Position Description

About Us:
Founded in 1890, the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) is the largest division of Harvard University. FAS is dedicated to being at the forefront of teaching and learning and fostering cutting-edge research and discovery. FAS is redefining liberal arts education for the 21st century and is committed to making a Harvard education accessible to students from all backgrounds.

The Research Administration Services (RAS) office at FAS is currently undergoing a significant transformation to become a networked organization capable of keeping up with the rapidly evolving field of research administration. This bold initiative aims to establish a more coherent and agile administrative infrastructure that promotes the diversity of FAS research and our research community through integrity, ethics, outreach, and engagement. The success of this endeavor is paramount in enabling us to continue to advance FAS' research goals and make exceptional impact on the world.

Achieving success in research and research administration demands diversity. RAS is fully committed to cultivating a culture that values and celebrates unique qualities stemming from different backgrounds, cultures, experiences, and career paths. Our networked transformation is centered on setting expectations and providing guidelines that foster an inclusive administrative community, recognizing diversity as a crucial strength for success.

The Director of Sponsored Project Management for Research Administration Services is a curious, effective communicator with a thirst for knowledge, holistic considerations, and assured leadership skills. The ideal incumbent is also analytical and able to navigate a complex environment with a quickly changing landscape, often with competing priorities. At times with minimal guidance, and other times in partnership with executives and senior leaders from the Harvard community, the incumbent will lead a team of professionals in pre-award support, review, and management, as well as concierge post-award sponsored project management and support.

The incumbent will represent RAS and the Associate Dean for Research Administration Services on a number of related university-wide committees and represent Harvard at local and national meetings/conferences. This successful candidate is agile, sincerely appreciates the significance of diversity in research and academia, and is a forward thinker who is flexible in a hybrid environment.

This role reports directly to the Associate Dean for Research Administration Services and serves as a collaborative thought partner to the leadership team of the organization.

Brief description of responsibilities:

• Management of sponsored project team (which includes):
  • Prioritization of duties
  • Process creation and management
  • Training/continued education
  • Mentoring
  • Career development
  • Team building
    
• Provide expert/seasoned decision-making, guidance, and support in the following areas of sponsored project administration:
  • Proposal development and review
  • Proposal submission
  • Award set-up
  • Project audit and management
  • Sponsor guidelines
  • Fiscal stewardship of sponsored projects
  • Internal award management

• Develop, evaluate, and monitor operation functions and effective processes/procedures related to pre and post-award project management
• Develop and steward internal and external relationships
• Maintain knowledge of emerging regulatory policies and provide related guidance to leadership
• Participate on/lead various committees and task forces related to sponsored project management
• Represent the department and university at various meetings/conferences both locally and nationally

Basic Qualifications

• Master's degree or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 10 years' relevant work experience
• Advanced knowledge of sponsored research regulations
• Supervisory experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills

Success in this role is not limited to a specific career trajectory, but rather, enhanced by the breadth of experiences and perspectives brought to the table. Candidates are encouraged to consider how their unique attributes and experiences align with one, some, or all of the expanded list of qualifications below in addition to the anticipated responsibilities, and submit your application accordingly:

• Minimum of 6 years progressive work experience preferred in three or more of the following areas: sponsored projects, research administration, research proposal submissions, award creation, large-scale proposal submissions, sponsored project account management, research contract and/or grant administration, other administration-related areas
  
• Advanced knowledge of:
  • federal research regulations
  • fundamental research
  • research cost principals
    
• Superior communication skills
• Interpersonal awareness
• Dedicated collaborator
• Working comfort with Microsoft Office including Outlook, Excel, Teams
• Comfort working in a hybrid environment
• Ability to pivot in an actively changing environment

Working Conditions

Work is performed in an office setting in a hybrid office environment.

This position will be based in Cambridge, MA and there is an expectation of two workdays per week on campus. Individual flexible and remote work options for this role will be discussed during the interview process.

The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines.

Additional Information

Salary will be determined by education, experience, and internal equity.

We regret that we are unable to provide visa sponsorship.

All formal written offers will be made by FAS Human Resources.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Work Format

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)


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.

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