Operations Coordinator

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

The John

F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University is one of 12 graduate and professional schools at the university. Harvard Kennedy School’s mission is to improve public policy and leadership so people can live in societies that are more safe, free, just, and sustainably prosperous. By combining cutting-edge research, the teaching of outstanding students, and direct interaction with practitioners, we have an impact on solving public problems that no other institution can match.

When you work at Harvard Kennedy School, you make a difference.

The Harvard Kennedy School Government Performance Lab (GPL) seeks an Operations Coordinator, who will further the GPL’s mission by working closely with other members of the GPL’s operations team to advance critical functions supporting GPL staff, including hiring and training, events, and operations. They will report to the Senior Director of Operations and work closely with GPL program leads and the Director of Strategic Operations.

The mission of the Harvard Kennedy School Government Performance Lab (GPL) is to accelerate progress on difficult social problems by improving how state and local governments across the country deliver services to their residents. Our team collaborates closely with government innovators in developing and testing ways to create more just and effective service systems in areas including child and family wellbeing, public safety and justice, and homelessness and housing.

To date, the GPL has engaged with 110 jurisdictions across 37 states and has conducted more than 284 projects, shifting more than $7B in government spending towards results.

Bringing together government and thought leaders is a key part of GPL's mission to spread innovative practices across state and local government. Reporting to the Senior Director of Operations, the Operations Coordinator manages the planning and execution of multiple large-scale events on campus each year, including staff convenings, practitioner and expert gatherings, and off-campus policy team retreats, often involving 60+ participants.

• Event management includes but is not limited to:
  • Preparation of convening supplies and printed materials
  • Overseeing event logistics, including event catering, session room reservations, and audio-visual equipment needs
  • Coordinating day-of event execution, troubleshooting issues in real time, and ensuring a seamless participant experience
• Coordinating and booking of accommodations and support servies, including campus space, hotel accommodations, external meeting spaces as needed, and shuttle transportation
• Managing communications with staff, speakers, and participants before, during, and after events
• Engaging with and managing external vendors, including for off-campus activities, specialized session materials, photographers, and catering/restaurants.
• Managing virtual events (Zoom setup, behind-the-scenes help, Q&A management)

Ensures the organization runs smoothly behind the scenes by managing technology, administrative support, and internal processes, providing staff and fellows with the tools, resources, and support needed to work efficiently and maximize impact.

• Serving as the primary liaison with HKS IT for fellow and staff IT needs, including but not limited to:
  • Monitoring inventory and order new laptops as needed for all GPL staff and fellows
  • Ensuring the timely complete setup of…