Chief Of Staff Jobs in Massachusetts

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 Harvard University Office of the General Counsel?

Harvard University’s Office of the General Counsel is responsible for all legal work in furtherance of Harvard’s teaching and research mission. The Office strives to render timely and thoughtful advice on the broad range of legal issues that Harvard leadership, administrators, and faculty confront in their work on behalf of the University in a rapidly evolving environment. The Office is comprised of attorneys with experience in private practice, higher education, and government, who are both generalists capable of handling a wide variety of legal matters and specialists with expertise in key areas. We embrace a team culture, collaborating and consulting with colleagues and with outside counsel as appropriate.

Harvard University’s Office of the General Counsel is seeking a highly accomplished and organized Counsel and Chief of Staff to serve as a strategic partner and trusted advisor to the Vice President and General Counsel (VPGC). The position is a dual-capacity role operating at the intersection of complex higher education practice, strategy and operations. The successful candidate will identify and evaluate issues and risks presented in complex and consequential litigation and investigation matters in order to provide legal counseling and to serve as a strategic advisor to the VPGC. The Counsel and Chief of Staff also will work with the management team (the VPGC, Deputy General Counsel, Administrative Coordinator, and Practice Coordinator) to oversee the OGC’s large and complex caseload, and plan and implement special initiatives. The role also will help lead legal workflows for initiatives that are cross-cutting or fall outside OGC’s traditional practice groups. This position serves as a key liaison between the VPGC, other members of the OGC, the University’s senior leadership, other University constituents, and outside counsel as needed, coordinating communication, helping ensure timely task completion and follow-through, driving efficiency, and managing critical projects. It is expected that the Counsel and Chief of Staff also may provide legal advice and assistance on legal matters that often will be unusual or novel. Additionally, the role will help coordinate the work of the OGC, identify overarching priorities and risks, allocate resources, and track long-term matters and projects.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Basic Qualifications a candidate must meet to be considered for this role.

• JD and a minimum of eight years' experience as an attorney in litigation or a related practice area or other relevant experience. Judicial clerkships may count toward years of experience. Admission to practice in Massachusetts or readiness to obtain admission to practice within one year.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

Strong interpersonal and diplomacy skills. Exceptional written and oral communication skills, including the ability to present to senior leadership and various other stakeholders. Experience advising institutions of higher education or other complex organizations. Ability to track, steward and properly prioritize a high volume of competing, complex and often sensitive matters in a fast-paced environment. Interest in identifying and helping to implement technology to enhance legal support and operations, such as matter management systems and e-billing software. Interest in identifying and helping to implement improvements to workflow management and other internal processes as legal needs evolve. Strong research, analytical, and writing skills. Good judgment and ability to work independently as well as cooperatively with others. Fluency in the litigation process.

• Interview Process: Candidates selected for further consideration may be required to submit additional materials/writing samples and/or complete assessments or presentations as part of the hiring process. Our interview process may include both virtual interviews via Zoom and in-person interviews.
• Work location : This position involves a hybrid work schedule (currently three days onsite/two days remote). The Office of the General Counsel may alter this schedule as the office’s needs and circumstances change. Employees will be expected to commute to the office in Cambridge as required. Complying with the office’s work location requirements is a condition of continued employment.
• 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, Education)
• Other Information: This position will have a 3-month orientation and review period.

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 062. 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.