiple faculty, while acting as a liaison between students, other instructors, and various HBS and University departments
• Provides support to faculty and/or other projects on a short-term and long-term basis based on business needs and varying team support requirements
• Supports faculty when they are teaching and with course platform; assembling and editing syllabi, supporting the grading process, preparing materials and presentations for class; coordinating arrangements for class visitors, etc.
• Manages and coordinates extremely active, complex calendars; scheduling appointments, meetings, and events
• Performs basic online research; retrieves books, articles, and other information
• Prepares documents for articles, cases, teaching and research materials, which may include proofreading, formatting exhibits, citations, and organizing files
• Composes, prepares, and edits professional correspondence that is sometimes confidential
• Builds strong relationships with stakeholders, including faculty, staff, and external partners
• Coordinates complex travel arrangements, itineraries, and travel visas
• Prepares, tracks, and processes expense reimbursements in a timely and accurate manner
• Performs office management responsibilities such as ordering supplies, maintaining a clean working environment, greeting visitors, and responding to correspondence in a timely manner on the faculty’s behalf
• May manage the administrative process for faculty and doctoral recruiting: distribution of candidate material, planning and coordination of visits, and compliance with recruiting guidelines
• May organize and plan logistics for seminars series, research conferences and other unit events
• Being responsible for other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED required. 
• 3+ years of experience working in an administrative, clerical, executive support, coordination, or related professional capacity is required.
• Education beyond high school may count toward experience.
• Hands-on experience using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) is a must
• NOTE: As part of the interview process, candidates who reach a certain stage will be asked to complete a technical skills assessment that involves tasks related to the role utilizing the Microsoft Office suite

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• You set a high bar for yourself with attention to detail, confidentiality, and strong customer service
• You work well independently and also contribute as a valuable team member with an attitude focused on helping others
• People describe you as reliable and resourceful – you always follow through and strive to surpass expectations
• You have a willingness to work in a collaborative work environment supporting a variety of faculty, colleagues, and changing assignments based on business needs
• You can adapt quickly to changing staffing assignments, responsibilities, tasks, and feedback
• You are proficient in navigating and using major social media platforms (such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok) for basic content creation, audience engagement, and trend analysis

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week, overtime eligible
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity
• Other Information:
  • This is a hybrid position which we consider to be a combination of remote and onsite work at our Boston, MA based campus. HBS expects all staff to be onsite 3 days per week and departments provide onsite coverage Monday – Friday. Specific hours and days onsite will be determined by business needs and are subject to change with appropriate advanced notice.
  • We may conduct candidate interviews virtually (phone and/or via Zoom) and/or in-person for this role.
  • A cover letter is required to be considered for this opportunity. 

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 053. 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.