"Senior Capital Analyst"

Job Description

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 Summary: Facilitate diverse financial analysis for a school/unit and assist department management with their financial planning efforts, budget analysis and monthly reporting.

The Senior Capital Analyst is a key member of Harvard's Capital Planning and Project Services (CAPS) team, responsible for providing financial analysis, forecasting, reporting, and strategic support for capital planning and project approvals across the University. The CAPS team sits within central financial administration and this role serves as a critical liaison between central finance and the University's Schools and business units, ensuring accurate and timely analysis of capital expenditures and forecasts.

The Senior CAPS Analyst works independently to manage complex workflows and advance institutional priorities through consultative support to Schools and Units. This position requires a strong understanding of financial management and capital project planning with the ability to communicate effectively at all levels of an organization.

The Senior Analyst plays a key role in coordinating with facilities and financial stakeholders, supporting university governance committees, and ensuring CAPS systems and tools are effectively leveraged. The position contributes to the advancement of capital planning practices and promotes consistency, usability, and compliance across the university.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide financial analysis and capital planning support to Schools and Units as part of CAPS' oversight function.
• Foster relationships and provide consultative support to assigned Schools and Units regarding capital planning and project approvals.
• Support the University Construction Management Council (UCMC), Capital Project Review Committee (CPRC), and related subcommittees in advancing construction best practices.
• Generate reports and dashboards to support capital planning reviews and respond to ad hoc data requests.
• Provide training and user support for CAPS systems.
• Participate in the testing, enhancement, and continuous improvement of CAPS systems and processes.
• Perform other special projects and ad hoc duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience required.
• Minimum of 7 years' relevant work experience (advanced degree may be considered towards experience).

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Strong understanding of construction concepts and capital project planning and management, including terminology, budgeting, and lifecycle stages.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to work independently and manage complex processes.
• Proven ability to build strong relationships with people at all levels of the organization.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex information to non-technical audiences.
• Demonstrated experience working with large datasets and financial systems.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel; familiarity with reporting tools and financial planning systems.
• Demonstrated ability to stay organized, adaptable, and effective while managing multiple complex projects in a fast-paced environment.
• MBA (or other relevant professional/graduate degree) a plus.
• Experience in higher education or large, decentralized institutions.
• Familiarity with real estate development, facilities or capital planning, or the management of large-scale institutional projects.
• Knowledge of financial compliance and audit best practices.

Learn more about Financial Administration.