Senior Manager, Proposal Review

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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/) 

The Office for Sponsored Programs (OSP), through its Proposal Review Team, is responsible for ensuring the sponsored research proposals are accurate, complete, and compliant with institutional, sponsor, and regulatory requirements before submission, and serves as the institutions Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) with signatory authority.  

The Senior manager position has responsibilities that span all aspects of the proposal review and submissions lifecycle and team members regularly interface with sponsors, regulatory agencies, principal investigators, school and department-based research administrators, project coordinators, other key administrative stakeholders across Harvard University, and collaborating institutions. 

The Senior Manager will partner with the Senior Director of Pre-Award to continuously evaluate utilization of existing processes, technologies, and practices.  

The Senior Manager, in partnership with the Senior Director of Pre-Award, will recommend, develop, and lead the implementation of new or revised processes, technologies, and practices to streamline and standardize university-wide and local practices. 

Typical Core Duties:

• Lead and manage the proposal review team, including staffing, onboarding, training, professional development, and workload distribution.
• Develop, implement, and maintain standard operating procedures, tools, and training to promote consistent, efficient, and compliant proposal review practices.
• Collaborate with sponsors, principal investigators, departmental staff, and other central offices to submit all sponsored proposals and when necessary, resolve issues and facilitate successful submissions.
• Develop and use metrics and dashboards to evaluate proposal review performance and identify opportunities for improvement within OSP and across the university.
• Contribute to the development and delivery of presentations, outreach, and training for schools, departments, and central offices, as needed
• Serve as an Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) with signatory authority for proposal submissions and related institutional certifications and assurances.
• Provide exemplary customer service  
• Other duties as assigned 

Basic Qualifications:

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

For consideration, please include a cover letter. 

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 8 years’ relevant work experience
• Advanced knowledge of sponsored research regulations
• Supervisory experience

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.

• Detail-oriented and analytical problem-solver
• Excellent organizational and electronic document management skills
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple deadlines
• Excellent people and relationship management skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Experience with business process and workflow assessment and development, and process improvement and system design and implementation methodologies.
• Knowledge of federal and non-federal sponsor requirements and procedures (Uniform Guidance, NIH, NSF, DOD, etc.)
• Knowledge of Harvard’s policies and procedures (Chart of accounts, Provostial Approval List, cost sharing, awards management, effort reporting, etc.)
• Knowledge of Harvard’s Sponsored systems (GMAS, HART, ecrt, etc.)  
• Ability to work independently
• Positive, collaborative, and team-focused attitude
• Knowledge of sponsors’ grants systems (Grants.gov, Research.gov, eRA Commons, ASSIST, Foundations, etc.)

• Working Conditions: Onsite work is performed in an office setting. 
• 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:
  This position has a 90-day orientation and review period.

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 059. 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.