Business Analyst

Harvard University • Cambridge, MA

23h • Hybrid

About The Position

Harvard's Financial Administration Department (FAD) is responsible for the stewardship of the University’s finances, including related business processes and technology in support of the teaching and research mission of the University. The Office for Sponsored Programs (OSP) manages a diverse portfolio of federal, foundation, international, and industry sponsors; we provide lifecycle sponsored programs support and partner with schools, departments, and centers across the University to facilitate proposal submission, award acceptance and administration, and all sponsored financial reporting and invoicing throughout the life of the award. The Office for Sponsored Programs (OSP) Pre-Award Team is responsible for providing leadership, advice, and superior client service in the provision of all Pre-Award services, including but not limited to proposal review and submission, awards management, negotiation of terms and conditions, and account set up for a portfolio of over $350 million. The Pre-Award Business Analyst (Business Analyst) reports to the Business Operations and Reporting Manager (Manager). Working under the general direction of the Manager, the Business Analyst will support and frequently lead both internal and external OSP Pre-Award initiatives. These efforts may involve operational analysis, assessment of workload distribution across the team, ongoing process oversight and coordination, data modeling, and project management for projects of varying size, as well as change management and communication planning. In this role, the Business Analyst will develop substantial expertise in sponsored research administration and will interact with a wide range of offices and leaders in academic administration throughout Harvard University. Working closely with the Manager, the Business Analyst strengthens a culture of ongoing process improvement across OSP Pre-Award by creating, communicating, and carrying out centralized policies, procedures, and systems within the Pre-Award team and across its functions. The Business Analyst must be detail-oriented, capable of working independently, and able to use discretion and sound judgment to meet deadlines with minimal oversight, while consistently maintaining strict confidentiality when handling highly sensitive information.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required related to business process and change management work (this is not a technical BA/BSA or Data Analyst role)
• Minimum of 5 years’ relevant experience required
• Advanced knowledge of sponsored research regulations
• Excellent computer skills, especially using the Microsoft Office suite of products
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
• Proficient in data analysis principles and practices, including the ability to prepare, interpret, and analyze data, strongly preferred
• Astute attention to details and commitment to accuracy and integrity of all data, reports, and communications
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex and concurrent projects and re-establish priorities as necessary
• Demonstrated ability to be a self-starter with the ability to excel in a fast-paced and deadline-oriented environment
• Demonstrates flexibility and a willingness to assume additional responsibilities and support special initiatives as business needs evolve.
• Exceptional judgment and discretion in interacting with constituencies (internal and external) on sensitive political, fiscal, and confidential issues

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with Harvard-affiliated institutions is a plus
• Master’s degree or other terminal degree in a relevant field

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with business partners to learn and document current processes, map workflows, and recommend potential solutions.
• Direct strategic analyses that inform and support business decisions.
• Oversee the assessment of new initiatives by reviewing key performance indicators and contributing to operational decision-making.
• Help identify change management requirements, create change management plans, support the creation of training materials, develop engaging end user communications, and contribute to post-implementation reviews.
• Provide support for and take the lead on additional analytical projects as needed.
• Create and update project plans that support the staffing, tracking, and oversight of OSP Pre-Award or university-wide new and ongoing initiatives.
• Compile and structure data and written materials into draft projects and proposals.
• Prepare presentations for management groups and, when appropriate, present this information to them.
• Develop creative and meaningful Pre-Award initiatives, including new programs or revised versions of current programs, with an emphasis on quality and process improvement.
• Review and assess methods used to complete projects, applying lessons learned to enhance the management of future work.
• Meet with stakeholders and follow up on information shared, confirming that projects and proposals are finished within the required timelines.
• Lead small workgroups to generate recommendations for senior leadership.
• Clearly communicate and present issues to both internal and external leaders.
• Provide leadership for committees, new initiatives, and projects related to Pre-Award services or general research administration needs.
• Help determine and execute strategic goals for OSP as well as for the broader Harvard research administration community.
• Develop and maintain relationships with a range of Harvard University offices, including but not limited to: the Office of the Vice Provost for Research, Office of Technology Development, Harvard University IT, Alumni Affairs and Development, Risk Management and Audit Services, as well as all school level leadership, research officials, and department administrators.

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