Business Analyst

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Financial Administration (FAD) is dedicated to advancing Harvard University’s teaching and research mission by stewarding its resources; providing support, guidance, and consultation; ensuring compliance with university and federal guidelines; mitigating risk; pursuing operational excellence; and promoting the financial health of the University.

Job Description

Harvard's Financial Administration Department (FAD) is responsible for the stewardship of the University’s finances, including related business processes and technology in support of the teaching and research mission of the University. The Office for Sponsored Programs (OSP) manages a diverse portfolio of federal, foundation, international, and industry sponsors; we provide lifecycle sponsored programs support and partner with schools, departments, and centers across the University to facilitate proposal submission, award acceptance and administration, and all sponsored financial reporting and invoicing throughout the life of the award.

The Office for Sponsored Programs (OSP) Pre-Award Team is responsible for providing leadership, advice, and superior client service in the provision of all Pre-Award services, including but not limited to proposal review and submission, awards management, negotiation of terms and conditions, and account set up for a portfolio of over $350 million.

The Pre-Award Business Analyst (Business Analyst) reports to the Business Operations and Reporting Manager (Manager). Working under the general direction of the Manager, the Business Analyst will support and frequently lead both internal and external OSP Pre-Award initiatives. These efforts may involve operational analysis, assessment of workload distribution across the team, ongoing process oversight and coordination, data modeling, and project management for projects of varying size, as well as change management and communication planning.

Analytics, Modeling, and Operational Assessment and Improvement

• Collaborate with business partners to learn and document current processes, map workflows, and recommend potential solutions.
• Direct strategic analyses that inform and support business decisions.
• Oversee the assessment of new initiatives by reviewing key performance indicators and contributing to operational decision-making.
• Help identify change management requirements, create change management plans, support the creation of training materials, develop engaging end user communications, and contribute to post-implementation reviews.
• Provide support for and take the lead on additional analytical projects as needed.

Project Management

• Create and update project plans that support the staffing, tracking, and oversight of OSP Pre-Award or university-wide new and ongoing initiatives.
• Working with the Manager and Pre-Award Leadership Team: Compile and structure data and written materials into draft projects and proposals. Prepare presentations for management groups and, when appropriate, present this information to them.
• Develop creative and meaningful Pre-Award initiatives, including new programs or revised versions of current programs, with an emphasis on quality and process improvement.
• Review and assess methods used to complete projects, applying lessons learned to enhance the management of future work.
• Meet with stakeholders and follow up on information shared, confirming that projects and proposals are finished within the required timelines.
• Lead small workgroups to generate recommendations for senior leadership.
• Clearly communicate and present issues to both internal and external leaders.

Additional Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for committees, new initiatives, and projects related to Pre-Award services or general research administration needs.
• Help determine and execute strategic goals for OSP as well as for the broader Harvard research administration community.
• Develop and maintain relationships with a range of Harvard University offices.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

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

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Excellent computer skills, especially using the Microsoft Office suite of products
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
• Proficient in data analysis principles and practices, including the ability to prepare, interpret, and analyze data, strongly preferred
• Astute attention to details and commitment to accuracy and integrity of all data, reports, and communications
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex and concurrent projects and re-establish priorities as necessary
• Demonstrated ability to be a self-starter with the ability to excel in a fast-paced and deadline-oriented environment
• Demonstrates flexibility and a willingness to assume additional responsibilities and support special initiatives as business needs evolve.
• Exceptional judgment and discretion in interacting with constituencies (internal and external) on sensitive political, fiscal, and confidential issues
• Familiarity with Harvard-affiliated institutions is a plus
• Master’s degree or other terminal degree in a relevant field
• Please provide a cover letter and resume as one document with your application