Senior Director of Administration and Finance

30-Jun-2022

Harvard Kennedy School

59079BR

Position Description

The Center for International Development (CID) at Harvard Kennedy School has an exciting new opportunity for a Senior Director of Administration and Finance ("Senior Director"). CID is embarking on an ambitious growth strategy as it expands its presence and impact within the university and globally. The Senior Director, in partnership with the Center Faculty Director and Executive Director, will play a key leadership role in developing, resourcing, and executing this strategy. The Senior Director will be responsible for guiding financial planning, policy and processes to support CID’s mission; they will review and improve the financial operations and serve as the principal liaison to financial and administrative leadership at the Kennedy School and the University. They will work closely with the Executive Director to ensure that CID resources are being prudently and strategically deployed among faculty, students and programs in order to grow CID and advance its mission. As a member of the senior management team, the the Senior Director will contribute substantially to overall leadership and strategy of the Center, leading its operations and finances through a process of organizational transformation.

Responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

Strategy:

• Serve as key member of CID leadership team and work closely with the Center Faculty Director and Executive Director to develop CID’s growth and fundraising strategy, contributing to strategic direction, priority setting, and overall accountability to goals.
• Lead operational matters related to executing on the strategy.
• Liaise regularly across all CID programs and initiatives to ensure strong operational support and coordination, in connection to CID’s strategy and growth plan.
• Support the incubation and implementation of new programs and initiatives, advancing CID’s mission.
• Support development and implementation of criteria for faculty and student engagement, membership, retention and financial incentives.

• Lead the Center’s operations with respect to recruitment, appointments, onboarding, and performance reviews. Support managers on other HR issues. Serve as primary liaison to HKS Human Resources.
• Establish initiatives and processes that support the team’s professional development and training.
• Manage CID capital projects and physical space. Oversee general office operations and administration.
• Liaise with other heads of Finance, Administration and Operations across HKS and HU around process improvement, policies and procedures.
• Advance practices that foster diversity, inclusion, and racial equity.

• Leadership of CID’s financial planning and budgeting. Lead administration of the Center’s budget reporting, forecasting, financial analyses, and maintenance of financial controls. Develop center-wide policies for financial procedures.
• Lead management of CID’s finances from sponsored and gift funding. Manage all financial activities, including processing and approving financial transactions.
• Lead and continually improves the Annual Budget Process, including analysis of costs and revenues.
• Collaborate with Executive Director on proposal development, project budget development, and submission to internal school departments for approval and submission, award negotiation and set-up.
• Set policy on financial operations with guidance from OFS.
• Work with research program financial managers in setting-up standardized team budgets and track their expenses.
• Oversee financial aspects of CID’s annual report, including final figures for CID research programs and initiatives.
• Main point of contact with OFS, representing Center and research programs and initiatives, including HKS Financial Managers Group.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 8 years’ relevant work experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Experience in creating an inclusive, welcoming organizational culture that leverages diversity, and brings out the best in all members of the organization.
• Understanding of systems, governance, and decision-making in a University environment.
• A passion for internal operations and enabling the success of others.
• Demonstrated success in launching, implementing, or improving systems or standard operating procedures.
• A strong track record in developing, supporting, and leading teams and enabling innovative and effective solution-building.
• An ability to manage multiple activities simultaneously, delivering on commitments,
  and operating with speed, accuracy, and strong judgment.
• Strong interpersonal skills, the ability to interact well with faculty, staff, students, and research partners in developing countries.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in an office setting

Additional Information

This position is a fully benefits-eligible term appointment ending one year from date of hire, with possibility of renewal. 

• We regret that the Harvard Kennedy School does not provide visa sponsorship.
• Harvard University requires pre-employment reference and background checks. 
• Harvard University is committed to supporting a healthy, sustainable learning and working environment.

• Time Off: 3- 4 weeks paid vacation, paid holiday break, 12 paid sick days, 12.5 paid holidays, and 3 paid personal days per year.
• Medical/Dental/Vision: We offer a variety of excellent medical plans, dental & vision plans, all coverage begins as of your start date.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive tuition assistance program, $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and discounted options through participating Harvard grad schools. 
• Transportation: Harvard offers a 50% discounted MBTA pass as well as additional options to assist employees in their daily commute.
• Wellness Options: Harvard offers programs and classes at little or no cost, including stress management, massages, nutrition, meditation and complimentary health services.
  Harvard access to athletic facilities, libraries, campus events and many discounts throughout metro Boston.

Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code

F0859P Financial Administrator V

Department

Center for International Development

Union

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Pre-Employment Screening

Education, Identity

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard Kennedy School’s Mission and Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Anti-Racism

At Harvard Kennedy School, fostering a diverse and inclusive community where everyone feels they belong is a matter of basic fairness consistent with our core values as an institution. It is also essential to our mission of improving public policy and leadership—because recruiting the best people and creating an environment where they can thrive make us better at what we do, because we learn more from people with different perspectives, and because we work in diverse groups and serve diverse societies.

Learn more about Harvard Kennedy School’s commitment to Diversity Equity, and Anti-Racism.

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.