Writer and Research Assistant

Overview

Harvard Kennedy School – Dean's Office, Cambridge, MA. Job Function:
Communications. Job Type: Full-time. Salary Grade: 056. FLSA Status:
Non-exempt. Union: 99 - Non-Union, Confidential Non-Ex. Term Appointment:
Yes.

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.

Job Summary: The Writer and Research Assistant to the Dean provides high-level research and speech writing support to the Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) Dean. This role requires exceptional writing ability and analytical thinking, excellent interpersonal skills, attention to detail, ability to work on tight deadlines, proactive anticipation of information needs, and effectiveness in carrying out research and synthesis. Reporting to the Chief of Staff and responding to requests from the Chief of Staff and Dean, the Writer and Research Assistant will research and prepare formal remarks, briefings, talking points, and presentations as they relate to the Dean's official functions, including meetings, professorial and decanal lectures, and events.

They will operate as a representative of the Dean with senior-level staff, faculty, and external audiences, and are expected to operate with collegiality, discretion, and judiciousness, including with respect to confidential and sensitive information. They will collaborate with multiple units and HKS colleagues to gather background information and draft briefings and remarks. They will provide research assistance to advance strategic priorities and contribute to academic projects of the Dean.

Finally, they will support the daily and long-term activities of the Dean's Office and work to advance the Dean's agenda in support of the Chief of Staff.

• Draft and revise formal written remarks, drawing on input from the Dean and Chief of Staff, in consultation with HKS departments and research centers as appropriate.
• Draft and revise talking points, slide decks, and other written documents tailored to different contexts, ensuring accuracy and relevance, in consultation with HKS departments and research centers as appropriate.
• Conduct background research and prepare reports and summaries for the Dean and Chief of Staff. Undertake research and prepare briefings and reports related to the Dean's strategic priorities and research projects.
• Support the Dean's classroom teaching, including course administration and development.
• Partner with HKS administrative units to plan and execute special events and semi-annual campus gatherings.
• Develop background materials as necessary, including financial data, historical context, and academic data.
• Work with a sense of urgency to meet deadlines and deliver high-quality briefings and materials in a timely manner.
• Accompany the Dean and Chief of Staff to meetings as requested for purposes of note taking and information synthesis.

Note:

Applicants wishing to be considered must provide a resume/CV, cover letter, and writing sample.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree.
• Minimum of three years of related experience in research, speech writing and/or policy-based writing, and administration. Relevant internships will count towards experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• A demonstrated collaborative style with a wide range of stakeholders and the ability to establish and maintain productive working relationships.
• Strong time-management and organizational skills and the ability to both take initiative and work on multiple projects simultaneously, on deadline, while maintaining attention to detail.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information and data with requisite discretion.
• Strong interest in higher education and technology policy, and experience writing or researching on issues in these domains.
• A proactive mindset and the ability to anticipate information needs.
• Proficiency in gathering and analyzing data from multiple sources.

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter
• Writing Sample

• Appointment End Date: One year from date of hire, with possibility of renewal/extension.
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 40 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education
• Other Information: The interview process for this position will include research- and writing-based exercises.

This position is based on our campus in Cambridge, MA and is required to work a minimum of 3 days/week in-person. This is not a remote-eligible position.

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively…