Manager of Research Administration

Harvard University • Cambridge, MA

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

This position leads a team of Research Portfolio Managers (RPMs) and Senior RPMs, providing expert support and guidance, strategy, and process development with focus on post-award management and compliance with school, university and sponsor guidance. The profile for this role involves acquiring depth and breadth of specialization within the field, leading comprehensive operations, and serving as a key resource within a department or school, potentially in a supervisory capacity. The role requires applying broad and specialized knowledge to develop and refine practices, processes, and metrics, serving as a subject matter expert or project lead. It involves leading large and complex projects, often crossing functional boundaries, developing solutions to complex challenges, and advising on policy development and implementation. The position is responsible for advanced analysis and oversight of major initiatives. Autonomy is demonstrated by developing methodologies for others, consulting with senior management on project objectives, mentoring colleagues, and delivering advanced research solutions. Recommendations for policy and process improvements are expected. Interaction involves facilitating broad dialogue across teams or departments on difficult, complex, or sensitive matters, collaborating with others, driving matters to conclusion, and advising on developing plans and implementation methods.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 7 years’ relevant work experience
• Advanced knowledge of sponsored research regulations
• Supervisory experience
• Ability to build, manage, motivate and mentor a high-performing team
• Advanced analytical ability; expertise with post-award management & compliance
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, advanced Excel skills or equivalent system for financial analysis
• Working knowledge of financial principles budgeting, financial analysis

Nice To Haves

• MBA or Masters’ degree in relevant field

Responsibilities

• Manage and supervise research administration team
• Plan workflow and assign portfolio to team members, adjusting as needed
• Lead the resolution of complex research administration problems and guide team of RPMs/Sr. RPMs to generate compliant solutions
• Manage all aspects of individual and team performance by setting standards and expectations around performance, leading annual reviews, and creating pathways to professional growth.
• In partnership with department unit leaders, lead hiring efforts and build a strong and effective team.
• Strategize and establish process/policy for effective research administration
• In partnership with senior school leadership, set strategies and recommend processes for coordinated interaction with offices such as FAS Finance, OSP, OTD, RCP and OVPR to optimize research administration for faculty clients
• Maintain advanced knowledge and expertise of federal rules, other sponsor regulations and school and university policy to communicate with team and establish standard practice for compliant management of awards
• Compliance and risk management
• Lead audit for area team; provide all documentation and process write-up
• Monitor and track faculty effort commitments and lead effort reporting
• Oversee all sponsored spending to ensure financial integrity and compliance

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