Assistant Director, Interfaculty Initiative in Health Policy

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.

Why join Harvard University Central Administration?

Harvard University's Central Administration (CADM) is a 5,000+ employee organization that supports the university's overall excellence by understanding and serving the needs of its schools, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and surrounding communities. Through dynamic and collaborative partnerships, CADM provides high-quality and efficient services to the schools to help them achieve their goals.

Job Description The Interfaculty Initiative in Health Policy (IIHP) is part of Harvard University Central Administration. The IIHP advances interdisciplinary research, teaching, and training at the intersection of health, policy, and society. IIHP administers two academic programs: the Harvard PhD Program in Health Policy and the Harvard College Secondary Field in Global Health and Health Policy. The PhD program enrolls approximately 60 students and involves faculty from multiple Harvard Schools, The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard Medical School, Harvard Business School, Harvard Kennedy School, Harvard Law School, and the Faculty of Arts and Sciences.

It is an interdisciplinary program which offers five concentrations:
Decision Sciences, Economics, Management, Methods for Policy Research, and Political Analysis.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:
Reporting to the Executive Director of the Interfaculty Initiative in Health Policy, the Assistant Director manages administrative operations, academic operations, and student support for the PhD Program in Health Policy.

Academic Program Administration:
Manage day-to-day administrative operations of the PhD Program in Health Policy. Interpret and implement Graduate School of Arts and Sciences policies and procedures for students.

Foster a collaborative, service-oriented office culture aligned with the academic mission of the initiative.

Prepare and maintain unit's administrative and student records, review complex documents and reports, assure compliance with university requirements. Prepare reports, presentations, and briefing materials for program staff, faculty, review committees, and other stakeholders.

Support course administration for the Core Course in Health Policy, including coordinating course scheduling and classroom scheduling.

Student Support and Advising:

Serve as a primary administrative contact for students throughout the program, connecting them with appropriate university services.

Advise students on academic, administrative, and university-related matters, helping to promote a positive and successful student experience.

Faculty Engagement:

Coordinate meetings of faculty committees, including scheduling, preparing materials, tracking action items, and facilitating follow-up.

Monitor students’ academic progress and provide faculty with timely updates on milestones, requirements, and areas requiring attention. Support faculty in addressing student-related academic and administrative matters.

Admissions Support:

Maintain timely and professional correspondence with prospective applicants and admitted students. Support admissions activities, including information sessions and recruitment events. Process, review, and track applications in accordance with program and Graduate School policies and deadlines.

Coordinate the application review process, including organizing materials, scheduling interviews, and communicating with applicants and admitted students.

Evaluate applications and provide initial recommendations regarding candidates for admission, in accordance with established program criteria and admissions procedures.

Communications:
Update the PhD program’s website and program materials, ensuring clear, accurate, and accessible communication for students, faculty, and external audiences.

Maintain accurate academic and program information in course catalogs, student handbooks, and related publications.

Event Management:
Plan and organize logistics for academic, professional development, recruitment, and community-building events. These include: student orientation activities, fellowship advising sessions, an annual job market panel, program dinners, alumni events, and commencement activities.

Coordinate…