Academic ConnectJob Summary
Oversee pre and post-award activities for a portfolio of sponsored research projects.
Position Description
The Assistant Director for Research Administration and Finance (ADRAF) will be responsible for pre and post award grant management, financial management and modeling, and all financial compliance within Opportunity Insights (OI). The ADRAF will oversee and manage the Finance Associate. In addition to managing staff and processes, the ADRAF will have a small portfolio of PIs awards that are deemed complicated and complex. The ADRAF will report to the Executive Director and serve as a member of the senior management team. The Center has a “full-cycle” grant management structure. In addition to pre and post award management of sponsored awards, the ADRAF will review and approve expenditures (HCOM, Corporate Card, PCard etc.). The ADRAF ensures compliance with internal Harvard polices, processes and deadlines. This includes working closely with OSP, RAS, OGC and Central finance departments. The ADRAF will assist in hiring and orientation, training and development, workflow and performance management, and the promotion of an inclusive and innovative work environment. The ADRAF will oversee the routing and signatory process. The ADRA will establish and monitor effective pre-and post-award processes and systems. Manage pre-award areas such as: proposal submission, award validation approval and set-up. Manage post-award areas such as: award approval and set-up, financial analysis, and reporting. The ADRAF will also work with OI leadership on financial projections and modeling to account for Center sustainability, growth, and diversified funding streams. Provide problem resolution, guidance and or training for comprehensive sponsored and non-sponsored award management, compliance, systems, and reporting. Interpret regulations and guidelines of multiple program funding with complex and broad guidelines for spending. Lead the audit of individual sponsored accounts to ensure compliance with University and sponsored regulations. Ensure department’s accurate and timely financial analysis and reporting. Supervises Finance Associate, including planning, assigning, scheduling, reviewing work, training, mentoring and performance management. Assesses and maintains portfolio distribution and workload; redistributes assignments as needed. Serves as primary local contact for resolving issues related to review criteria such as PI eligibility, indirect cost policies, cost sharing, and identifying needed compliance approvals. Advises faculty and staff on existing options/alternatives; recommends courses of action on research related fiscal matters. Works with school-level offices on audits, tuition distribution, award and sub recipient monitoring, effort certifications, supplemental salary requests.
Working Conditions
Work is performed in an office setting.
Qualifications
Basic Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required. Minimum of 7 years’ relevant work experience. Advanced knowledge of sponsored research regulations. Supervisory experience. Additional Qualifications and Skills: MBA or Masters degree in relevant field. Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, advanced Excel skills. Knowledge of advanced financial principles, budget management, financial analysis. Experience with Harvard financial and grants administration systems and applications highly preferred. Demonstrated experience with sponsored research awards. Change management skills. Excellent written and verbal communications. Meet and plan deadline driven work timelines. Manage multiple priorities and interact with diverse constituencies. Strong analytical, interpersonal, and organizational skills. Self-directed, possess a high degree of judgement, work independently with minimum supervision, and handle confidential information with discretion. Leader who is a team player with a strong service-oriented attitude. Desire and willingness to assume increasing and changing responsibilities.