Business Analyst

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Financial Administration (FAD) is dedicated to advancing Harvard University’s teaching and research mission by stewarding its resources; providing support, guidance, and consultation; ensuring compliance with university and federal guidelines; mitigating risk; pursuing operational excellence; and promoting the financial health of the University. 

More about FAD:  
Within and across the University, we aim to be exemplary colleagues, trusted partners, valued advisors, and agents of positive change.  
 
Within our own community, we aspire to:  

• Engage with respect, honesty, and integrity   
• Cultivate equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging   
• Welcome innovation, collaboration, and flexibility   
• Enjoy our work, grow professionally, and aim for the extraordinary 

Learn more about Financial Administration (harvard.edu) and our eight reporting units. (https://finance.harvard.edu/) 

Harvard's Financial Administration Department (FAD) is responsible for the stewardship of the University’s finances, including related business processes and technology in support of the teaching and research mission of the University. For more about the Financial Administration Department and its eight reporting units, see http://finance.harvard.edu. The Office for Sponsored Programs (OSP) manages a diverse portfolio of federal, foundation, international, and industry sponsors; we provide lifecycle sponsored programs support and partner with schools, departments, and centers across the University to facilitate proposal submission, award acceptance and administration, and all sponsored financial reporting and invoicing throughout the life of the award.  

The Office for Sponsored Programs (OSP) Pre-Award Team is responsible for providing leadership, advice, and superior client service in the provision of all Pre-Award services, including but not limited to proposal review and submission, awards management, negotiation of terms and conditions, and account set up for a portfolio of over $350 million. 

The Pre-Award Business Analyst (Business Analyst) reports to the Business Operations and Reporting Manager (Manager). Working under the general direction of the Manager, the Business Analyst will support and frequently lead both internal and external OSP Pre-Award initiatives. These efforts may involve operational analysis, assessment of workload distribution across the team, ongoing process oversight and coordination, data modeling, and project management for projects of varying size, as well as change management and communication planning. In this role, the Business Analyst will develop substantial expertise in sponsored research administration and will interact with a wide range of offices and leaders in academic administration throughout Harvard University. 

Working closely with the Manager, the Business Analyst strengthens a culture of ongoing process improvement across OSP Pre-Award by creating, communicating, and carrying out centralized policies, procedures, and systems within the Pre-Award team and across its functions. The Business Analyst must be detail-oriented, capable of working independently, and able to use discretion and sound judgment to meet deadlines with minimal oversight, while consistently maintaining strict confidentiality when handling highly sensitive information. 

Analytics, Modeling, and Operational Assessment and Improvement 

• Collaborate with business partners to learn and document current processes, map workflows, and recommend potential solutions. 
• Direct strategic analyses that inform and support business decisions. 
• Oversee the assessment of new initiatives by reviewing key performance indicators and contributing to operational decision-making. 
• Help identify change management requirements, create change management plans, support the creation of training materials, develop engaging end user communications, and contribute to post-implementation reviews. 
• Provide support for and take the lead on additional analytical projects as needed. 

Project Management 

• Create and update project plans that support the staffing, tracking, and oversight of OSP Pre-Award or university-wide new and ongoing initiatives. 
• Working with the Manager and Pre-Award Leadership Team: 
  • Compile and structure data and written materials into draft projects and proposals. Prepare presentations for management groups and, when appropriate, present this information to them. 
  • Develop creative and meaningful Pre-Award initiatives, including new programs or revised versions of current programs, with an emphasis on quality and process improvement. 
• Review and assess methods used to complete projects, applying lessons learned to enhance the management of future work. 
• Meet with stakeholders and follow up on information shared, confirming that projects and proposals are finished within the required timelines. 
• Lead small workgroups to generate recommendations for senior leadership. 
• Clearly communicate and present issues to both internal and external leaders. 

Additional Responsibilities 

• Provide leadership for committees, new initiatives, and projects related to Pre-Award services or general research administration needs. 
• Help determine and execute strategic goals for OSP as well as for the broader Harvard research administration community. 
• Develop and maintain relationships with a range of Harvard University offices, including but not limited to: the Office of the Vice Provost for Research, Office of Technology Development, Harvard University IT, Alumni Affairs and Development, Risk Management and Audit Services, as well as all school level leadership, research officials, and department administrators.

Basic Qualifications:

Basic Qualifications are the minimum threshold a candidate must meet in order to be considered for this role.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required 
• Minimum of 5 years’ relevant experience required 
• Advanced knowledge of sponsored research regulations  

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

The following qualifications are strongly preferred. If you meet some, but not all, you are still encouraged to apply; we value employees with a willingness to learn. (prioritized in order of importance)

• Excellent computer skills, especially using the Microsoft Office suite of products 
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written 
• Proficient in data analysis principles and practices, including the ability to prepare, interpret, and analyze data, strongly preferred 
• Astute attention to details and commitment to accuracy and integrity of all data, reports, and communications 
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex and concurrent projects and re-establish priorities as necessary 
• Demonstrated ability to be a self-starter with the ability to excel in a fast-paced and deadline-oriented environment 
• Demonstrates flexibility and a willingness to assume additional responsibilities and support special initiatives as business needs evolve. 
• Exceptional judgment and discretion in interacting with constituencies (internal and external) on sensitive political, fiscal, and confidential issues 
• Familiarity with Harvard-affiliated institutions is a plus 
• Master’s degree or other terminal degree in a relevant field 
• Please provide a cover letter and resume as one document with your application

Why join Harvard University Central Administration?

Harvard University's Central Administration (CADM) is a 5,000+ employee organization that supports the university's overall excellence by understanding and serving the needs of its schools, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and surrounding communities. Through dynamic and collaborative partnerships, CADM provides high-quality and efficient services to the schools to help them achieve their goals.

• Working Conditions: Onsite work is performed in an office setting. 
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
  Primarily remote role with flexibility to work on-site and optional in-person meetings bi-monthly. On-site attendance expectations may evolve based on business needs. 
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education
• Other Information:
  Please provide a cover letter and resume as one document with your application. 
  This position has a 90-day orientation and review period. 

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Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 057. 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.