Director of Finance and Administration

Harvard University, United States

Updated: 9 days ago

10-May-2024

Financial Administration

65853BR


Job Summary

Reporting to the Vice President for Finance and Chief Financial Officer, the Director of Finance and Administration is responsible for overseeing the financial, operational and administrative elements of Financial Administration (FAD) at Harvard University, as well as supporting the development and implementation of a broad agenda across the eight FAD departments.


Position Description

As a member of the CFO’s senior management team, the Director approaches the work with a cross-functional, cross-FAD, institutional, and diplomatic mindset. The Director manages a wide array of activities relating to administration, financial management, communications, human resources, risk mitigation, financial training and development, project management, culture and community, and operational management.

The Director leads a team of 5 and is responsible for the overall leadership of 12 professional and support staff within FAD. The position has a matrixed reporting into the AVP of Harvard’s Central Finance and Administration.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Financial Oversight – Ensure FAD’s financial resources are effectively structured, stewarded, and allocated
    • Manage the teams responsible for the financial planning, analysis, management, and reporting for FAD’s $40M budget, providing leadership support for the oversight of key financial processes and deliverables including the core annual budget, multi-year financial planning (MYFP), quarterly reporting & year-end close
    • Support management discussions and budget review of fee-for-service and recovery units within FAD
    • Manage training and development resources dedicated to enhancing FAD’s financial training portfolio, customer outreach, and fiscal literacy
  • Administrative – Provide leadership and management of FAD’s financial and administrative operations and teams.
    • Lead a professional finance administrative team
    • Promote collaboration and a shared sense of purpose and accountability within the FLT leadership team
    • Participate in the projects, programs, and all aspects of operations management throughout FAD to foster connection among workstreams.
    • Support the FAD community and culture – e.g., foster innovative practices that advance collaboration and collegiality
  • Human Resource Management - Collaborate with HR and FAD leadership on relevant programmatic and management initiatives
    • The Associate Director of HHR supporting FAD has a dotted line reporting role into the Director. This is an essential partnership to attract, retain, and develop talent
    • Lead and support efforts for EDIB and staff engagement
  • Cross-Organizational Leadership – Serve as a conduit of the VPF/CFO developing deep knowledge of FAD’s business. Manage complex situations and multiple responsibilities simultaneously.
    • Proactively manage issues essential to successful execution of FAD’s objectives. Foster trust, alignment, and integration with and among diverse stakeholders.
    • As needed, manage/participate in projects to identify ways to create synergies across schools/units that will enable work with streamlined efficiency
  • Communications and Events – Manage high quality communications and events which advance inclusion and engagement
    • Manage the FAD communications officer charged with supporting FAD content delivery
    • Lead delivery of FAD’s internal/external events
  • Facilities/Space Management – Effectively manage facilities to create an efficient and professional workspace that supports and enhances collaboration, inclusion, cross team integration and well-being
    • Ensure proper operation of space to create a secure, practical and cost-effective environment
    • Oversee FAD’s facility projects and staff space plans
  • Strategic Planning – Collaborate with leadership to develop and execute strategic initiatives. Provide financial insights to inform decision-making and drive sustainable growth
    • Encourage innovation in best practices and technologies
    • Build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders across the University

    • Basic Qualifications

    • BA/BS and 10+ years of related project/administrative management experience. 

    Additional Qualifications and Skills

    Harvard experience strongly preferred. Experience in higher education, non-profits or decentralized organizations is desired.  The candidate should be able to develop comprehensive, well-supported plans and policies in a highly decentralized environment. Must have the ability to innovate, think strategically and conceptually, listen carefully as well as to influence and persuade others. The position requires a high level of professionalism, sound and mature judgment, and collegiality. Must have excellent analytical, organizational, project management and communication skills, along with a high level of diplomacy, discretion, and problem-solving ability.  The selected candidate will have proven success as a collaborative leader, manager, and strategist in a complex organizational environment with diverse constituencies. 


    Working Conditions

    • Work is performed in an office setting.

    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. 

    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.

    Accessibility:
    Harvard University IT plays an important role in supporting Harvard's commitment by seeking to create, procure and deploy technologies that are accessible to all, including and especially those who live with disability. Harvard welcomes individuals with disabilities to apply for positions and participate in its programs and activities. If you would like to request accommodations or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact our University Disability Resources Department.


    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.


    About Us

    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/) 


    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.

    Department Office Location

    USA - MA - Cambridge


    Job Code

    FN0062 Financial Administration Dir


    Work Format

    Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)


    Department

    Office of Finance and Administration


    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.


    LinkedIn Recruiter Tag (for internal use only)

    #LI-AB1


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