Senior Research Administration Manager

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Job Summary: 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.

Job-Specific Responsibilities.

Pre and Post Award (75%)

• 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.

Financial Management and Analysis (25%)

• 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.

This position is grant-funded through 6/30/28 with likelihood of continuation.  

Working Conditions:

• Work is performed in an office setting

Basic Qualifications:

• 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.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• 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 

• Appointment End Date: 6/30/26
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Compensation Range/Rate (including Shift Differential if applicable): $95,000 - 102,000 commensurate with experience
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity and Education

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. 

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