Research Portfolio Manager

Harvard University • Cambridge, MA

2d • $80,000 - $85,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE) Office for Research Administration (HGSE ORA) provides comprehensive, faculty-centered research administration support across the full lifecycle of sponsored and research-related activity at HGSE. Reporting to the Director of Research Management, the Research Portfolio Manager manages a portfolio of assigned HGSE Principal Investigators (PIs) and areas, departments, and centers. The Research Portfolio Manager provides comprehensive support across the full lifecycle of sponsored awards and other research funding — including contracts, consulting and related services agreements, gifts, internal awards, and other non-grant research support — from proposal development and submission through post-award management and closeout, helping to ensure compliance with sponsor, donor, and Harvard policies while supporting HGSE's research mission. This is a one-year term position with the possibility of extension, contingent upon funding, program needs, and satisfactory performance.

Requirements

• 5 years of related experience (e.g., accounting and financial experience, sponsored research administration, or related field). Bachelor's degree may count toward experience.
• Applicants wishing to be considered must submit a cover letter in addition to a resume.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of federal regulations for sponsored research and familiarity with federal and non-federal sponsors.
• Working knowledge of financial principles, budgeting, and basic analysis and forecasting.
• Strong analytical ability as well as excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Self-directed, team-oriented, and customer-focused, with the ability to handle multiple competing priorities and deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to be trusted with confidential information.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to interact effectively with all levels of faculty and staff.
• Superior skills in Microsoft Excel and other applications in the Microsoft Office Suite.
• Knowledge of Oracle financial systems and Harvard financial applications preferred.
• Prior experience in sponsored research administration in an academic or research environment is strongly preferred; experience with non-grant research funding and consulting or related services agreements is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide PIs with timely information and advice in proposal development, proposal submission, and post-award management for both sponsored awards and non-grant research funding — including consulting and related services agreements, gifts, and internal awards — including interpretation of Harvard policies and sponsor and donor guidelines related to necessary approvals, allowable costs, and budget.
• Work in partnership with PIs and others to ensure proposals and other funding requests — for grants, contracts, consulting and related services agreements, gifts, and internal research awards — conform to university and school policy and funder requirements.
• Review final proposals and related submissions, including prepared budget, format, and adherence to sponsor, donor, and university guidelines.
• Identify and resolve discrepancies in internal and external requirements and expectations in all facets of proposal submission and award terms and conditions, including consulting and related services agreements and other non-grant research funding arrangements.
• Review federal and non-federal award documents and agreements, and other research-related agreements — such as consulting and related services agreements, gift agreements, and internal award terms — for compliance with university policy and procedures.
• Serve as a source of information on fiscal policies and procedures, including federal funding regulations, and advise PIs and project staff on existing options or alternatives across sponsored and non-sponsored research funding, effectively recommending courses of action on budgetary matters.
• Monitor grants and contracts and other research funding — including consulting and related services agreements, gifts, and internal awards — for assigned PIs to ensure expenses are paid according to the agreement and government regulations within budget limits and timelines.
• Review awards for compliance and audit issues; review Harvard University Office for Sponsored Programs (Central OSP) actions for accuracy and compliance with HGSE procedures.
• Ensure appropriate engagement with the School's Compliance Officer and other relevant compliance resources, and coordinate or support compliance reviews, audits, and monitoring activities as needed across sponsored and non-sponsored research funding and consulting and related services agreements.
• Manage document control and workflow for the assigned portfolio among HGSE ORA, Central OSP, and the HGSE Finance Office.
• Work collaboratively with other members of HGSE ORA, and as needed with the CRAO and Director of Research Management, on special projects — such as process improvement, policy implementation, compliance initiatives, or problem resolution — across both sponsored and non-sponsored research funding mechanisms, including consulting and related services agreements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

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: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree