Harvard University Looking for Director Of Finance And Administration at Boston, MA, United States Full Time

Job Description

Job-Specific Responsibilities

The Department of Microbiology is a vibrant and exciting Department, with faculty who have successfully competed for funding from a wide range of sponsors including government, industry and private foundations. We are seeking an experienced and flexible problem-solver and leader to partner with our faculty, with the Department Director of Research Administration, and with HMS Administration in developing a strategic vision and operational plan to continue this success.
Reporting to the Director of Research Administration, the Director of Finance will lead a 5-person Finance Team to oversee the financial administration of the Department. This position will provide guidance and oversight of all financial functions, including financial planning and analysis, research administration and financial operations. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated experience in managing a team handling complex grants in a high-pressure, multi-faceted environment.
Financial Planning, Analysis, Reporting, and Compliance: Directs all financial planning and analysis efforts. Serves as the expert in all matters relating to the financial health of the department, including operating budget, lab-by-lab sponsored research portfolio, short and long-range forecasts of spending patterns and shortfalls. Provides strategic financial guidance to the Chair and Director of Research to meet department goals and objectives, managing all Department resources, budget, and expenditures. Advises faculty at a high level on laboratory finances and trains Finance Team members to provide day-to-day advice. Develops adaptable reporting structures, including short- and long-range financial projections, to meet the demands of faculty with complex portfolios and who manage labs split across multiple locations.
Research Administration and Financial Operations: Serves as the local expert in regulatory requirements for all relevant funding agencies. Trains and oversees a team of research administration professionals who are responsible for pre- and post-award administration of sponsored grants and contracts and internal funding. Develops, executes and monitors departmental policies, systems, and procedures to ensure best practices, efficiency and conformity to all rules, regulations and applicable HMS, University and funder policies. Provides administrative and financial oversight for both pre- and post-award management all grants and awards. Manages and oversees financial operation of core facilities, including setting pricing, reconciling expenses and revenue, preparing projections, and ensuring compliance with the University’s regulations. Coordinates the department annual budget and quarterly updates. Manages year-end process, which includes appointment renewals, payroll changes, and core facility reconciliation, department unrestricted accounts and operating budget closeout.

**The below Typical Core Duties are a generalized list provided by Harvard’s Job Frameworks, and may not actually reflect the job-specific responsibilities of this position.

Typical Core Duties

• Responsible for effective staff management for a group or team of employees, including hiring and orientation, training and development, workflow and performance management, and the promotion of an inclusive and innovative work environment
• May act as signatory for the University and/or oversee the signatory process
• Serve as a key resource for post-award policies, procedures regulations, and cost reimbursements
• Develop and monitor effective pre and post-award processes and systems
• Manage such pre-award areas as: proposal submission, award validation, approval and set-up
• Manage such post-award areas as: award approval and set-up, financial analysis and reporting
• Collaborate with university-wide financial leadership to continuously improve process, polices, and procedures
• Manage ongoing relationships and lead negotiation of terms and conditions of sponsored awards; approve terms for acceptance by the institution
• Lead departmental financial analysis, reporting, and long range planning
• Act as representative at the School/University level
• Ensure financial compliance with University policies and procedures and applicable federal and sponsor rules and regulations

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 8 years’ relevant work experience
• Advanced knowledge of sponsored research regulations
• Supervisory experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Advanced degree preferred.
• Experience in academia preferred.
• Must be exceptionally well organized with an ability to think through a problem at short notice.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and critical thinking abilities, with the ability to become a trusted advisor for faculty at all levels.
• Must be a team player with a strong sense of personal responsibility to the team and unquestioned integrity.
• Experience in mentoring a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Thoughtful about business processes and able to rethink structures and operational approaches from the ground up.
• Creative and effective in designing, implementing, and maintaining effective systems for financial operations and practices.
• High level of comfort with standard financial software (e.g. Excel).

Additional Information

This Staff role may start as a remote position due to the COVID-19 pandemic and while restrictions are still in place. The current remote nature of this role is considered temporary and may change as the University continues to evaluate options. While we continue to monitor the evolving COVID-19 guidelines, local on-campus work may be expected for some roles. Harvard Medical School does support flexible schedules, subject to individual departments’ business needs. All remote work must be performed within a state in which Harvard is registered to do business (CA (exempt roles only), CT, MA, MD, ME, NH, NY, RI, and VT).

The University requires all Harvard community members to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and remain up to date with COVID-19 vaccine boosters, as detailed in Harvard’s Vaccine & Booster Requirements. Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. More information regarding the University’s COVID vaccination requirement, exemptions, and verification of vaccination status may be found at the University’s “COVID-19 Vaccine Information” webpage: http://www.harvard.edu/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-information/.

Please note that we are currently conducting a majority of interviews and onboarding remotely and virtually. We appreciate your understanding.

Harvard University offers an outstanding benefits package including:

• Time Off: 3 – 4 weeks paid vacation, paid holiday break, 12 paid sick days, 12.5 paid holidays, and 3 paid personal days per year.
• Medical/Dental/Vision: We offer a variety of excellent medical plans, dental & vision plans, all coverage begins as of your start date.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive tuition assistance program, incredibly affordable classes directly at the Harvard Extension School, and discounted options through participating Harvard grad schools.
• Transportation: Harvard offers a 50% discounted MBTA pass as well as additional options to assist employees in their daily commute.
• Wellness options: Harvard offers programs and classes at little or no cost, including stress management, massages, nutrition, meditation, and complementary health services.
• Harvard access to athletic facilities, libraries, campus events, and many discounts throughout metro Boston.

The Harvard Medical School is not able to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

Not ready to apply? Join our Talent community to keep in touch and learn about future opportunities!
https://app.jobvite.com/TalentNetwork/action/campaign/w/NzM2NjU

Job Function

Finance

Location

USA – MA – Boston

Job Code

F1359M Research Admin Mgt V PrPs

Sub-Unit

–

Department

Microbiology-Administration

Time Status

Full-time

Salary Grade

059

Union

00 – Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Pre-Employment Screening

Criminal, Identity

Schedule

Fulltime | Monday – Friday

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

We are committed to cultivating an inclusive workplace culture of faculty, staff, and students with diverse backgrounds, styles, abilities, and motivations. We appreciate and leverage the capabilities, insights, and ideas of all individuals. Harvard Medical School Mission and Community Values

EEO Statement

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.