Position Description
The Research Finance Team Lead in the Office for Sponsored Programs (OSP) supervises staff and supports a team that manages post-award activities for a large volume of federal and non-federal sponsored research projects at Harvard University. Reporting to a Research Finance Portfolio Team Manager, this position encompasses a range of administrative, financial, and other tasks associated with post-award activities, including reviewing sponsored expenditures for compliance with award terms, completing timely financial reports and invoices, ensuring that funds are collected, and reconciling and closing accounts. This position supports the Portfolio Team Manager in managing client relationships, providing determinations for complex situations, managing team workload, and mentoring staff.

Portfolio Oversight and Operations

• Responsible for fulfilling financial reporting requirements of Harvard\xe2\x80\x99s sponsors, including reporting, cash management, account reconciliation and award closeout for a complex individual portfolio as well as general oversight at the school level
• Develops reporting mechanisms and financial models to analyze the financial position of awards and portfolios
• Provides ongoing monitoring and assessment of team workloads and assignments to staff and coordinates updates with the Portfolio Manager
• Interprets award terms and makes decisions regarding setup and scheduling of financial deliverables in compliance with Harvard policies
• Generates and reviews financial reports for expense appropriateness and allowability under government and sponsor compliance requirements (e.g. Federal Uniform Guidance; sponsor-specific guidelines)
• Interprets complex sponsored regulations, guidelines, award terms and conditions, and award notices and agreements, as well as financial data, to assess and resolve complex issues
• Reviews and signs invoices, reports, and other documents, ensuring accuracy and compliance, as an authorized signatory of the University for sponsored awards

Process Management and Improvement

• Creates internal guidelines to ensure compliance with University and federal regulations and takes the lead on identifying, suggesting, and implementing improvement opportunities
• Works with the sponsored community throughout the award lifecycle to provide post-award subject matter expertise with a focus on customer service and collaborative resolutions
• Independently represents Research Finance on University-wide committees and IT projects as needed
• Proactively connects with internal colleagues and demonstrates an understanding of their responsibilities, processes, and systems
• Adapts to constantly evolving internal and external environment and models early adopter behavior in support of team\xe2\x80\x99s experience through change

Outreach

• Performs financial analysis of research portfolio by department and school to summarize performance and trends, highlight potential issues, and present potential solutions
• Analyzes data and provides metrics for team and clients
• Supports Portfolio Manager by taking ownership of school-level relationships, helping resolve or escalate complex issues and work across units to resolve (in addition to excellent department-level relationship management)
• Serves as a first point of contact and support to Financial Analysts to escalate complex compliance questions and advise on resolutions
• Proactively educates departments on policies, processes, and best practices through daily interactions and training initiatives

Mentoring and Training

• Supervises day-to-day reporting and troubleshooting duties of staff, teaching them to resolve issues and use critical thinking to make decisions
• Identifies training gaps, including internal processes, that can be addressed with Research Finance and other University trainings
• Models collaboration with colleagues in Pre-Award offices and other financial units and departments to ensure business continuity by building constructive relationships
• Other duties as needed

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor\xe2\x80\x99s degree or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 5 years\xe2\x80\x99 relevant work experience
• Advanced knowledge of sponsored research regulations

Additional Qualifications and Skills
The following Additional 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.

• Exposure to and experience with restricted fund environment a plus
• Extensive knowledge and fluency in governmental regulations (e.g., Uniform Guidance, FAR)
• Knowledge of Sponsored Research Administration and Finance a plus
• Excellent business writing and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to resolve issues in a diplomatic manner and balance the juxtaposition of compliance and customer service
• Independent problem resolution skills in a team environment
• A sense of urgency and ownership
• Ability to escalate issues and provide potential solutions
• Sound judgment and the ability to influence colleagues at all levels with tact and diplomacy

Working Conditions
FAD actively supports hybrid work where business needs allow. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed in a state in which Harvard is registered to do business (CA, CT, GA, IL, MA, MD, ME, NH, NJ, NY, RI, VA, VT, and WA).
Harvard University continues to place the highest priority on the health, safety and wellbeing of its faculty, staff, and students, as well as the wider community. Please note that all new employees will be required to provide confirmation of primary series COVID-19 vaccination upon hire, as detailed on our COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement Webpage. Harvard University Health Services employees and other health care individuals are also required to be up to date on vaccination as described by the CDC. Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. Additional information regarding this requirement, exemptions, verification of vaccination status, and other related policies and resources may be found on the University\xe2\x80\x99s COVID-19 Information Website.
Additional Information
Please provide a cover letter with your application. Please note:

• Harvard University requires pre-employment reference and background screening.
• We are unable to provide work authorization and/or visa sponsorship.
• This position has a 90-day orientation and review period.

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.
Benefits
We invite you to visit Harvard\xe2\x80\x99s Total Rewards website to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Job Function
Finance
Department Office Location
USA - MA - Cambridge
Job Code
F1457P Research Admin III Ps
Work Format
Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)
Department
Office for Sponsored Programs
Sub-Unit
-
Time Status
Full-time
Salary Grade
057
Union
00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary
Pre-Employment Screening
Education, Identity
Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.
EEO Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.