Assistant Director for Academic Affairs

19-Jul-2024

Assistant Director for Academic Affairs

Faculty of Arts and Sciences

66401BR

Job Summary

In the Molecular and Cellular Biology Department we research and teach how the collective behavior of molecules and cells forms the basis of life. We are driven by a passion for discovery and value collaborative approaches to scientific inquiry, where connections between people fuel interdisciplinary science and break boundaries across varied experimental systems. Against a backdrop of cutting-edge biological research, we work as a team of educators and mentors to inspire and train the next generation of scientists and global citizens. The Department has an opening for an Assistant Director for Academic Affairs who will be responsible for overseeing the full life cycle of academic affairs appointments and operations.

Position Description

• Manages academic affairs operations for all aspects of Postdoctoral, Research Associate, Research Scientist, Teaching Assistant, Fellow, Associate, and Visiting Scholar appointments
• Responsible for advertising, managing applicant documents, and hiring including coordination of appointment documentation and processing in partnership with multiple University Offices, including but not limited to Office of Faculty Affairs, Science Division Dean’s Office, Office of Undergraduate Education, and Office of Research Administration
• Advises on visa status and manages documentation to obtain visas through Harvard International Office
• Responsible for all payroll-related matters and coordination with Central and FAS Payroll Offices
• Advises on benefits and policies
• Coordinates and crosschecks funding sources and compliance issues
• Acts as an advising resource and communicates regularly with Postdoctoral Fellows, Research Associates, Research Scientists, Teaching Assistants, Fellows, Associates, Visiting Scholars, Faculty, Lab Administrators, and Research Administrators regarding appointments, policy changes, payroll related matters
• Creates and administers an orientation and onboarding program
• Produces materials and content in print and for the departmental website on a regular basis
• Updates and maintains personnel database and provides analysis and reports as required
• Continuously strives to improve and build upon existing means of sharing information, advising, and inclusion efforts
• Reporting to the Executive Director, serves as a subject matter expert on the senior core administration team

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor's degree and 5 years relevant work experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Excellent oral/written communication/presentation and organizational skills
• Demonstrated effectiveness serving as a resource to faculty members or equivalent, administrators and trainees
• Adaptable and flexible
• Strong project management skills
• Proven, acute attention to deadlines, detail, and follow through
• Must have a collaborative working style with excellent consultative and demonstrated problem-solving skills
• Success in developing and/or growing self-supporting programs
• Skills to identify, analyze, and propose effective programs, projects, systems, and procedures to ensure efficient and effective outcomes
• Discretion and a proven ability to handle confidential information also required
• Proven ability to prioritize and deliver quality results in a high-volume environment
• Good judgment under pressure, while navigating competing and often time-sensitive priorities from multiple constituents
• Highly developed interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and be team oriented
• Knowledge of Harvard University and an academic research environment is desirable

Additional Information

In order to be considered for this position, a cover letter and resume must be submitted. 
  
All formal written offers will be made by FAS HR. 

We are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
 
At the core of the MCB department is a commitment to foster an environment in which all individuals have the opportunity to thrive. It is our shared responsibility to create an inclusive culture, where we support and respect each other as colleagues. We embrace a diverse range of perspectives, expertise, identities, experiences, talents, and abilities. By continually strengthening this foundation of investing in the well-being of our people, we enable our community’s growth and pursuit of the creative and innovative approaches that underlie scientific excellence.  
 

Work Format Details

This is a hybrid position that is based in Massachusetts. This position offers hybrid remote/in person work flexibility. There is an expectation that employees be able to work in person in Cambridge, MA.

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.

Job Function

General Administration

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code

358057 Admin Pro/Indiv Contrib

Work Format

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

Sub-Unit

Sciences

Salary Grade

057

Department

Molecular and Cellular Biology

Union

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Time Status

Full-time

Pre-Employment Screening

Education, Identity

Schedule

35 hours per week

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.

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