Manager of Non-Sponsored Funds

Harvard University • Cambridge, MA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Manager of Non-Sponsored Funds leads financial operations and planning for the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) non-sponsored funds portfolio. As a critical role within FAS Finance function, the Manager of Non-Sponsored Funds will help ensure that the FAS’s non-sponsored funding sources – including endowments, current use gifts, construction gifts, loan funds, and unrestricted designated funds – are properly managed, utilized, and aligned with FAS priorities.
This role serves as a primary point of contact for non-sponsored funds and will work collaboratively with both FAS departments and centers and University organization such as the Office of Gift Administration and the Office of the Controller. With a strong foundation in fund accounting and University policies and procedures, this role will also ensure that all funds are managed properly to donors’ terms and that all regulatory requirements are met.
This role will supervise the Non-Sponsored Funds team and manage the lifecycle of a fund (including new fund creation, acknowledgement of terms, release from restriction audits, donor relations and stewardship requests, and write-off and disabling of fund, where applicable).

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 7 years’ relevant work experience
• Supervisory experience

Nice To Haves

• MBA or Master’s degree in a relevant field
• Demonstrated experience with financial systems and data query tools; in particular Harvard systems including HART, Oracle Financials, and Advance
• Advanced knowledge of accounting principles and tax regulations
• Experience with MS Office Suite, advanced Excel skills
• Knowledge of fund accounting
• Basic understanding of non-profit regulations
• Ability to handle complex and confidential information with discretion
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Strategic thinking skills
• Effective interpersonal skills and ability to work with cross-functional teams
• Effectively assesses priorities, manages change, and effectively manages multiple complex activities in a time-sensitive environment
• CPA desirable

Responsibilities

• Routine review and analysis of non-sponsored fund balances across the FAS currently a balance of $1.3 billion, across almost 10,000 individual Funds; work with FAS leadership and Development to create plans related to “Hard to Use” funds (defined as funds with narrow or outdated terms) and “Stranded/Idled” funds (defined as funds with broad terms that could be spent but are not).
• Gather and analyze metrics to identify streamlining opportunities in reporting across a variety of financial systems and reports
• Work with departments and centers that are supported by unrestricted monies; develop analysis around the non-sponsored fund landscape to identify areas where restricted monies may be used
• Identify operational challenges; research and implement solutions related to the management of non-sponsored funds, including: Management of centrally-controlled funds (those managed directly by FAS Finance) to determine the best application based on donor terms and FAS priorities
• Partnering with the Faculty Finance Manager on the use of professorship funds
• Partnering with the FAS CFO on the use of the Edgerly Family Dean’s discretionary funds
• Review decapitalization and capitalization requests and recommend appropriate action.
• Ensure financial compliance with University policies and procedures and applicable rules and regulations.
• Monitor non-sponsored funds in deficit and work with departments and FAS leadership to reduce or eliminate by fiscal year end.
• Routinely review FAS non-sponsored funds with standing orders to ensure the standing orders are still appropriate and necessary.
• Responsible for effective staff management, including hiring and orientation, training and development, workflow and performance management, and the promotion of an inclusive and innovative work environment
• Design, develop, and manage financial training

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: Manager
• Education Level: Associate degree