Graduate Program Staff Assistant at Harvard University — Cambridge, MA
Full job description
The Graduate Program and International Legal Studies is the division of Harvard Law School responsible for the Master of Laws (LL.M.) and the Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.) degrees and for various aspects of graduate legal studies, including a Visitors Program for researchers and scholars. The 280+ members of the LL.M., S.J.D., and Visitors Programs come from more than 60 countries and constitute a vibrant academic community noted for its diversity of interests and backgrounds.
The Graduate Program Staff Assistant is a member of a team that processes 1700+ admission and financial aid applications to the LL.M., S.J.D., and Visitor Programs from a predominantly international applicant pool and provides assistance to other members of the Graduate Program and International Legal Studies department as needed.
Job-Specific Responsibilities
As a Graduate Program Staff Assistant, you will:
- Process admissions and financial aid applications and related materials, including analyzing transcripts, calculating GPAs, and following up with applicants to obtain missing documents
- Respond to telephone inquiries and share responsibility for email and walk-in inquiries
- Serve as the first reviewer for general inboxes managed by the Graduate Program.
- Assist with the implementation of audits, workflows, and process improvements in the online admissions platform
- Assist with the financial aid review process
- Assist with the preparation and distribution of admission and financial aid notifications
- Assist with student visa processing
- Assist with financial aid processing and recordkeeping,
- Maintain confidential student files and records
- Assist with communications tasks such as announcements and event publicity
- Assist with orientation planning and execution, including but not limited to administrative tasks, event staffing, and website updates
- Provide assistance to the Graduate Program Student Affairs and Administration and International Legal Studies teams, including serving as a key member of the event planning team; some duties may report to other members of the Graduate Program and International Legal Studies department
- Share office management and primary front desk responsibility for the Graduate Program and International Legal Studies department
- Perform other duties as assigned
Basic Qualifications
Three or more years related experience in office administration or business environment. Education beyond high school may count toward experience.
Additional Qualifications and Skills
We are looking for people who:
- Are proactive, organized and detail oriented
- Have a strong customer service orientation and are sensitive to the needs of an international and diverse student population
- Communicate effectively, in both written and oral formats
- Enjoy learning new things, can handle multiple priorities, and work flexibly in both independent and team environments
- Can handle complex and confidential matters with discretion
Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week; Full-time, M-F. Substantial overtime required during peak application season, including evenings/weekends and winter recess. Overtime also required for other key events, including (but not limited to) Orientation.
Pre-Employment Screening: Identity
Other Information:
This position is based primarily on campus with the opportunity for remote work based on business needs and manager approval.
Work Format Details
Salary Grade and Ranges
Benefits
- 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