The Harvard Project on American Indian Economic Development at the Harvard Kennedy School's Ash Center is searching for a Program Assistant and Faculty Assistant. The Program Assistant is responsible for many parts of the operations and success of the Harvard Project and its flagship program, Honoring Nations. Candidates must demonstrate knowledge of Indian Country, excellent organizational and multi-tasking skills, and a friendly, personable customer service orientation. The Ash Center is a vibrant and values-driven community. We actively seek applications from candidates who demonstrate a commitment to building diverse and inclusive communities.

The Harvard Project is known throughout Harvard and is recognized nationwide and increasingly around the world. The Harvard Project's core activities include research, advisory services, executive education, and the administration of a tribal governance awards program (Honoring Nations). Honoring Nations serves as the vehicle for shifting the focus to what works in Indian Country, fostering pride and confidence in the ability of American Indian governments to make positive contributions to the well-being of their respective communities and citizens.

The Program Assistant works within all aspects of the Harvard Project organizing schedules, managing deadlines, communicating with constituents internally and externally, and acting as a source of general information. The Program Assistant facilitates communications with internal and external stakeholders, assists with events, maintains the database and website, and serves as the faculty assistant for Joseph Kalt, Harvard Project Director and Ford Foundation Professor (Emeritus) of International Political Economy at Harvard Kennedy School.

Communications

• Liaison for external people including tribal leaders and officials, executives, federal government agencies, the media, etc.
• Maintains organizational website, social media accounts, and mailings lists
• Coordinates mass mailings
• Responsible for responding to publication and research requests
• Liaison for internal HKS faculty, staff, fellows, and students
• Answers general HPAIED questions via email, social media, etc.
• Drafts correspondences
• Manages calendars to arrange general meetings and appointments

Publications

• Coordinates with printer to produce program-related publications and event signage.
• Assists in editing and dissemination of publications
• Events
• Participate in preliminary meetings with all event-related vendors including hotel, convention, restaurant, catering, and technical representatives
• Manages contractual agreements with hotels, convention centers, reception venues, restaurants, catering companies, A/V and media companies, and equipment rental companies etc. for all events, internal and external to Harvard
• Coordinates participant travel arrangements including airfare, hotel, ground transportation, and incidentals for Harvard Project Staff, Honoring Nations' Board of Governors, Affiliates, and relevant tribal program representatives
• Organizes and distributes all event related materials including publications, sign-in sheets, nametags, table tents, etc.
• Greets and directs event attendees
• Provides logistical and technical assistance to Honoring Nations Program representatives and presenters

Finance

• Prepares and process all Corporate Card expense reports
• Processes bills and invoices
• Processes reimbursements
• Office Management
• Manages and orders office supplies
• Point of contact for facilities and building management
• Backs up common drive and other electronic data storage
• Other clerical duties as needed

Research Assistance

• Locating and acquiring research materials and texts
• Assist in Faculty research by locating a variety of articles and publications
• Course Assistance
• Prepare coursework, manage course website, and assist students

This position is a fully benefits-eligible term appointment for one year with very strong possibility of renewal.

The Ash Center is a vibrant and values-driven community. We are committed to diversity and welcome people of varied backgrounds, cultures, experiences, and disciplines. We actively seek applications from people of color, women, the LGBTQIA+ community, military veterans, persons with disabilities and underrepresented backgrounds.

We regret that the Harvard Kennedy School does not provide Visa Sponsorship.
Harvard University requires pre-employment references and background checks.
Harvard University is committed to supporting a healthy, sustainable learning and working environment.

Please note: During the current period of Covid-19 related restrictions, this position may start as a remote position, with transition to onsite in Cambridge, Massachusetts when the office reopens.

We continue to monitor the evolving COVID-19 and lifting of restrictions. We appreciate your understanding and flexibility with our interview process. We will be conducting interviews virtually for selected candidates until further notice.