Director of Financial Management and Planning

Harvard University • Cambridge, MA

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Financial Management and Planning oversees the financial administration of the Ash Center and its affiliated programs and initiatives. These activities are supported by current-use gift funds, federal and non-federal sponsored awards, and endowment funds. The Director provides strategic financial guidance and administration, exercises sound judgment, and works collaboratively and creatively. Reporting to the Ash Center Executive Director, the Director is a member of the Center leadership team and works closely with the Center Faculty Director, faculty, and senior program staff to support the Center’s long-term financial health and growth. The role supervises the Center’s financial team and oversees financial analysis and reporting, financial operations, and research administration.

The position is based on campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and requires working on campus at least three days per week. Some duties may be performed at a non-Harvard location; the department sets the schedule and location based on operational needs. When working away from a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard-registered state, subject to University policy and applicable sponsorship requirements. Harvard is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.
• At least 8 years of relevant work experience.
• Supervisory experience.
• Senior financial management experience and understanding of higher education systems, governance, and decision-making.
• Experience providing strategic financial guidance and forecasting to senior leadership in a large, decentralized organization.
• Experience developing and leading inclusive, high-performing teams, including hiring, onboarding, coaching, and performance management.
• Experience managing gift, endowment, and/or sponsored-fund portfolios, including donor-restriction compliance and multi-year financial planning.
• Strong customer-service orientation and excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a record of delivering on commitments and working with speed, accuracy, and judgment.

Nice To Haves

• Experience providing strategic financial guidance and forecasting in higher education or another mission-driven environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic financial guidance to the Faculty Director and Executive Director so resource allocation supports Center goals and objectives.
• Develop and maintain a five-year financial plan for the Center’s three foundational endowment funds.
• Supervise the Center’s financial team, including the Assistant Director of Finance and Research Administration, Financial Associate, Financial and Administrative Associate, and part-time Financial Assistant.
• Work with the Assistant Director of Finance and Research Administration to oversee proper administration of sponsored grants and contracts.
• Lead the annual budgeting process for all funds in conjunction with the Center Executive Director.
• Direct financial operations, including maintaining the Center’s chart of accounts and record-keeping systems, providing training opportunities, and establishing appropriate practices and controls for sound fiscal management and stewardship of funds.
• Provide regular financial reporting to principal investigators, senior managers, and Center leadership.
• Develop a working understanding of financial plans for multiple programs and work with faculty principal investigators and senior managers to address deviations from approved budgets proactively.
• Analyze complex financial data, including variances and trends, and develop financial analyses and projections.
• Develop and strengthen relationships with administrative offices and departments across HKS and Harvard University to promote collaboration and efficiency.
• Work with the Executive Director and HKS Office of Human Resources to implement and enforce personnel policies and procedures related to hiring domestic and international employees, temporary staff, and contractors.
• Work with the finance team to ensure HKS financial policies are appropriately implemented across Center faculty, programs, and initiatives.

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