Senior Research Administration Manager
About The Position
The Senior Research Administration Manager is a member of Project Zero’s Finance Team and manages and supports the sponsored research portfolios of Project Zero (PZ) principal investigators (PIs), including the administration of grants and contracts. The role provides comprehensive pre- and post-award support across a variety of funding sources, including sponsored awards, gifts, core funds, and research accounts. This position oversees the full range of administrative and financial activities associated with grants and contracts management, including developing financial deliverable schedules; preparing timely and accurate financial reports and invoices; reconciling accounts; and coordinating account closeout. In collaboration with the Director of Finance & Administration, the Senior Research Administration Manager helps ensure the effective operation of PZ’s financial and research administration functions. The role may also represent the Director in their absence on matters related to finance and research administration. About Project Zero The oldest research group at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, Project Zero is an educational research center that has pioneered progressive, creative-based thinking and learning for nearly 60 years. Our frameworks, tools, thinking routines, and robust library of resources have reached countless educators, learners, and leaders around the world—transforming the landscape of education. When it comes to evidence-based, multidisciplinary research, PZ is the valuable source educators rely on.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree
- 5+ Years of Professional Experience, with 5+ years’ experience in sponsored research and/or grants
- Strong knowledge of sponsored research, grants and contracts management, especially with non-Federal awards
- Any candidate wishing to be considered must supply a cover letter in addition to their resume showing that they meet the required basic qualifications.
Nice To Haves
- Ability to work effectively in a team-based, highly collaborative environment
- Interest in supporting an education or research mission
- Experience working with investigators/project leads to managing complex awards
- Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, anticipate needs, and manage competing priorities
- Adaptable and resourceful in open ended situations
- Strong organizational, analytical, written, and verbal communication skills, with careful attention to detail
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel
- Knowledge and experience in Harvard Financial Systems including Buy2Pay, Concur and HART
Responsibilities
- Works closely with Director of Finance and Administration to support PZ’s robust sponsored research portfolio and PIs. in the Director’s absence, serves as a key point of contact on day-to-day sponsored research and grants administration matters.
- Fosters collaborative relationships with PIs and research teams, advising on financial projections, budgeting, and relevant policies.
- Partners with PIs on proposal preparation and submission, including developing grant budgets and coordinating with subrecipients and administrators to meet internal and sponsor deadlines.
- Collaborates regularly with GSE OSP to support setup of new sponsored research accounts, maintains accurate financial records, prepares financial reports and invoices, and closes out projects.
- Monitors expenses to ensure they are paid according to sponsor and University regulations within budget and time limits. Maintains all financial and accounting records.
- Performs spending projections, prepares complex financial reports, and maintains a working knowledge of fund information for accounts within the portfolio.
- Interprets and administers university guidelines and sponsored research regulations; provides guidance to PIs about department, university, and sponsored policies.
- Effectively communicates financial status of awards to PIs, sponsors, and related HGSE and University offices.
- Participates in strategic financial planning for Project Zero
- Maintains accurate records of personnel effort and corresponding salary charges to sponsored awards and assists with quarterly and annual effort certifications.
- Serves as a resource and helps educate colleagues on policies, processes, and better practices through interactions and/training opportunities
- Ensures compliance with federal regulations and University, HGSE, and sponsor policies.
- Supports the Director of Finance & Administration in the overall direction and oversight of PZ’s financial operations and, in the Director’s absence, helps ensure continuity of core functions such as budget monitoring, financial reporting, and coordination with HGSE and University finance offices
- Assists with year-end closing activities as well as budget projections and analysis throughout the annual budget cycle.
- Contributes to other department goals as required; perform special projects and other duties as assigned by the Director of Finance & Administration.
- May support the process, review, or approval of corporate card payments, reimbursements, and invoices using B2P, Concur, or other systems.
- Maintains internal databases and appropriate records and documentation in compliance with the University’s retention policies.
- Recommends process improvements to promote efficiency and transparency
- Reviews HART reports for compliance and spending guidelines.
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
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
