Senior Executive Assistant

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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 Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs is the hub of Harvard Kennedy School's research, teaching, and training in international security and diplomacy, environmental and resource issues, and science and technology policy. The Belfer Center was named a “Center of Excellence” by the University of Pennsylvania’s Think Tanks and Civil Societies Program in 2021 – the last year of its ranking program – in recognition of the Center’s six consecutive years as the world’s #1 university‑affiliated think tank.

The Center has a dual mission: (1) to provide leadership in advancing policy‑relevant knowledge about the most important challenges of international security and other critical issues where science, technology, environmental policy, and international affairs intersect; and (2) to prepare future generations of leaders for these arenas.

Reporting to Meghan O’Sullivan, Director of the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at Harvard Kennedy School, the Senior Executive Assistant provides high‑level administrative and logistical support to the Director. With minimal supervision, the Senior Executive Assistant uses sound judgment, discretion, and strong organizational skills to manage the Director’s time and priorities in a fast‑paced, constantly evolving environment.

The ideal candidate would be a career executive assistant who excels at anticipatory support—proactively identifying the Director’s needs, surfacing issues early, and taking initiative to manage them through to resolution. They will be comfortable adapting to shifting priorities, managing multiple complex tasks simultaneously, and maintaining composure under pressure. The ideal candidate would also bring experience using new technologies, including AI models, to increase the efficiency of office operations and streamline daily processes.

Please note:

The position requires you to work in‑person on campus for a minimum of four days per week.

• In collaboration with the Director’s Senior Advisor, serve as primary liaison between the Director and parties requesting her engagement, including internal and external stakeholders who are inviting or hosting the Director.
• Manage the Director’s calendar, meeting requests, and daily logistical needs.
• Coordinate and manage domestic and international travel arrangements, including complex itineraries and visa processes.
• In collaboration with other members of the Director’s team, align commitments with the Director’s evolving priorities and objectives, proactively recommending tradeoffs and adjustments when necessary.
• Prepare biographical and other basic materials to inform the Director’s meetings and engagements.
• Liaise with other members of the Director’s team to organize and compile research, background information, and materials for review on a regular schedule, ensuring that the Director is well‑prepared for engagements and can efficiently complete Center business.

• Monitor the Director’s correspondence, prioritize items for her attention, and ensure timely responses and follow‑through.
• Working with other members of the Director’s team, track the status of short‑ and…