Harvard College Observatory Assistant Finance Director

Harvard University • Cambridge, MA

15d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Assistant Finance Director serves as the primary financial advisor for a large complex academic department or center or group of units within the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. Reporting to the Divisional Finance Manager aligned to the academic division, with a dotted line to the academic leader(s) for the unit(s), this role partners closely with faculty, program leaders, and senior administrators to provide strategic financial leadership that advances academic and operational priorities. The Assistant Finance Director is responsible for the comprehensive financial management of a highly complex portfolio, overseeing significant operating budgets and multiple funding sources, including sponsored and non-sponsored funds, endowments, gifts, unrestricted resources, and other specialized funding. This role leads long-range financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis, translating complex financial information into actionable recommendations that support strategic decision-making.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 7 years' relevant work experience
• MBA or Master's degree in relevant field
• Strong knowledge of budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.
• Experience managing multiple funding sources, including sponsored research, endowments, gifts, and unrestricted funds.
• Familiarity with university financial systems and policies (preferred).
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to translate complex financial information into clear, actionable insights.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• High level of attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.
• Sound judgment and a high degree of integrity in handling sensitive financial information.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with university financial systems and policies

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary financial advisor for a large complex academic department or center or group of units.
• Partner with faculty, program leaders, and senior administrators to provide strategic financial leadership.
• Oversee comprehensive financial management of a complex portfolio, including operating budgets and multiple funding sources.
• Lead long-range financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.
• Translate complex financial information into actionable recommendations.
• Partner with department leadership to align financial resources with strategic priorities.
• Prepare financial projections and reports for Steering Committee and Executive Committee meetings.
• Conduct scenario planning and long-range financial modeling.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive budget workbooks, including personnel and non-personnel costs.
• Determine available funding sources and allocate costs in compliance with fund restrictions.
• Prepare detailed program budgets for transparency.
• Collaborate with Department Administrators and Executive Directors to create costing sheets.
• Ensure program managers understand budget allocations.
• Prepare variance analyses and trend reports.
• Analyze historical spending patterns and run rates for forecasting.
• Develop and deliver financial presentations for leadership meetings.
• Meet regularly with program managers to review expenditures and provide recommendations.
• Support stewardship reporting and financial accountability for externally funded programs.
• Track balances, spending, and commitments for endowment and restricted funds.
• Monitor expenditures to ensure alignment with donor intent and university guidelines.
• Review gift agreements to determine allowable spending and restrictions.
• Partner with donors, development teams, gift offices, tax offices, and departmental leadership to structure agreements.
• Ensure proper receipt, allocation, and recording of gift funds.
• Maintain oversight of all unrestricted funds associated with the department.
• Ensure compliance with university financial policies, fund restrictions, and regulatory requirements.
• Provide guidance to faculty and staff on appropriate financial practices.
• Work with external institutions to develop and manage financial agreements.

Benefits

• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree