Under the leadership of the Associate Director of the Graduate Commons Program, the SSI Program Manager will promote resident involvement through the development of dynamic programming within Harvard University Housing’s Graduate Commons properties. The Program Manager will manage, develop, and implement programs that promote resident engagement, with a focus on resident well-being and student success. These programs also provide inclusive community interaction through intellectual, cultural, social, and recreational activities for all residents.
This position has a special focus on social and service events to develop a strong sense of community, and prepare residents for life post-Harvard, but will also support larger unit events. The SSI Program Manager collaborates with teammates as well as University offices to accomplish the mission of the Graduate Commons Program. The role requires a focus on assessment data to enhance traditional programs and identify new programmatic opportunities for all residents, with a specific focus on our underrepresented communities.
Position Description
The Program Manager will be responsible for, but not limited to, the following activities:
Leading a Team/Programming Plan – Service and Social Initiatives (SSI)
Recruit, supervise, train, and evaluate 8-10 live-in Community Advisor staff members and one graduate student intern focused on service and wellness programming
Support Community Advisor programming plans and leadership development through monthly meetings and trainings (2-3/month)
Plan and lead virtual, in-person, and hybrid service and social themed programs (2/month)
Engage Faculty Directors in preparation for social events each month including fireside chats, open houses, and dinners and discussion events
Participate in University-wide collaborations in support of graduate student life on campus
Oversee purchasing and programming budget for all SSI events, including supply closets and event needs
Overall Contribution to the HUH/GCP Department
Research & implement programming strategies to engage underrepresented resident communities
Work collaboratively and enthusiastically with other members of the GCP team to support overall GCP programming, find opportunities for joint programming, and to model our values of Making Harvard Home to our residents
Continue and develop new programming partnerships with university offices, including Harvard University Police Department, Common Spaces, and more
Develop connections with faculty, staff, and students across the portfolio and University
Create and manage events and registrations using the Ungerboeck Events Management system
Plan and support Graduate Commons Signature Events including Welcome Season and Head of the Charles Brunch
Represent the Graduate Commons Program and Harvard University Housing at University-wide Admit Days
Develop original content for building’s electronic posting boards (REACH system) and prepare weekly newsletters updates and social media posts for dissemination by GCP Staff Assistant
Responsible management of all financial systems, including payment of invoices via the University Buy2Pay system and the University Purchasing Card system (managing receipts and deadlines associated)
Oversee two GCP common rooms and storage closets as assigned
University Collaboration and HUH/GCP Teamwork
Assist in University committees and Programming as needed, representing GCP across all graduate and professional schools (i.e., Grad Fest, Grad Circle, Safety Committee, etc)
Source and select new vendors with a focus on equity, diversity, inclusion, and supporting local businesses
Maintain a close relationship with HUH Leasing Team regarding Community Advisor staff and resident issues
Liaise with Property Management as needed regarding Common Rooms and Study Rooms maintenance needs in spaces under their purview
Contribute to the overall success and growth of the Graduate Commons Program by performing all other duties as assigned
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree required
Minimum of one year of applicable experience, in Campus Activities, Student Affairs and/or New Student Orientation
Demonstrated experience creating programming and supporting diverse populations through intercultural awareness and special cultural events and activities
Must have excellent computer skills including in-depth understanding of, and experience with, databases, spreadsheets, word processing packages
Additional Qualifications and Skills
Master’s in Higher Ed Administration or related field preferred.
Must possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills; demonstrated ability to maintain and establish positive working relationships with faculty, students, and staff.
Knowledge of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging frameworks.
High degree of familiarity working with and supporting highly diverse international populations in Higher Education. Strong mediation and/or conflict resolution skills.
This position often requires lifting heavy objects (up to 35lbs) and moving furniture to prepare for events.
A valid Driver’s License is preferred.
Working Conditions
Core Business Hours are 11-3pm Monday – Friday
Flexible Schedules will be offered
Additional Information
This position will require flexible hours, including some evening and weekend hours. The Manager will receive a housing stipend (equivalent to one-bedroom unit) and utilities within a Harvard Housing property, as well as a university issued mobile phone. This is a live-on position with after hours on-call responsibilities for GCP event management only. This position is overtime eligible. Core hours are 11-3pm M-F, however flexibility will be encouraged and maintained. Night and weekend hours will be required.
For many people, the most compelling aspect of working at Harvard is the sense of mission and community that permeates every school, department, program, and organization on campus. It’s a vibrant crucible of intellectual activity, research, knowledge creation, learning, and teaching. Here, results matter and creativity flourishes. We’re united by a culture that strives for excellence, but also supports us in our work.
