Staff Assistant, Federal Affairs

Harvard Public Affairs and Communications (HPAC) manages and facilitates the University’s relationships with the general public, media outlets, federal, state, and local governments, and our neighboring communities. HPAC advances information and communications related to the University’s mission of excellence in teaching, learning, and research.

Staff Assistant, Federal Affairs performs a variety of complex administrative support functions and legislative research in support of the HPAC Office of Federal Relations located in Washington, DC. Primarily, Staff Assistant III supports the AVP and other federal affairs team members. Works independently with minimal supervision. This role works across HPAC teams and functions to integrate activities, tools and information to advance departmental priorities.  Coordinates projects and initiatives as needed. Anticipates and resolves problems and updates supervisor on status of projects.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Typical Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned as needed.

• Organizes and ensures the operation of administrative systems, office functions, and procedures necessary to support the DC Office of Federal Relations.
• Manages completion and submission of quarterly lobbying disclosures to assure compliance with University requirements and government regulations, including organizing and managing process to collect, compile and review complex documents and draft and submit reports.
• Assists with overall management and coordination of travel to Washington, DC and associated meetings for high level University officials.
• Tracks relevant weekly news clips and policy highlights.
• May compose, proofread, edit, and manage correspondence, fact sheets, reports, briefings, and other materials using word processing, spreadsheets and/or databases.
• Develops resources for advocacy materials.
• Posts material to website and coordinates updates.
• Attends and summarizes hearings and briefings.
• Acts as liaison with related programs or projects within Harvard, at other universities or with government agencies, keeping the supervisor informed of relevant information.
• Provides for smooth day-to-day flow of communications within the unit.

The above covers the most significant responsibilities of the position.  It does not, however, exclude other duties, the inclusion of which would be in conformity with the level of the position.

Qualifications

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

• For consideration, please include a cover letter.
• 3 years of related experience, or an equivalent of education plus relevant business experience
• Education beyond high school may count toward experience. 
• Strong communication skills required
• Able to work independently with minimal supervision
• Ability to handle complex and confidential information with discretion
• Competency using Word, Excel, and Teams required

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Familiarity with legislative process, higher education, or congressional experience preferred
• Familiarity with web-based federal and congressional research tools preferred
• In-depth experience developing and using spreadsheets and/or databases 

Additional Information

• Hybrid schedule: This position follows a hybrid schedule, with required in office presence on Mondays and Thursdays. Additional on‑site days may be required based on business needs.
• 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:
  • While demanding significant initiative and the ability to work independently, these efforts will be carried out under the direction of other federal relations staff. This position is nonexempt and confidential. It is located in the Office of Federal Relations in Washington, DC, and works on a hybrid schedule.
  • This position will have a 3-month orientation and review period.

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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 053. 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.