In the Departments of Landscape Architecture at the Graduate School of Design, reporting to the Program Manager, acts as primary information source and liaison with faculty, staff and students as well as outside the department on matters related to the academic programs. Works with faculty and other staff to support projects, programs, and events including: thesis workshops, reviews, department meetings, open house, admissions, awards and fellowships, exchange programs, summer workshops, accreditation reporting, and course evaluations in addition to others.
Position Description
TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Works frequently with other departments in the School – including academic departments, academic administration, admissions, registrar, and student affairs. Coordinates departmental role in studio lottery, open house, orientation, commencement, as well as other ad hoc events and initiatives.
With the Thesis Director, coordinates thesis advising, plans reviews (including invitations, travel, schedules, and catering), informs students of and enforce policies and procedures, and coordinates all other aspects of thesis for the landscape architecture department.
With great attention to detail, manages and updates student records and student information databases. Keeps students informed of their progress toward degree, assigns academic advisors, answers student questions and communicates program related information and policies. Works closely with Registrar on student academic matters, and with the Office of Admissions and Program Director to track pre-requisite requirements.
Works closely with the Department Chair, Program Director, and Thesis Director to resolve student issues, update policies, and support the LA programs.
Collects and maintains accreditation materials and coordinates accreditation tasks with Program Manager; maintains various databases and updates the department websites, including researching appropriate program information to be posted.
Attends and organizes (as needed) Department Meetings, Student Meetings/Information Sessions, Student Forum Class Representative meetings, etc.
Coordinates and completes tasks related to summer programming, and final reviews.
Oversees student award, prizes, and fellowship application process.
Participates in coordinating and completing tasks related to school-wide events (both virtual and in-person) such as studio lottery, open house, commencement and related activities. May be called upon to assist with work and events in other Departments and on special projects.
Supports the Department Chair, Program Director, Department Manager, and Program Manager, as needed
Note: Must be willing to work overtime during peak periods.
Basic Qualifications
Five or more years of related experience, preferably in an academic setting. Proficiency with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and web editing.
Additional Qualifications and Skills
College degree preferred. Essential skills include organization and analytical skills, and a strong aptitude for prioritizing and multitasking under tight deadlines, amid frequent interruption. Must be collaborative and able to work well in a team as well as independently. Excellent customer service including ability to use discretion, good judgment, and work effectively with all individuals. Strong communication skills in person, in writing, and on the telephone.
Physical Requirements
There are no known physical requirements associated with this position.
Working Conditions
Work is mainly performed in an office setting.
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.
Work Format
Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)
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.
About Harvard University Graduate School of Design
Harvard University is devoted to excellence in teaching, learning, and research, and to developing leaders in many disciplines who make a difference globally. The University, which is based in Cambridge and Boston, Massachusetts, has an enrollment of over 20,000 degree candidates, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Harvard has more than 360,000 alumni around the world. The University has twelve degree-granting Schools in addition to the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, offering a truly global education. Established in 1636, Harvard is the oldest institution of higher education in the United States.