Research Portfolio Manager

18-Aug-2022

Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences

59478BR

Job Summary

The Research Portfolio Manager (RPM) is responsible for managing a portfolio of sponsored and non-sponsored funds for a group of Principal Investigators (PIs) in the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS).  The position reports to the Assistant Director of Research Administration and Finance (ADRAF). The RPM is a member of a faculty support team that provides the best possible customer service to the PI and lab members in support of their research activities. S/he uses independent judgment and problem-solving skills to ensure compliance with sponsor and donor regulations, School and University policies, and Area procedures. This is a high-volume, fast-paced, and dynamic environment.

Position Description

• Provides life-cycle grant support.
• Pre-award responsibilities include providing direct support to faculty and administrators with proposal preparation, developing budgets, budget justifications, supporting documentation, and required institutional information. Shepherds supported proposals through the SEAS and University proposal review and submission process. Ensures compliance with federal regulations and University, SEAS and sponsor policies.
• Post-award duties include monthly budget and expenditure reconciliation, financial projections, interpreting financial policies and applying best practices in order to effectively communicate financial reporting to PI, sponsors, and related University offices.
• Utilizing the PI Dashboard and OBI, manages faculty-designated funding (sponsored and non-sponsored funds), including monitoring balances and deficits, performing spending projections, developing financial reports, and maintaining working knowledge of basic fund information (ie terms and end dates).  
• Conducts financial analysis; presents financial reports that include committed and available balances across all funds, both sponsored and non-sponsored. Utilizes the PI Dashboard and OBI for these and other ad hoc financial queries.
• Strategizes with PI on resource/personnel allocations, including initiating and processing required forms and documentation (ie Payroll Costing Changes).
• Reviews and approves financial transactions, such as reimbursements for travel and corporate card payments, PCards, and Buy2Pay.
• Assists PI with programmatic reporting requirements of the various funding organizations, including progress reports.
• Facilitates the effort certification process and advises the PI on related policies.
• Works with the ADRAF to implement local procedures, recommend process improvements, and resolve issues related to research funding.
• Serves as liaison with internal departments. Collaborates with external research groups and their institutional representatives, and communicates with sponsor agencies, as needed.
• Works in collaboration with SEAS Finance to administer capital equipment, including purchasing, tagging and equipment inventory.
• Responsible for sub recipient monitoring on sub-awards/contracts.
• Provides guidance to lab administrators on finance and sponsored research matters including systems, policies, and procedures.
• Other duties as required.

Basic Qualifications

Minimum three years of research administration or related experience required (e.g. finance or accounting).

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Working knowledge of OMB circulars, 2 CFR 200, FAR, and other federal sponsored research regulations
• Working knowledge of federal and non-federal sponsors’ policies and procedures (such as NSF, NASA, DARPA, or NIH), and current issues in sponsored research administration
• Strong skills in MS Excel, Adobe, MS Word, and ability to learn new software and systems (including web-based tools)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to prioritize duties and meet multiple deadlines
• Ability to work independently and as a team player with a diverse constituency
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion
• Excellent customer service and problem solving skills
• Ability to embrace change
• Schedule adjustments and overtime may be required during peak periods

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred
• Experience in an academic or related setting (such as hospital or non-profit) preferred
• Financial management experience with both sponsored and non-sponsored funds preferred

Additional Information

• The University requires all Harvard community members to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and remain up to date with COVID-19 vaccine boosters, as detailed in Harvard’s Vaccine & Booster Requirements. Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. More information regarding the University’s COVID vaccination requirement, exemptions, and verification of vaccination status may be found at the University’s “COVID-19 Vaccine Information” webpage: http://www.harvard.edu/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-information/. 
• Applicants should submit a resume and cover letter to be considered for this position.
• The Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences does not provide visa sponsorship for administrative and staff positions.

• This position will be based in Cambridge or Allston, MA. The department is currently operating with a hybrid workplace model. All remote work must be performed in a state in which Harvard is registered to do business ( CT, MA, MD, ME, NH, NY, RI, and VT). Individual flexible and remote work options for this role will be discussed during the interview process.

  SEAS Research Administration is using the remainder of the calendar year 2022 as a trial period for hybrid workplace models (where there is flexibility for the position to be based on campus, fully remote, primarily remote, or hybrid ) and may adjust these as necessary or appropriate.

About SEAS
The Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences serves as the connector and integrator of Harvard’s teaching and research efforts in engineering, applied sciences, and technology. Our core tenets are educating broad-minded students; interdisciplinary research; integration across disciplines; and balancing theory, experimentation and practice to create an unmatched environment for learning and exploration. Through collaboration with researchers from all parts of Harvard, other universities, and industry, we bring discovery and innovation directly to bear on improving human life and society. For more information about us, please visit www.seas.harvard.edu.

Location

USA - MA - Allston

Job Code

405007 Financial Professional (N)

Department

SEAS Research Administration

Union

55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

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.