The HGSE Office of Admissions and Financial Aid seeks a motivated and organized individual to provide high quality customer service to individuals at all stages of the application cycle. Reporting to the Associate Director of Admissions Operations, this role will manage our front desk operations as well as various channels of communication including multiple inboxes, the main phone line, and in-person walk-ins.

Front Line Customer Service (50%)

• Performs a variety of complex office support functions
• Monitor multiple inboxes, responding in a timely manner to inquiries from prospective and admitted students.
• Provide professional phone coverage during business hours, answering incoming calls and responding to voicemails.
• Maintain understanding of HGSE policies to accurately answer questions or direct to the appropriate office.
• Sit at the front desk, greet visitors, answer general questions, and route issues to appropriate staff members.

Admissions & Financial Aid Administrative Support (45%)

• Process application fee waivers.
• Support application completion processes including tracking and uploading materials and answering questions from applicants about requirements.
• Coordinate post-enrollment requests and status changes, maintaining detailed notes and communicating updates across departments.
• Process digital and hard copy official transcripts and serve as primary point of contact for deadline extension requests.
• Handles communication with and tracking of returning defers.
• Assist with updating and maintenance of office(s) webpages.
• Performs data entry on PowerFaids computer system and helps maintain financial aid records.
• Advises students on outside scholarship searches, financial aid procedures and options, budgeting, and debt management. Develops understanding of core financial aid regulations.

Additional Operational Support (5%)

• Manage inventory of office supplies.
• Maintain team meeting calendar invitations and reserve spaces as needed.
• Support on-campus and virtual recruitment and yield events.
• Provide support for other operational projects as needed.

Minimum 2 years’ experience required. Ability to work overtime during peak periods required.
Any applicant wishing to be considered must supply a cover letter in addition to their resume.
Any applicant wishing to be considered for this position must indicate that they meet all of the basic requirements in either the cover letter or resume.

Bachelor’s degree strongly preferred.
2 years administrative experience in an academic environment or equivalent (e.g., student services) preferred.
Excellent interpersonal, oral/written communication, proofreading, and financial record-keeping skills required; demonstrated ability to exercise independent judgment, initiative, detail/accuracy, and follow-through.
Manage large volumes of work and meet shifting deadlines with flexibility and poise.
Computer literacy and ability to learn new applications and systems quickly; demonstrated experience in MS Office Word and Excel.
Ability to work independently and as a member of a team with minimal supervision in a fast-paced environment with good judgment, tact, and a sense of humor; ability to handle complex and confidential information with discretion.
Familiarity with Harvard financial systems a plus.
Previous experience providing a high level of customer service in a busy office
This is a key administrative position in a fast-paced department with a collegial environment. In addition to the duties and responsibilities listed above, the successful candidate will have an interest in working with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and will be expected to: (1) coordinate work with supervisors, follow up on delegated projects and assignments, and provide and request status updates; and (2) proactively contribute to the improvement of office operations.

HGSE is a diverse community of learners, teachers, and employees who are passionate about changing the world through education and striving for maximum impact in the field of education.
HGSE Human Resources values diversity in all forms, and believes that each employee brings a set of diverse experiences and identities to the workplace that makes us stronger, encourages innovation, and enhances our collective contributions. We continue to develop and support a workforce that reflects the diversity of those we serve; fosters an environment that allows each individual to belong and to bring their best self to work; and creates the conditions that empower employees to contribute their full potential to advancing the work of the school.
We do this by:

• Hiring and retaining staff reflecting the diversity of those we serve;
• Providing employees opportunities to learn, grow, and be challenged;
• Reviewing and ensuring fairness and equity in HR practices and policies including but not limited to hiring, promotion, and compensation;
• Developing strong relationships and partnerships internal and external to our community to advance diversity and inclusion;
• Communicating transparently and respectfully; and
• Fostering an inclusive, respectful, and professional work environment

About the Harvard Graduate School of Education
Many choose to work at the Harvard Graduate School of Education because they believe in our mission and are excited by our vision for the future. We have a reputation as a great place to work, for our excellent leadership, and we are a strong community that values diversity. For more information about HGSE, its programs, research, and faculty, please visit: www.gse.harvard.edu

This is a hybrid position that is based in Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) 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)

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053

Admissions

55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

Full-time

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.

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