Operations Manager

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Why join Harvard Central Finance and Administration (CFA)?

Central Finance and Administration (CFA) is part of Harvard University's Central Administration (CADM). Central Finance and Administration (CFA) stewards Center Administration’s financial resources and partners closely with the Office of the Executive Vice President to support enterprise priorities. In a highly decentralized environment, CFA advances financial resiliency, operational consistency, and disciplined governance practices across Central Administration (CADM).

Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Central Finance and Administration, the Operations Manager serves as an enterprise operations leader responsible for translating strategic direction into structured implementation, strengthening governance processes, and driving cross-functional alignment.

Approximately 80% of this role focuses on enterprise-wide operational initiatives across CADM, including space governance and cross-unit “One CADM” efforts. The remaining 20% supports CFA’s internal financial and administrative operations.

This position partners closely with senior leaders and operates with significant influence within shared governance structures.

Job-Specific Responsibilities: Enterprise Operations Leadership (80%)

• Space Governance & Operational Oversight:

• Lead implementation and ongoing governance of CADM’s space policy.

• Oversee space utilization analytics, reporting standards, and compliance with workspace guidelines.

• Ensure transparent and consistent application of space allocation frameworks across units.

• Monitor space-related expenditures and elevate policy exceptions or approval decisions as needed.

• Partner with unit leaders to conduct annual utilization reviews and present data-informed recommendations.

• Cross-CADM Initiatives (“One CADM”):

• Serve as operational lead for select cross-functional initiatives.

• Translate strategic objectives into implementation roadmaps with clear governance structures and accountability.

• Develop and formalize policies, processes, and standard operating procedures.

• Monitor milestones, manage risks, and support enterprise decision-making.

• Represent CADM on University-wide committees and governance groups.

• Strategic Planning & Leadership Support:

• Support leadership meetings through agenda development, briefing preparation, and action tracking.

• Prepare executive-ready analyses and time-sensitive materials.

• Strengthen communication flows between CFA, CADM leaders, and enterprise partners.

CFA Department Operations (20%)

• Partner with CFA leadership to align departmental operations with enterprise standards.

• Oversee departmental budgeting, financial monitoring, and compliance processes.

• Exercise defined approval authority for expenditures and reimbursements.

• Manage systems access governance and support annual access review processes.

• Maintain departmental communications platforms and records management practices.

Basic Qualifications to be considered for this role.

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in administrative operations, organizational management, enterprise project coordination, or related fields with increasing responsibility.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Experience leading complex, cross-functional initiatives in decentralized environments.

• Demonstrated success operationalizing policies and governance frameworks.

• Strong analytical skills and ability to translate data into actionable recommendations.

• Excellent communication, diplomacy, and stakeholder management skills.

• Ability to manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneously.

• Experience with financial systems (e.g., Concur, PeopleSoft) preferred.

• Proficiency with Microsoft 365, SharePoint, Teams, and collaboration tools.

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Harvard University requires pre-employment reference and background screenings ( Identity and Education)
• Other Information: This position will have a 3-month 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.