Director of Finance and Research Administration

Harvard University • Boston, MA

7h • Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Finance is a key member of the Department of Health Care Policy’s leadership team and is responsible for departmental finances—including school, sponsored, gift, and other funds—and financial operations such as accounting, procurement, accounts payable, and award compliance. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director partners across functions to manage financial risk, address operational gaps, improve financial processes, and contribute centrally to departmental strategic planning.

The role oversees sponsored research administration and compliance, financial management and strategy, and a team of 4–6 staff. The Director serves as the department’s principal financial advisor and liaison to Harvard Medical School and University offices, external sponsors, and collaborators. The position is hybrid, with schedule and work location determined by the department based on operational needs.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.
• At least 8 years of relevant work experience.
• Advanced knowledge of sponsored research regulations.
• Supervisory experience.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and advanced Excel skills.
• Knowledge of advanced financial principles, budget management, and financial analysis.
• Ability to provide strategic financial guidance and forecasting to senior leadership.
• Ability to lead a team and adapt and prioritize under tight deadlines.
• Strong customer service orientation, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to deliver on commitments with speed, accuracy, and judgment.

Nice To Haves

• MBA or master’s degree in a relevant field.

Responsibilities

• Review and approve sponsored proposals, ensuring budget accuracy and compliance with applicable policies; identify concerns and advise faculty and staff on planning needs and best practices.
• Oversee post-award reporting and compliance with award terms, and ensure faculty receive timely financial updates, analysis, and projections.
• Monitor complex awards and track federal and non-federal sponsor policy changes, communicating their impact to faculty.
• Ensure departmental compliance with University and sponsored research rules and regulations.
• Develop the annual operating budget and narrative, monitor budget-to-actual results, and report status to the HMS Office of Finance.
• Advise the Chair and Executive Director on departmental financial health, strategic options, and short- and long-range forecasts, including scenario planning for faculty with complex portfolios.
• Oversee the computational service center and space recovery, manage gifts, endowments, and unrestricted funds, and allocate resources with the Chair and Executive Director.
• Maintain sound financial policies and controls; coordinate internal and external audits; develop policies under HMS guidance; and collaborate with other departmental leads to support smooth operations.
• Manage year-end close processes, including unrestricted accounts, operating budget closeout, and payroll adjustments.
• Oversee departmental payroll, costing changes, and effort commitments.
• Represent the department on relevant school and University financial and sponsored research committees.
• Lead a team of 4–6, including 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 and develop team templates and tools as needed.
• Serve as the department’s primary liaison to HMS’s Office of Finance, Office of Research Administration, other central offices, external sponsors, and collaborators.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off, including parental leave.
• Medical, dental, and vision 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: Director