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Sponsored Research and Finance Administrator

Sponsored Research and Finance Administrator

locationUnited States
PublishedPublished: 6/9/2024
Full Time

07-Jun-2024

Sponsored Research and Finance Administrator

Harvard Kennedy School

66069BR

Position Description

The Sponsored Research and Finance Administrator will support the mission and be an integral part of the Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Business and Government (M-RCBG) team reporting to the Associate Director for Finance and Administration, with a dotted line to the Executive Director. The incumbent will support the growing work of the M-RCBG’s faculty, primarily managing sponsored programs, and also working on a range of financial and administrative responsibilities to ensure smooth operations. This position works closely with the HKS Research Administration Office and the University Office of Sponsored Programs.

The mission of Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Business and Government (MRCBG) is to advance the state of knowledge and policy analysis concerning some of society’s most challenging problems at the interface of the public and private sectors. The scope of its work ranges from the local to the global. Drawing on the unparalleled intellectual resources of the Harvard Kennedy School and Harvard University, and bringing together thought leaders from both business and government, the center conducts research, facilitates dialogue, and seeks answers that are at once intellectually rigorous and policy relevant.

Sponsored Research Administration

  • Lead the preparation and submission of proposals, including developing pre­ and post-award budgets, interpreting grant parameters to ensure compliance with sponsor and University policies, and advising on allowable costs. 
  • Independently produce monthly monitoring and analyses of awards for principal investigators to ensure expenses are paid according to contract and government regulations within budget limit and timelines. Monitor funding shortfalls and develop plans for contingencies.
  • Primary point of contact for the Research Administration Office. 
  • Monitor expenditures, account balances, and receivables and perform financial projections. 
  • Complete interim and final financial reports with Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) and assist with the submission of narrative progress reports to sponsors.
  • Lead the preparation of grant reports and analysis for use in planning and decision-making.
  • Serve as a resource to faculty on the  sponsored fiscal policies and procedures and provide training to relevant staff.
  • Maintain accurate financial records, verify payroll allocations, prepare financial reports, participate in audit process as needed, and close out projects and grant agreements.
  • Assist faculty with IRB, data use agreement, and data safety submissions, as needed.
  • Keep current on trends, compliance issues, regulations, and guidelines especially as they relate to federal grant administration and sponsored research; attends relevant meetings and trainings.
  • Monitor subcontractor invoicing and track project progress; review effort reporting statements for federal awards and make journal entry adjustments as needed. 

Financial and Administrative Management

  • Support the Associate Director for Finance and Administration in managing financial and administarative systems. 
  • Create and run reports from a variety of systems and data sources to provide financial analysis, metrics, and data to support decision-making across the Center.
  • Process affiliate and staff appointments. 

Additional duties

  • Support and develop the core systems and processes needed for efficient research administration and financial operations across M-RCBG.
  • Manage assigned projects to completion, including developing and vetting project plans, tracking action items, performing project tasks, and preparing analyses and reports.
  • Other responsibilities as required.

Basic Qualifications

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

Additional Qualifications and Skills

  • Advanced knowledge of sponsored research regulations. US Federal grant experience a plus. 
  • Experience as a research or grant administrator.
  • Strong and demonstrated ability to manage financial resources, conduct complex financial analyses, and monitor and balance budgets for projects and grants. 
  • Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal skills: the ability to interact well with faculty, staff, students, and research partners.
  • Excellent organizational skills and ability to deliver work results of high quality while managing multiple projects under time pressure; ability to function well in a fast-paced, high-energy and changing work environment with minimum supervision.
  • Strong customer service orientation with enthusiasm for delivering excellent work.
  • Ability to understand big-picture goals while maintaining a strong attention to detail.
  • Expertise in data extraction, analysis, and report presentation.
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, advanced Excel skills
  • Working knowledge of basic financial principles, budgeting, financial analysis

Working Conditions

  • Work is performed in an office setting

Additional Information

Learn more about our work culture and see yourself at Harvard Kennedy School.
We regret that the Harvard Kennedy School does not provide visa sponsorship.
Harvard University requires pre-employment reference and background checks.
Harvard University is committed to supporting a healthy, sustainable learning and working environment.
 
This is a hybrid position based on our campus in Cambridge, MA. As a campus-based institution, we place a high value on the in-person experience, cross-team collaboration, and strong community building in order to create a vibrant campus for our students, faculty, staff, and research fellows. The position is required to work in-person on campus a minimum of three days per week during the academic year. Specific days and schedule will be determined between you and your manager. The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines.
 
Salary Range: $74,200 - $126,200
Note: Starting salaries typically fall in the lower half of the salary range; however, they are ultimately determined by the scope of the position, the candidate's relevant experience, and internal equity.
 

Work Format Details

This is a hybrid position that is based in Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) 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

F1357P Research Admin III PrPs

Work Format

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

Sub-Unit

------------

Salary Grade

057

Department

Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Business and Government

Union

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Time Status

Full-time

Pre-Employment Screening

Credit, Criminal, Education, Identity

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard Kennedy School’s Mission and Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Anti-Racism
 
At Harvard Kennedy School, fostering a diverse and inclusive community where everyone feels they belong is a matter of basic fairness consistent with our core values as an institution. It is also essential to our mission of improving public policy and leadership—because recruiting the best people and creating an environment where they can thrive make us better at what we do, because we learn more from people with different perspectives, and because we work in diverse groups and serve diverse societies. Learn more about Harvard Kennedy School’s commitment to Diversity Equity, and Anti-Racism.
 

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.

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