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 the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences?
The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) is the historic heart of
Harvard University. It is the home of Harvard’s undergraduate
program (Harvard College, founded in 1636) as well as all of
Harvard’s Ph.D. programs (the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate
School of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1872), Harvard Athletics
and the Division of Continuing Education. The 40 academic
departments and 30+ centers of the FAS support a community
unparalleled in its academic excellence across the broadest range
of liberal arts and sciences disciplines. Together, the FAS seeks
to foster an environment of ambition, curiosity and shared
commitment to knowledge and truth that elicits excellence from all
members of our community and prepares the next generation of
leaders through a transformative educational experience.
Job Description
Job Summary:
About the Mittal Institute
The Mittal Institute at Harvard University is a global research
center dedicated to advancing interdisciplinary scholarship and
fostering real-world solutions to pressing global challenges. The
Institute works with faculty members, students, and in-region
institutions and experts to advance and deepen the understanding of
critical issues shaping South Asia and its global impact. Through
academic programs, fellowships, public events, and collaborative
partnerships, the Institute brings together diverse communities to
promote knowledge, dialogue, and actionable impact.
Position Summary
The Event Coordinator will play a key role in supporting the
planning, coordination and execution, of a wide range of Institute
events, including lectures, symposia, workshops, fellowship
activities, seminars, community gatherings, and public programming.
This position ensures that all events are delivered professionally,
efficiently, and in alignment with the Institute’s mission and high
standards. The Event Coordinator reports to the Assistant Director
for Programs and works closely with faculty, staff, students,
fellows, and external partners to create engaging, inclusive, and
impactful event experiences. The tasks encompassed in this position
are broad and varied. They include, but are not limited to:
Job-Specific Responsibilities:
Event Coordination:
- Coordinate end-to-end logistics for Institute events, including
planning timelines, reserving event spaces, managing vendors,
arranging audiovisual support, coordinating catering and
transportation, and ensuring effective hospitality and post-event
follow-up.
Coordinate event communications in collaboration with the
Communications team, including invitations, RSVP and registration
tracking, event website listings, confirmations, reminders, and
post-event follow-up.
Serve as a primary point of contact for event participants,
speakers, guests, and vendors, providing professional support and
clear communication before, during, and after events.
Occasionally, may work with the Executive Director and senior
leadership on the coordination of the non-public events for friends
and supporters of the Mittal Institute.
Provide on-site event support, including check-in,
troubleshooting, and coordination with staff and vendors.
Coordinate room layouts and space setups in compliance with
Harvard and Institute policies.
Assist with virtual and hybrid events, including platform setup
(e.g., Zoom), registration management, and audiovisual
coordination.
Maintain and update event databases, calendars, and
documentation.
Prepare event budgets, track expenses, and assist with
financial reconciliation.
Support administrative processes related to events, including
purchase requests, contracts, and reimbursements.
Student Support
- Coordinate the Graduate Student Associate Program for graduate
students affiliated with MI, managing application and renewal
processes, and organizing related program events.
- Support the student organizations associated with the Mittal
Institute.
- Support the Seed for Change Prize by coordinating faculty
review committees and serving as a primary point of contact for
applicants.
- Assist with the biannual student grant cycles and serve as
backup as needed.
This is a full-time, hybrid position based in Cambridge, MA.
Must be on campus for event set-up and on-site support. Additional
information regarding flexible work arrangements will be provided
during the interview process.
Flexibility to work on occasional evenings and weekends as
required by event schedules.
Qualifications
Basic Qualifications:
At least 3 years of professional experience in event coordination,
logistics management, or related roles in an academic or higher
education setting
Additional Qualifications and Skills:
- Bachelor’s degree preferred.
- Experience supporting academic, research, or public programming
in a higher education or nonprofit environment preferred.
- Familiarity with Harvard administrative processes, policies,
and event procedures preferred.
- Excellent organizational, time management, and multitasking
skills, with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage
multiple priorities simultaneously.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the
ability to interact professionally with faculty, students, staff,
and external partners.
- Demonstrated ability to coordinate logistics, manage timelines,
and support events from planning through execution and post-event
follow-up.
- Proficiency with technology and office software, including
Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint), virtual
event platforms (e.g., Zoom), and database or event management
systems.
- Ability to quickly learn and navigate institutional systems and
event management tools.
- Collaborative team player with the ability to work effectively
across departments and with diverse stakeholders.
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt in
fast-paced event environments.
- Commitment to fostering inclusive and welcoming environments
for diverse communities.
- Flexibility to work on occasional evenings and weekends as
required by event schedules.
Additional Information
- Appointment End Date: 2 Years from start date with the
possibility of renewal
- Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
- Compensation Range/Rate: $65,000 - $70,000
- Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is
unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
- Pre-Employment Screening: Identity
This is a benefits-eligible, two-year term appointment, with the
possibility of renewal based on performance and organizational
needs
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 054. 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.
