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Why join the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences?

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) is the historic heart of Harvard University. It is the home of Harvard’s undergraduate program (Harvard College, founded in 1636) as well as all of Harvard’s Ph.D. programs (the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1872), Harvard Athletics and the Division of Continuing Education. The 40 academic departments and 30+ centers of the FAS support a community unparalleled in its academic excellence across the broadest range of liberal arts and sciences disciplines. Together, the FAS seeks to foster an environment of ambition, curiosity and shared commitment to knowledge and truth that elicits excellence from all members of our community and prepares the next generation of leaders through a transformative educational experience.

Job Summary:

The Weatherhead Center for International Affairs facilitates the production of pathbreaking social science research on international, comparative, transnational, and global issues. Our community of scholars consists of over 400 affiliates from multiple social science disciplines and includes both Harvard faculty and students drawing from ten of Harvard’s schools as well as visitors to Harvard from all over the world. We house several dynamic research programs, initiatives, and clusters; host conferences, seminars, and workshops; and provide competitive fellowships to global scholars and research funding to Harvard faculty and students. This position is responsible for many of the day-to-day administrative functions that are in line with the research and teaching missions of the Program on US-Japan Relations.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Working closely with the Faculty Director and administrative leadership, the Staff Assistant supports the daily operations of the Program on U.S.-Japan Relations. This position combines program support, community building, and occasional research assistance, providing direct support to the Faculty Director while helping to advance the program’s academic, educational, and public outreach activities.

The role includes research on topics related to East Asia, including trade, international political economy, and foreign policy. Responsibilities include preparing background memoranda and literature reviews, collecting and analyzing data, producing graphs and other visualizations, and assisting with the preparation of presentations.

The Staff Assistant also manages logistical and administrative aspects of the program’s events, including seminars, workshops, conferences, and activities with Harvard undergraduate and graduate student groups. Responsibilities include coordinating speakers and participants, managing event logistics, and supporting successful program execution.

Additional responsibilities include serving as the primary point of contact for visitors and general inquiries, assisting with office operations, acting as the departmental IT liaison, and supporting the program’s website and social media communications.

Performs other duties as required. Occasional overtime required.

Basic Qualifications:

Three or more years of administrative experience. Education beyond high school may count toward experience. Computer skills required.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

Bachelor’s degree. Experience with Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Suite, and social media platforms.Excellent writing, organizational, and communication skills are essential. Well-developed cross-cultural and interpersonal skills. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Excellent time management and organizational skills. Attention to detail. Ability to handle complex and confidential information with discretion. Familiarity with Japanese society and language preferred.  Experience using statistical software (e.g., R) and document preparation with LaTeX is desirable. Familiarity with Harvard also preferred.

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity
• Other Information:

This is a two-year term position with possibility of renewal.

Overtime will occasionally be required for evening and weekend functions. Please visit https://us-japan.wcfia.harvard.edu/ to learn more about the program.

All formal offers will be made by FAS HR.

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Certain visa types 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.