Finance Director

05-Mar-2024

Harvard Law School

65231BR

Position Description

The Finance Director is responsible for directing the financial analyses and processes to prepare annual budgets, mid-year forecasts, multi-year financial 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 the Berkman Klein Center (BKC) and its Institutes and projects, and provides excellent financial stewardship of BKC’s funds (endowment, gifts, grants) working to ensure financial sustainability.  

The Director presents analytics, financial data, and recommendations to senior Berkman Klein Center leadership to facilitate strategic financial decision making, develop business plans, and effectively manage a sustainable and growing organization. This role identifies and evaluates policies and procedures and contributes to implementing structures and processes that improve operational capacity and financial literacy across the Center.  

The Director also works closely with the Harvard Law School (HLS) Finance Office and other Harvard colleagues to ensure that all parties are aware of key financial issues.

As Finance Director you will:  

• Be responsible for effective management for a team of staff, including hiring and orientation, training and development, workflow and performance management, and the promotion of an inclusive and innovative work environment.  
• Serve as a leader and full partner in major decisions, advising senior and departmental leadership on key initiatives, business models, and strategic directions.  
• 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 operating budgets, develop long-range financial forecast, and operating performance targets.  
• Direct the annual budget process within BKC, in collaboration with HLS Finance, including establishing and communicating the budget process to BKC unit managers, overseeing the coordination of annual budget meetings and compilation of budget requests, formulating recommendations to present data strategically and clearly to BKC and HLS Finance team leadership, drafting annual budget narrative, and submitting the budget to HLS Finance.  
• Partner with finance leadership on multi-year financial plans.  
• Perform strategic and quantitative financial analysis for the Center, its programs and Institutes, including supporting exploration of new initiatives. 
• Identify opportunities and champion continuous improvement in support of internal controls and financial reporting processes.  
• Serve as a liaison to HLS Finance team.  
• Collaborate with research program colleagues across HLS and Harvard University. 

Basic Qualifications

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

Additional Qualifications and Skills

We are looking for people who have/are:  

• Success in managing multiple stakeholders and competing priorities.  
• BA or Master’s degree in relevant field. 
• 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. 
• Proactive, highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to thrive in a fast-paced environment. 

Working Conditions

Based on the changing needs of the organization, the Finance Director may be called upon for other tasks at short notice. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required. 

Additional Information

This is a term appointment currently expected to extend through 6/30/25, with potential for renewal subject to funding and departmental need. 

We regret that Harvard Law School is unable to provide visa sponsorship for staff positions.
All offers to be made by HLS Human Resources. 

Work Format Details

This position is based primarily on campus (Cambridge) with the opportunity for remote work based on business needs and manager approval.  

About Us

Be a part of excellence and leadership in legal education and scholarship at Harvard Law School. We are a community of talented people from diverse backgrounds, lived experiences, and perspectives, dedicated to advancing the cause of justice all over the world. We value our differences and our diversity as a source of strength. We are committed to developing and inspiring our students and our workforce. Whoever you are, whatever you do, however you do it, Harvard Law School  is a place where you can thrive.

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)

Department

Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society

Union

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Appointment End Date

30-Jun-2025

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.

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