Associate Director of Finance

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Why join the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health?

The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health is a world-renowned institution dedicated to advancing public health through cutting-edge research, education, and global collaboration. Our school is a special place to work because of its vibrant, mission-driven community, interdisciplinary approach, and commitment to addressing some of the most pressing health challenges worldwide. We foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment where innovation, continuous learning, and work-life balance are valued.

Learn more about the School’s mission, objectives, and core values, our Principles of Citizenship, and about the Dean’s AAA vision about our school’s ongoing strategic initiatives.

Job Summary:

The mission of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health is to advance the public's health through learning, discovery and communication. To pursue the mission, the school produces knowledge through research then translates this knowledge into evidence that can be communicated to the public, policymakers, and practitioners to advance the health of populations.

The Office of Sponsored Programs Administration (SPA) supports the School's mission by serving as a central resource for the research community through the provision of expertise and leadership in obtaining and managing research funds. It acts as the institutional representative of the President and Fellows of Harvard College for the administration of sponsored projects for the school. SPA is comprised of research administrators that work in partnership with faculty to review and submit proposals for funding and to ensure that proposals and then awards conform and are managed according to sponsor guidelines and University policies.

The Associate Director of Finance (ADF) supports innovative research at the world’s leading public health research institution, working across the Department of Environmental Health and the Harvard Center for Population and Development Studies (HCPDS). The Department of Environmental Health advances environmental health through hands-on learning, evidence -based research, and translation of discoveries into actions that reduce harmful exposures and improve health, with longstanding strengths in the epidemiology of cancer, cardiovascular, and other chronic diseases. It also educates and prepares future medical and public health leaders. Administered by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, the Harvard Center for Population and Development Studies (HCPDS) brings together scientists from across the University to make critical advances in population research. With over 70 affiliated faculty from the Kennedy School of Government, the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, the Medical School, and other schools, HCPDS is a University-wide, interdisciplinary center dedicated to understanding how demographic change and social and physical environments shape global population health.

The Associate Director of Finance is a key departmental leader responsible for overall financial and grants management. This role supervises a team of financial staff, including grant managers and accounts payable personnel. The position reports to the Director of Finance, Administration, and Compliance in Sponsored Programs Administration, with joint reporting lines to the Director of Administration (EH) and the Deputy Director (HCPDS).

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

The Associate Director of Finance is an integral part of the research enterprise and works in close partnership with faculty members to advise them on the financial management of their funds and will have oversight over the Department's sponsored research portfolio as well as their non sponsored funds.

The responsibilities of the ADF include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Team Management
  • Supervising and training research and financial administrators; providing daily guidance
  • Allocating workloads to maximize research administrator effectiveness
  • Assessing performance and conducting reviews for staff
  • Serving as a resource for Grants Managers by assisting them in interpreting Harvard, School and sponsor policies, regulations, and procedures
  • Having overall responsibility for the management of non-sponsored funding, including gifts and endowments
• Oversight of Department’s Sponsored Research
  • Overseeing pre- and post-award management for a large portfolio of sponsored research grants and subcontracts, a large portion of which is from the NIH
  • Providing guidance to the faculty, ensuring they have the information they need to effectively and compliantly manage their funding and effort
  • Developing and implementing departmental policies and processes
  • Ensuring research administration compliance with sponsor guidelines and Harvard policies
  • Ensuring departmental financial transactions are compliant with Harvard and sponsor policies and regulations; approves and transmits most departmental transactions.
• Strategic and Financial Leadership
  • Oversight and management of the department’s non-sponsored accounts. These include but are not limited to endowments, gifts, start-up funding, and cost recovery centers
  • Collaborates with departments academic staff regarding student finances and financial planning
  • Preparing annual Department budget, working closely with the Department Administrator and senior leadership
  • Working closely with senior management, including the Director of Administration, Department Chair, and Directors of educational programs and student services, in developing and implementing strategic financial plans
  • Participating in School-wide and University-wide initiatives and meetings
• Performs other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 7 years’ relevant work experience
• Advanced knowledge of sponsored research regulations
• Supervisory experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• MBA or Masters’ degree in relevant field
• CRA certification
• Strong computing skills, particularly with Microsoft Excel and Word
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite, advanced Excel skills
• Knowledge of advanced financial principles, budget management, financial analysis
• Expert knowledge of federal sponsored research policies and regulations strongly preferred.
• Experience working with international projects
• Education and/or experience with general finance and accounting concepts and practices  
• Knowledge of Harvard systems including GMAS, HART, Buy2Pay, and Concur
• Knowledge of human subject use, animal use and other research compliance areas
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Effective interpersonal skills
• Experience working with faculty and students
• Effectively assesses priorities, manages change, and effectively juggles multiple complex activities in a time-sensitive environment.

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Criminal, Credit

Join the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health to support our mission of health research and education, and to be a part of the oldest institution of higher learning in the country! 

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• The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health does not provide visa sponsorship, now or in the future, for staff positions. 

• Harvard University requires pre-employment reference checks and background screenings. 

• This position has a 90 day orientation and review period.

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The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up to date on CDC-recommended vaccines. 

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 058. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• 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 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.