Grants Manager

04-Apr-2023

Harvard Graduate School of Education

61004BR

Job Summary

The Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University (HCDC) is a community of 30+ people committed to making the world a better place for children, particularly those who face adversity early in life. Our vision is an equitable world where all kids can achieve their full potential. We do this by leveraging science and the real-world experience of practitioners, policymakers, pediatricians, and families to build the knowledge, skills, and tools required to create more effective and anti-racist early childhood policies and programs. To learn more about the Center, click here . To learn more about our pledge to address injustice, racism, and inequality, click here . 

This position is responsible for the day-to-day management of a portfolio of complex contracts, grants, and gifts. Pre-award responsibilities include grant preparation, budget development, and application submissions in coordination with program staff. Post-award responsibilities include contracts management, financial tracking, reconciliations, and reporting. It offers an exciting opportunity to learn and improve upon processes, create workflows, and work in collaboration with members of the HCDC team, as well as colleagues in departments across HGSE, including the Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP). This position requires clear and concise communication with everyone involved in the full life cycle of an award.

Position Description

• Serves as a principal source of information to Center colleagues on complex University and sponsor fiscal policies and procedures related to grants management, reporting, and closeout. Interprets guidelines and policies, and effectively advises departmental staff on options or alternatives and recommends courses of action.
• Develop the processes for and act as the key point person for all of CDC's contracts, ensuring that deadlines are met and relevant team members and offices are informed. Work closely with workstreams to coordinate and track communication with partners and vendors. Use system such as Salesforce to track progress. Regularly work with central offices and workstreams to ensure that agreements are moving forward, and issues are flagged that may be impacting the completion of these agreements.
• Works closely with program staff to develop pre-award applications and budgets with an eye for understanding Harvard, funder, and project needs. Collaborates and assists project managers in all phases of proposal development and submission. Reviews funding opportunity terms and conditions, evaluates and coordinates all award requirements, and sets clear goals, timelines, and milestones throughout the process.
• Works with departmental staff to achieve timely and accurate financial reporting, reconciliation, and closeout of all sponsored awards in the portfolio. Monitors active awards to proactively identify potential issues.
• Analyzes financial data to identify potential risks and issues. Presents data and issues (quantitatively and qualitatively) in a way that is meaningful to stakeholders. Proposes resolutions for complex issues and for financial management best practices.
• Analyzes and reconciles financial data and submits journal entries that will affect Harvard’s general ledger.
• Reviews new awards and works with OSP to activate and appropriately manage awards in accordance with sponsor requirements.
• Prepares complex and varied financial reports that require selection, preparation, and interpretation of data using data query tools.
• Approves and may assist in preparing payments for reimbursements, vendor invoices, and other transactions.
• Manages corporate cards and p-cards.
• Assists with developing and delivering metrics/reports (including Center-wide annual financial reports), business process documentation, and special projects as needed.
• Provides backfill support for colleagues and performs other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience, with 1-2years of those years in pre- and post-award management experience (both federal and non-federal), required; a combination of education and experience may be considered

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Problem-solving orientation and ability to be thorough and detail-oriented, but also summarize and convey the bigger picture.
• Independent and professional judgment and prioritization. Ability to focus on the highest-risk items and allocate time accordingly, juggling multiple job duties and clients.
• Experience working well independently, with minimal supervision, and using judgement regarding confidential or sensitive information.
• Strong written and oral communication, analytical thinking, and resourceful problem-solving skills.
• Adaptable to change.
• Willingness to lend a hand when additional assistance is needed.
• Experience with computer information systems, desktop applications, online processes, and data processing. Ability to learn other software as needed.

• Awareness of and aptitude to understand, respect, and adapt to cultural and identity-based difference within group environments appropriately and effectively.
• Knowledge of and commitment to concepts and issues tied to social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Skills related to creating and supporting an environment that allows for inclusion, effective intercultural engagement, and personal humility and authenticity

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.

Harvard will require COVID vaccination for all Harvard community members who will have any on-campus presence. Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. More information regarding the University’s COVID vaccination requirement and exceptions may be found at the University’s “COVID-19 Vaccine Information” webpage: http://www.harvard.edu/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-information /.

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

Additional Information

Harvard University offers an outstanding benefits package including: 
• Time Off: 3-4 weeks paid vacation, paid holiday break, 12 paid sick days, 12+ paid holidays, and 3 paid personal days per year 
• Medical/Dental/Vision: Excellent and affordable medical, dental & vision plans, with coverage beginning as of an employee's start date 
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with full vesting after 3 years of service 
• Tuition Assistance & Reimbursement Programs: $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School, discounted options through participating Harvard graduate schools, and reimbursement options for accredited schools outside of Harvard. 
• Transportation: 50% discount on MBTA passes, as well as additional options (rideshare, biking, etc.) to assist employees in their daily commute. 
• Wellness & Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including stress management, hard & soft skills development, career planning, massages, nutrition, meditation, and complimentary health services. Additionally, access to Harvard athletic facilities, libraries, campus events -- and many discounts for various cultural and leisure activities throughout metro Boston. 
HGSE is a diverse community of learners, teachers, and employees who are passionate about changing the world through education and striving for maximum impact in the field of education. 
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 

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code

405007 Financial Professional (N)

Union

55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

Pre-Employment Screening

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.