Assistant Director - Interfaculty Initiative in Health Policy

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 schedules, communications, vendors, facilities, materials, and other operational details to ensure successful events.

Financial Management: 

• Support the financial administration of the PhD program, including processing student reimbursements and payments.
• Contribute to federal training grant applications and annual progress reports.

May assume other duties as required.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications are the minimum requirements a candidate must meet to be considered for this role.

• Minimum of five years of administrative experience in higher education, academic research, or a comparably complex organization.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree strongly preferred. 
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with faculty, administrators, and students.
• Commitment to supporting inclusive, student-centered academic programs. 
• Ability to support graduate students navigating complex academic or personal challenges, including conflict resolution and response to high-stress situations, exercising sound judgment and coordinating with appropriate University resources.
• High degree of flexibility and adaptability, and ability to manage concurrent projects and multiple priorities. 
• Experience working with students in an academic setting preferred; familiarity with Harvard desirable. 
• Interest in health policy a plus.

Additional Information

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Harvard University requires pre-employment reference and background screenings:Identity
• Other Information:
  • Occasional evening hours for program events.
  • This position will have a 3-month orientation and review period.
  • Our interview process may include both virtual interviews via Zoom and in-person interviews. Selected finalists may be asked to participate in an in-person interview. 

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 056. 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.

Salary Grade: 056