Serves in a multi-functional, front-line support role at the Harvard College Admissions and Financial Aid Administrative Offices. This position is situated at the main reception desk and, along with a team of graduate student assistants, acts as the first point of contact for callers and guests, including prospective and current students and parents, alumni, faculty, and staff.

Supervision of Student Staff

• Hires and serves as the primary supervisor for 8-10 graduate student assistants. Responsible for new student onboarding process and spot training throughout the year.
• Maintains student schedules to ensure full (8:30 am-5:00 pm, Monday - Friday) coverage of the reception area and Financial Aid Office phone lines.
• Directs student workflow and responsible for keeping students up to date with changing policies and procedures.

Reception/Administrative

• Serves as the main public representative of the Administrative Office to all visitors and callers.
• Handles the main telephone line and answers general inquiries; responds to inquiries via phone and email communication. Refers inquiries to other departments as required.
• Greets walk-in visitors and guests; manages up-keep of the reception area appearance.
• Receives, sorts, and distributes daily mail and packages.
• Acts as office-wide point of contact for office supply ordering. Maintains the general inventory of reception area supplies. Proactively checks on supply levels and places orders when needed.
• Maintains supply stock of print and copier toner cartridges and copier supplies.
• May be called upon to assist with projects as needed.

Additional Responsibilities

• Acts as the primary point person for processing financial transactions for the Financial Aid Office: invoice payment requests, PCard reconciliation, ordering office supplies, and hiring and payroll for student staff.
• Resolves payment issues with vendors when needed.
• Stays up to date on Harvard's financial policies.
• Serves as primary point of contact with the Student Accounts Office for the refund process.
• Serves as primary point of contact for Financial Aid Office archiving procedures.
• Assists with application material tracking and the processing of financial aid awards.

• Three years of experience required. Education beyond high school may count toward experience.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (both written and verbal).
• Ability to work well under pressure, strong time management and organizational skills, demonstrated initiative, strong attention to detail, and ability to keep information confidential.
• Ability to research and resolve issues quickly, as well as apply problem-solving skills.
• Administrative experience in a customer service or operations-oriented office desirable.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Proficiency with office productivity and collaboration tools; access to the Internet for remote work needed.

• Work will require sitting, near vision use for reading and computer use for extended periods of time.

• Work is typically performed in an office setting, but may be hybrid, as directed by FAS.
• This position will be based in Cambridge, MA. Any remote work must be performed in a state in which Harvard is registered to do business (e.g., CT, MA, ME, NH, RI, and VT).

In order to be considered for this position, please demonstrate basic qualifications are met in your application materials.
Candidates must submit a cover letter in addition to their resume in order for their application to be reviewed.

This position has a 3-month orientation and review period.

All formal offers will be made by FAS HR.

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The Admissions, Financial Aid, and Student Employment Office of Harvard College is committed to the values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. In order to recruit and admit a diverse class, as well as support students' equitable access to educational experiences, we strive toward Harvard University's goal of inclusive excellence. We affirm that a rich learning and working environment can only result from a diverse community where all are supported in being their authentic, true selves and empowered to contribute fully to our shared goals and achievements.

We invite you to visit Harvard’s Total Rewards website to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

General Administration

USA - MA - Cambridge

403033 Staff Assistant III

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

College Admissions and Financial Aid

Admissions and Financial Aid

Full-time

053

55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

Criminal, Identity

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.