Senior Executive Assistant

Harvard T.H. Chan School Of Public Health - Cambridge, MA

Full-time - Mid Level

Remote - Cambridge, MA

About the position

The Senior Executive Assistant at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health plays a crucial role in supporting the new dean of the faculty and the Dean's Office. This position involves establishing workflows to support the dean's priorities, managing the dean's calendar, and acting as the primary point of contact for the dean. The role requires a collaborative and self-directed individual who can anticipate needs, resolve issues discreetly, and maintain a high level of professionalism. The Senior EA will contribute to the mission of improving public health and will be part of a dedicated administrative team that fosters a culture of inclusion and belonging.

Responsibilities

• Manage calls and emails for the dean, ensuring a welcoming environment for all constituents.
• Proactively handle the dean's calendar, resolving scheduling conflicts and communicating updates to stakeholders.
• Arrange domestic and international travel logistics, including flights, hotels, and itineraries.
• Draft, edit, and proofread correspondence and maintain archival records.
• Reconcile the dean's expenses and corporate card transactions.
• Anticipate the needs of the dean and act proactively in alignment with the Dean's Office staff.
• Organize and implement administrative systems to promote efficiency and maximize technology use.
• Perform other duties as required based on shifting demands.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience is required.
• 5+ years of experience supporting senior/executive level leaders or related experience is required.
• Experience with calendar management of senior/executive leaders is required.

Nice-to-haves

• Bachelor's degree strongly preferred.
• 10+ years of progressively responsible administrative experience strongly preferred.
• Experience in an academic environment is preferred.
• Familiarity with systems, policies, and procedures is preferred.
• Advanced fluency with Microsoft Office Suite and collaboration programs is required.
• Proven task management and organizational skills are preferred.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills are preferred.
• Aptitude for preemptive, creative problem solving is preferred.
• Sound judgment and professionalism in handling sensitive information is preferred.
• Proven customer service skills with an empathic mindset are preferred.

Benefits

• 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year, 12 accrued sick days, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess, and 3 personal days per year.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs.
• Child and elder/adult care resources, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs.
• University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation.
• Tuition Assistance Program including reduced tuition at Harvard Extension School.
• Tuition Reimbursement Program providing 75% to 90% reimbursement for eligible courses.
• Professional Development programs and classes at little or no cost.
• Various commuter options including discounted parking and public transportation passes.