Program Coordinator, Fellowships and Research Administration

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Why join the Harvard Kennedy School?

The John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University is one of 12 graduate and professional schools at the university. Harvard Kennedy School’s mission is to improve public policy and leadership so people can live in societies that are more safe, free, just, and sustainably prosperous. By combining cutting-edge research, the teaching of outstanding students, and direct interaction with practitioners, we have an impact on solving public problems that no other institution can match. When you work at Harvard Kennedy School, you make a difference.

About the Organization 

The Middle East Initiative (MEI) at the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs is Harvard University’s principal forum for policy-relevant research and teaching on the contemporary Middle East and North Africa. Through the integration of scholarly research, policy analysis, executive and graduate education, and community engagement, MEI aims to advance public policy and build capacity in the Middle East, with the goal of enhancing the lives of all the region’s peoples. 

As part of the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, MEI believes that being a diverse and inclusive organization is not only morally right, but also central to our ability to achieve our mission. We do not discriminate against any person based on race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, disability, income, or status as a veteran. 

About the Position

MEI is seeking an enthusiastic and resourceful Program Coordinator, Fellowships and Research Administration, to administer MEI’s fellowship programs, research awards, and related activities. Reporting to the Associate Director, this role is responsible for executing core programs, ensuring smooth operations, and providing faculty, students, and scholars with opportunities to deepen their engagement with the MENA region. This is an early- to mid-career, operations-oriented role ideal for someone with 3-5 years of experience who is eager to support these programs in a mission-driven academic environment.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Fellowships: 

• Under the direction of the MEI Associate Director, implements fellowship advertising, recruitment, and nomination processes aligned with program priorities.
• Administers application, selection, nomination, and hiring processes on behalf of MEI, in coordination with MEI leadership and relevant faculty committees.
• Administers the annual fellowship renewal process in close coordination with MEI Associate Director.
• Drafts fellowship letters and related correspondence on behalf of MEI Faculty Chair.
• Works with the Harvard International Office to procure visas for fellows as needed.
• Provides logistical support for fellows’ arrival and onboarding.
• Tracks and maintains records of fellowship status, evaluations, and alumni updates.
• May read fellowship applications and make recommendations to MEI leadership and/or relevant committees.

Research Administration: 

• Administers application and award processes for MEI Faculty Research Awards and MEI Student Research & Internship funding opportunities, including: coordinating with MEI leadership and relevant faculty committees; implementing relevant HKS central timelines, procedures, and policies; marketing award opportunities (in coordination with the Program Coordinator, Events and Communications); preparing and reviewing applications and making recommendations to the MEI Associate Director, Faculty Chair, or committees as relevant; and administering award disbursements.
• Tracks and maintains records of faculty research progress reporting and publications, as well as student activities supported by MEI.
• In collaboration with MEI’s Communication and Events Coordinator, drafts content for MEI website, publications, and reports to donors, Belfer Center, and other stakeholders. 
• Attends relevant Center- and School-wide meetings related to fellowships and research administration on behalf of MEI and briefs MEI Associate Director.
• Assists with fundraising, including researching grant opportunities, developing budgets and narrative proposals for new gifts/grants, and assists the MEI Associate Director with managing existing donor reporting requirements. 
• Acts as a resource for MEI Program Coordinator, Events and Communications, on production of MEI research publications.
• May serve on student degree fellowship reading committees as needed. 

Administrative:

• Processes invoices and other expenses related to MEI fellows, faculty affiliates, and research activities.
• Helps manage office suite inventory and equipment (e.g., office supplies, printers).
• Other duties as required.

We are looking for someone who is:

• Collaborative, humble, and eager to learn and contribute to a small team.
• Highly detail-oriented and reliable, with a strong sense of ownership and a solutions-oriented mindset.
• Calm, diplomatic, and professional in high-pressure or high-visibility settings.
• Comfortable working closely with the Associate Director and MEI leadership, following guidance and supporting program priorities, while proactively managing key administrative and operational tasks.
• Comfortable juggling multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment and able to embrace frequent change with professionalism, self-assurance, and composure.
• Comfortable working closely with a diverse range of constituents—from students and junior researchers to visiting dignitaries and senior scholars—and able to exercise sound judgment when handling media requests and other invitations.
• Mission-driven and genuinely interested in the Middle East and public policy. 

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Minimum of three years demonstrated work experience managing complex programs; a combination of relevant education and experience may be considered.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Master’s degree in a relevant field preferred; relevant job experience will be considered with equal weight.
• Experience providing executive-level administrative and program support, including anticipating needs, following guidance, and ensuring high-quality execution of complex tasks.
• Proven ability to forge strong collaborative working relationships with diverse constituencies and work effectively as part of a team.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and work independently.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Poise, tact, and diplomatic skills.
• Prior experience working with high-level constituents in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to take initiative and exercise discretion with sensitive and confidential information.
• Genuine interest in and knowledge of the Middle East; higher education administrative experience preferred.

We encourage candidates who meet most—but not all—of the qualifications to apply.

• Appointment End Date: This position is a fully benefits-eligible term appointment ending one year from date of hire with strong possibility of renewal.
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 055. 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.