Research Portfolio Manager

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.

Why join the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences?

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) is the historic heart of Harvard University. It is the home of Harvard’s undergraduate program (Harvard College, founded in 1636) as well as all of Harvard’s Ph.D. programs (the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1872), Harvard Athletics and the Division of Continuing Education. The 40 academic departments and 30+ centers of the FAS support a community unparalleled in its academic excellence across the broadest range of liberal arts and sciences disciplines. Together, the FAS seeks to foster an environment of ambition, curiosity and shared commitment to knowledge and truth that elicits excellence from all members of our community and prepares the next generation of leaders through a transformative educational experience.

Job Description

Job Summary:

This position is primarily responsible for post-award management for a portfolio of faculty sponsored and non-sponsored research funding. The portfolio is of medium complexity. Working under the guidance of senior team members, this position is also responsible for ensuring compliance with key sponsor and university regulations, including those of federal sponsors.

Profile: Experienced professional, independently performs day-to-day tasks and continues to develop knowledge and skills

Knowledge: Utilizes professional knowledge and experience to apply concepts, principles and technical capabilities in performing varied tasks within established guidelines

Complexity : Performs moderately complex projects of small to medium scope within defined parameters. Applies judgment in analyzing issues and resolving problems using established policies and procedures.

Autonomy : Works independently on routine and moderately complex matters within established guidelines. Seeks guidance for complex tasks. Collaborates with colleagues to exchange information and complete assignments. May deliver training to clients and staff.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Collaborate  with other offices (OSP, ORAC, FAS Finance) or functional areas (HR, Academic Affairs etc.) as needed to effectively manage research portfolios. For example, collaborate with OSP proposal development manager during the proposal submission process.

Award management

- Monitors expenses on a variety of funds, reconciling on a monthly basis and ensuring funds are spent compliantly with university and sponsor policies
- Preparation of administrative sections of progress reports, including Current and Pending support and personnel effort reporting
- Monitors expenditures on all awards, providing guidance to PIs on compliance with sponsor and university requirements in all areas, including effort, subrecipient monitoring, and proper allocation of expenses across funds
- Working proactively with other offices and functional areas to manage faculty and other personnel salary and effort allocation, including supplemental salary; Monitor compliance with sponsor terms and conditions of awards.

Financial reporting and projections

- Tracking expenses on sponsored and non-sponsored faculty-designated funding, whole-portfolio analyses may be performed with guidance from senior team members to assist PI in lab financial planning
- Preparation of interim and final financial reports under guidance of OSP
- Close working relationship with FAS Finance for non-sponsored portfolio

Working Conditions:

This position is designated as a hybrid. Work needs will determine on-campus presence, with an expectation of 1–3 days on campus per week, with flexibility in scheduling onsite days in consultation with the manager and team. On-site attendance requirements may vary based on assigned departments and evolving business needs.

Physical Requirements:

Sitting and using near vision for reading and computer work for extended periods of time.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

- At least 3 years of relevant work experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
- Strong communication skills including verbal, written and interpersonal skills
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and ability to work with financial reporting applications and data
- Experience working with faculty; experience with federal or non-federal sponsors preferred
- Ability to interact with staff, researchers and faculty with discretion and diplomacy

Additional Information

- Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
- Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
- Pre-Employment Screening: Identity
- Other Information: All formal offers will be made by FAS Human Resources

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts . Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 056. Please visit   Harvard's Salary Ranges   to view the corresponding salary range and related information.

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:

- Generous paid time off including parental leave 
- Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one 
- Retirement plans with university contributions 
- Wellbeing and mental health resources 
- Support for families and caregivers 
- Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement 
- Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page .

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination . We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy . Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.