Senior Research Portfolio Manager (Sponsored Research)

Position Description

The Senior Research Portfolio Manager position is responsible for full lifecycle portfolio management across all fund types for multiple labs in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology (CCB). The SRPM is the primary source of financial analysis for CCB. This position supports a subset of faculty with complex portfolios including federal and non-federal grants, sub-awards, industry agreements, contracts, gifts and internal grants.  Sponsors include the NSF, NIH, ARO, AFOSR, ONR and National Laboratories.   We are looking for an individual with the sponsored and financial expertise to work independently, who will also thrive as a member of a committed, collaborative team that values creativity, adaptability and a sense of humor.

The SRPM is primary contact for external collaborators, internal Harvard central and academic offices, and CCB personnel for issues related to sponsored research. The SRPM monitors sponsored expenses for compliance with OMB circulars, sponsor regulations, University policy, and departmental procedures. The SRPM independently liaises with the Office of Technology Development (OTD), Office for Sponsored Programs (OSP), FAS Research Administration Services (RAS), Academic Affairs, the Office of the Vice Provost for Research (OVPR), the IACUC and IRB and the equipment office.  Other job responsibilities include but are not limited to the following: financial analysis on spending trends, budget projections, and strategic planning as needed;  presentation of monthly financial reports to faculty; effort reporting and timely submission of progress reports; review of financial reports required by sponsors, and award close out.  The SRPM provides sponsored research approval for expense categories with high degree of audit risk; self-audit and audit support;  resolution of financial and compliance issues that arise throughout the life cycle of the award; subrecipient monitoring; provide training and guidance to lab administrators on finance and sponsored research matters including systems, policies, and procedures; representation on FAS and University-wide committees; back-up as necessary for other OFARA team members.

The SRPM prepares and signs off for the Department on sponsored research proposals.The SRPM advises faculty and lab managers on budgetary needs and guidelines, reviews application requirements and sponsor guidelines, advises faculty on disclosure requirements, as well as other non-scientific requirements of grant proposals.  The SRPM is responsible for sponsored research proposal preparation and budget development; financial analysis, budget projections and strategic financial planning; interpretation and guidance on federal regulations, sponsor requirements, and University policy with focus on compliance; and risk assessments in decision making when guidelines and policies are vague or broad.

This position requires a subject matter expert who will initiate written documentation in response to frequent policy updates and changes to department and school requirements. The SRPM is expected to regularly attend school-wide meetings about sponsored policy and report back to the group. The SRPM will participate in feedback sessions, working groups run by OVPR and OPC subcommittees to contribute to University-wide decisions being made about new sponsored policies, procedures, and financial systems.  The SRPM will work with the OFARA team and CCB leadership to roll changes out to fellow administrators in labs and department offices.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 5 years’ relevant work experience
• Advanced knowledge of sponsored research regulations

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Knowledge and demonstrated use of MS office suite
• Knowledge of financial principles, budget management and financial analysis.
• Demonstrated experience with sponsored research awards including DoD (AFOSR, ONR, ARO, DARPA) NSF, NASA, DoE, NOAA, National Laboratories, International collaborations
• Experience with Harvard financial and grants administration systems and applications highly preferred.
• Clear and concise written and verbal communications.
• Demonstrated experience planning and meeting deadline driven work timelines.
• Strong analytical, interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Self-directed, possess a high degree of judgement, solutions-oriented, ability to work independently with minimum supervision and handle confidential information with discretion
• Collaborative and growth mindset

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in an office setting

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/

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Location

USA - MA - Harvard

Job Code

F1357M Research Admin Mgt III PrPs

Department

Chemistry & Chemical Biology

Union

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Pre-Employment Screening

Education, Identity

Schedule

Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm

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.