Director of Finance, Professional Education

24-Jan-2024

Harvard Graduate School of Education

64870BR

Position Description

Reporting to the Sr. Director of Business Operations, the Finance Director is responsible for directing the financial analyses and processes to prepare annual budgets, mid-year forecasts, multi-year financial plans, multi-year capital plans and monthly, quarterly and year-end management reporting and analysis. The Director leads the Finance team, serves as a key contributor to analyze the ongoing financial performance of Professional Education (PPE), and provides financial support for new initiatives aimed at achieving financial sustainability. The Director presents analytics, financial data, and recommendations to senior leadership to facilitate strategic financial decision making, develop business plans, and effectively manage a sustainable and growing organization. This role directs program and project budgeting, modeling, forecasting, performance tracking, variance analysis, and reporting prepared by members of the department. The Director identifies and evaluates policies and procedures and contributes to implementing structures and processes that improve PPE’s operational capacity. The Director evaluates and conducts program and product pricing and cost analysis, benchmarking against both peer institutions and sector competition. In addition to reviewing contracts, this position serves as the primary source of expert information for the group with regard to financial policies, sponsor requirements, and HGSE and Harvard policies ensuring compliance. The Director works closely with the HGSE Finance Office and other Harvard colleagues to ensure that all parties are aware of key financial issues.

• Responsible for effective management for a team of 5-6 staff, including hiring and orientation, training and development, workflow and performance management, and the promotion of an inclusive and innovative work environment.  Directly supervise the PPE Financial Analyst and Financial Manager.
• Serve as a leader and full partner in major decisions, advising senior and departmental leadership on key initiatives, business models, and strategic directions.
• Direct financial analysis processes, analyze business critical systems, and proactively resolve strategic issues that may span multiple areas.
• Develop and implement strategies for: budgeting; forecasting, modeling & projecting; identifying & explaining variances; financial reporting; expense reductions; cost containment; and revenue enhancements.
• Develop and maintain forecasting model for capital and operating budgets, develop long-range financial forecast, and develop capital and operating performance targets.
• Direct the annual budget process including establishing and communicating the budget process, overseeing the coordination of annual budget meetings and compilation of budget requests, formulating recommendations to present data strategically and clearly to school leadership, drafting annual budget narrative, and submitting the budget to Central Administration.
• Partner with finance leadership on multi-year financial plans and capital budgeting process.
• Perform modeling and ad-hoc analysis related to major drivers of PPE financial performance (i.e. endowment modeling, tuition modeling, sponsored research, etc.) in support of annual and multi-year plans.
• Perform strategic and quantitative financial analysis for administrative, academic and research initiatives such as new educational initiatives, cost center ROI, etc.
• Identify opportunities and champion major initiatives for continuous improvement in support of internal controls and financial reporting processes.
• Serve as a liaison to the University Office of Financial Strategy and Planning.
• Collaborate with University-wide finance leadership to develop financial processes, policies and procedures.
Any candidate wishing to be considered for this position must supply a cover letter in addition to their resume.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required
• A minimum of 7 years relevant work experience
• Supervisory experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills

Any candidate wishing to be considered for this position must supply a cover letter in addition to their resume.

• MBA or Master’s degree in relevant field
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, advanced excel skills
• Knowledge of advanced financial operations principles
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills.
• Advanced knowledge of budget management, financial analysis and financial modeling; working knowledge of accounting principles.
• Demonstrated experience with financial systems and data query tools

Working Conditions

HGSE is currently developing dynamic workplace models which will actively support a combination of on-campus and remote work (within a state in which Harvard is registered to do business) where business and operational needs allow. You and your manager will discuss the best schedule based on your role and operational need. If your role allows for remote work, please note that all remote work must be performed within a state in which Harvard is registered to do business (CA (Only Exempt), CT, GA, IL, MA, MD, ME, NH, NJ, NY, RI, VA, VT, and WA). Please also note that Harvard will withhold each applicable state’s required tax and other withholdings from your paycheck for the time you work there.

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.

We regret that the Harvard Graduate School of Education does not provide Visa sponsorship.

Additional Information

HGSE Human Resources values diversity in all forms and believes that each employee brings a set of diverse experiences and identities to the workplace that makes us stronger, encourages innovation, and enhances our collective contributions.  We continue to develop and support a workforce that reflects the diversity of those we serve; fosters an environment that allows everyone to belong and to bring their best self to work; and creates the conditions that empower employees to contribute their full potential to advancing the work of the school.
We do this by:

    Hiring and retaining staff reflecting the diversity of those we serve

    Providing employees opportunities to learn, grow, and be challenged

    Reviewing and ensuring fairness and equity in HR practices and policies including but not limited to hiring, promotion, and compensation

    Developing strong relationships and partnerships internal and external to our community to advance diversity and inclusion

    Communicating transparently and respectfully; and

    Fostering an inclusive, respectful, and professional work environment

About the Harvard Graduate School of Education

Many choose to work at the Harvard Graduate School of Education because they believe in our mission and are excited by our vision for the future. We have a reputation as a great place to work, for our excellent leadership, and we are a strong community that values diversity. For more information about HGSE, its programs, research, and faculty, please visit: www.gse.harvard.edu

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.

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code

F0858M Financial Admin Ops Mgt IV

Work Format

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

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-LM1