Director of Finance and Research Administration

Job Description

The Director of Finance (DOF) is a key member of the departmental leadership team, responsible for all department finances (school, sponsored, gift, and other funds) and financial operations (accounting, procurement, accounts payable, and award compliance). Reporting to the Executive Director (ED), the DOF partners with colleagues across functions to manage financial risk, close operational gaps, and improve financial processes – while playing a central role in departmental strategic planning.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Sponsored Research Administration/Compliance

• Review and approve all sponsored proposals: ensure budget accuracy and compliance with local, school, University, and sponsor policies; flag concerns or planning/capacity needs pre-submission, advise team and faculty on best practice.
• Oversee all post-award reporting and compliance with award terms; ensure faculty receive timely financial updates, analysis, and projections; closely monitor the department’s complex awards.
• Stay current on federal (NIH, AHRQ, NBER, etc.) and non-federal (Warren Alpert Foundation, Commonwealth Fund, etc.) sponsor policy changes and communicate impact to faculty.
• Ensure overall departmental compliance with applicable University and sponsored research rules and regulations.

Financial Management and Strategy 

• Develop the department's annual operating budget and narrative; monitor budget vs. actuals throughout the fiscal year; report status to HMS OoF.
• Serve as the department's primary expert and advisor on financial health, providing the Chair and ED with analysis, strategic guidance, and short- and long-range forecasts (including scenario planning for faculty with complex portfolios).
• Oversee computational service center and space recovery; manage other department financial resources (gifts, endowments, unrestricted funds) and allocate resources with the Chair/ED to support programmatic needs.
• Ensure soundness of departmental financial policies and controls; coordinate internal/external audits, liaising with RMAS, ORA, OoF, and OSP as needed; develop new policies under HMS guidance as required; partner with other HCP leads to ensure smooth operations across functional areas.
• Manage year-end close processes, including unrestricted accounts, operating budget closeout, and payroll adjustments (with department administration colleagues).
• Oversee department payroll, costing changes, and effort commitments.
• Represent the department on relevant school and University financial/sponsored research committees.

Team Leadership

• Oversee a team of 4-6 (Senior Grant Managers and a Financial Operations Coordinator); responsible for hiring, training, meeting leadership, workflow direction, performance management, career development, and fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment.
• Set standards for financial reporting to faculty and leadership; develop team templates and tools as needed.
• Serve as the department's primary liaison to HMS’s Office of Finance (OoF), Office of Research Administration (ORA), and other HMS/University central offices, as well as external sponsors and collaborators.

As part of your application, we recommend including a cover letter that will help us better understand your qualifications and background. This can provide valuable insight into your experience and interest in the role.

Qualifications

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:

• MBA or Master’s degree in relevant field.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, advanced excel skills.
• Knowledge of advanced financial principles, budget management, financial analysis.
• Experience providing strategic financial guidance and forecasting to senior leadership.
• Ability to lead a team and adapt/prioritize under tight deadlines.
• Strong customer service orientation with excellent communication and people skills, delivering on commitments and operating with speed, accuracy, and judgment.

Additional Information

• 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, Criminal, Credit.
• Interview Format: The interview process will include both virtual and in-person components (e.g., initial virtual screening followed by on-campus final interviews).
• Staying Informed About Your Application: Due to the high volume of applications, we may not always be able to reach out right away, but you can track your status anytime through the Careers@Harvard portal.

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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 059. 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.

Salary Grade: 059