Senior Grants Manager

14-Sep-2022

Harvard Medical School

59785BR

Position Description

The Department of Systems Biology is a vibrant and exciting Department, with faculty and researchers who have successfully competed for funding from a wide range of sponsors including NIH, NSF, DARPA, and others. We are seeking an experienced Senior Grants Manager (SGM) comfortable working in a fast-paced environment to partner with our faculty, researchers, members of the finance team, and department staff to continue this success.

Reporting to the Director of Finance and Administration (DFA), the Senior Grants Manager (SGM) will play an important role within Systems Biology’s Finance team. The SGM is responsible for managing a complex portfolio of sponsored and non-sponsored funds for a group of Principal Investigators (PIs) as well as the newly established Synthetic Biology Hive.

The SGM will work independently in a large research department environment, but will also support the Systems Biology Finance team and be expected to participate in special projects. The SGM will provide an outstanding level of customer service to a broad customer base on a wide range of very complex pre- and post-award, sponsored and compliance issues. The SGM will serve as a liaison with other HMS and University offices as well as other universities conducting business with the lab's research programs and with industrial interests. The SGM will work closely with collaborators on funding opportunities and joint ventures. The ideal candidate has experience with complex grant applications; is self-directed, can prioritize duties, meet multiple accelerated deadlines, and handle complex and confidential information with discretion.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provides life-cycle research administration 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 Department and HMS proposal review and submission process.
• Ensures compliance with federal regulations and University, HMS, and sponsor policies.
• Post-award duties include monthly budget and expenditure reconciliation, financial projections, interpreting financial policies, and applying best practices to effectively communicate financial status to PIs, sponsors, and related University offices.
• Responsible for maintaining a working knowledge of fund information (e.g. terms and award dates) for all accounts within the portfolio.
• Conducts financial analysis; presents financial reports that include committed and available balances across all funds, both sponsored and non-sponsored.
• Strategizes with PIs on resource/personnel allocations, including initiating and processing required forms and documentation.
• Reviews and approves financial transactions, including reimbursements for travel, corporate card expenses, purchasing card expenses, and a high volume of supply orders.
• Assists PIs with programmatic reporting requirements of the various funding organizations, including progress reports.
• Facilitates the effort certification process and advises PIs and researchers on related policies.
• Works with the DFA and ADF 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.
• Responsible for sub-recipient monitoring and invoice processing for sub-awards/contracts.
• Provides guidance to department researchers and staff on finance and sponsored research matters including systems, policies, and procedures.
• Other duties as required.

Basic Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in accounting or equivalent experience.
• 3+ years related experience in managing grants and contracts.
• Experience developing budgets for grant proposals.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree preferably in finance or accounting
• Working knowledge of OMB circulars, 2 CFR 200, FAR, and other federal sponsored research regulations
• Working knowledge of federal (e.g. NIH, NSF, DARPA) and non-federal sponsors’ policies and procedures, and current issues in sponsored research administration
• Strong skills in MS Excel, Adobe, MS Word, and the 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

Additional Information

This position is based in Boston, but the work may be done fully or primarily remote. Any remote work must be performed in a state in which Harvard is registered to do business (CA*, 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. *Note: Harvard employees working in California must be exempt.

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/ . 

Please note that we are currently conducting a majority of interviews and onboarding remotely and virtually. We appreciate your understanding.

Harvard University offers an outstanding benefits package including:

• 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, incredibly affordable classes directly 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 complementary health services.
• Harvard access to athletic facilities, libraries, campus events, and many discounts throughout metro Boston.

The Harvard Medical School is not able to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

Location

USA - MA - Boston

Job Code

405007 Financial Professional (N)

Department

Systems Biology

Union

55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

Pre-Employment Screening

Education, Identity

Schedule

37.5 hrs. per week | Monday - Friday | 8:30 am - 5:00 pm

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

We are committed to cultivating an inclusive workplace culture of faculty, staff, and students with diverse backgrounds, styles, abilities, and motivations. We appreciate and leverage the capabilities, insights, and ideas of all individuals. Harvard Medical School Mission and Community 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.