Director of Financial Planning and Analysis

Harvard University • Boston, MA

2d • Remote

About The Position

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Director of Financial Planning and Analysis is responsible for financial management, budgeting, and strategy at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. The Director leads three financial analysts and oversees development of the School’s $400M+ annual operating budget, multi-year financial plan, monthly forecasts, management reporting, and frequent ad hoc analyses. As a member of the Office of Financial Services leadership team, the Director partners with the CFO and engages regularly with administrative and departmental leaders across the School. The role helps shape financial strategy and provides actionable insights to inform resource allocation, investments, and long-range planning in support of the School’s research and teaching mission. It is highly visible and requires communicating complex financial information clearly to audiences including the Dean, Executive Dean for Administration, and other School and University leaders.

The position directs the annual budget process, builds and refines multi-year financial plans and scenario models, oversees management reporting, and leads monthly forecasting and analysis of financial results. It also contributes to strategic initiatives and process improvements, advises departments on budgeting and analysis, coordinates with Facilities and IT on capital and technology plans, and serves as a liaison to University finance colleagues and FP&A Directors across Harvard Schools. The Director manages, mentors, and develops a team of three financial analysts.

This is a fully remote position. Scheduling flexibility may be required for occasional office attendance at meetings and events. Employees must work scheduled hours in a Harvard-registered state and may be required on site occasionally at the department’s discretion.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant work experience.
• At least 7 years of sponsored research finance experience in a complex higher education, hospital, healthcare, or academic medical center environment; higher education experience is strongly preferred.
• Supervisory experience.
• Significant experience in sponsored research finance within a complex organization, clearly demonstrated in the resume and application materials.
• Advanced proficiency in financial systems and data analysis and presentation tools, such as Excel modeling, ERP systems, and PowerPoint.
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build effective partnerships across financial and administrative areas.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in a related field.
• Experience leading strategic financial planning and modeling within a large, decentralized organization, preferably in higher education, healthcare, research, or another mission-driven environment.
• Strong executive presence and ability to synthesize complex financial information into clear communications and recommendations for senior leaders and non-financial stakeholders.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and ambiguity while maintaining attention to detail and accuracy.
• Success leading, mentoring, and developing high-performing analytical teams with a collaborative, service-oriented approach.
• Experience developing and improving financial reporting, dashboards, and analytical tools to support decision-making and operational transparency.
• Knowledge of or experience with university budgeting models, sponsored research environments, endowment-funded institutions, or capital planning processes.

Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee the School’s annual budget process, including developing guidance and materials, analyzing submissions, leading departmental meetings, and creating a plan aligned with School and University priorities and long-term financial sustainability.
• Build and refine the School’s multi-year financial plan, model assumptions and scenarios across financial metrics, and synthesize data into presentations and recommendations.
• Oversee creation and continuous improvement of management reporting for the CFO, School leadership, and University stakeholders.
• Lead monthly forecasts to identify financial risks and opportunities, and provide ad hoc analyses for strategic decision-making.
• Analyze monthly and year-end financial results using data from multiple sources and evaluate key drivers and trends.
• Design and present financial materials tailored to financial and non-financial audiences across the School.
• Lead or contribute to special projects and strategic initiatives, identifying opportunities to improve budgeting, forecasting, and reporting.
• Advise departments on budgeting and financial analysis; coordinate with Facilities and IT so long-term capital and technology plans align with financial plans.
• Liaise with the University finance team, collaborate with FP&A Directors from Harvard Schools, and represent the School in University-wide initiatives.
• Directly manage and provide effective leadership to three financial analysts.
• Foster a collaborative and innovative team environment that supports professional development, accountability, and continuous learning.

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