Career Center

Position Description

The Senior Research Portfolio Manager (SRPM) is responsible for managing a high-volume portfolio of complex sponsored and non-sponsored funds for a group of Principal Investigators (PIs). The position reports to the Assistant Director of Research Administration and Finance (ADRAF). The SRPM is a member of a faculty support team that provides excellent customer service to the PI and lab members in support of their research activities. S/he uses independent judgment and problem-solving skills to ensure compliance with sponsor and donor regulations, School and University policies, and Area procedures. This is a high-volume, fast-paced, and dynamic environment.

Job-Specific Responsibilites:

• Provides life-cycle grant support for complex, multi-faceted or non-standard projects, both federal and non-federal, which may include complex Center grants.
• Pre-award responsibilities include providing direct support to faculty and administrators with proposal preparation, developing budgets, budget justifications, supporting documentation, and required institutional information. Shepherds supported proposals through the proposal review and submission process. Ensures compliance with federal regulations and University, SEAS and sponsor policies.
• Post-award duties include monthly budget and expenditure reconciliation, financial projections, interpreting financial policies and applying best practices to effectively communicate financial reporting to PI, sponsors, and related University offices.
• Utilizing the Harvard systems, manages faculty-designated funding (sponsored and non-sponsored funds), including monitoring balances and deficits, performing spending projections, developing financial reports, and maintaining working knowledge of basic funding formation.
• Conducts financial analysis; presents financial reports that include committed and available balances across all funds, both sponsored and non-sponsored. Utilizes Harvard systems for these and ad hoc financial queries.
• Strategizes with PI on resource/personnel allocations, including initiating and processing required forms and documentation.
• Serves as backup to the ADRAF and a team lead for the Area. Provides guidance to more junior staff. May prepare PI rights petitions, flag potential conflicts, and review funding opportunities for potentially problematic terms and conditions for their PIs and others. May draft small business subcontracting plans. May also help prepare technical reports, which includes special reporting, coordinating statements of work, and assisting with the tracking of milestones and deliverables.
• Reviews and approves financial transactions, such as reimbursements for travel and corporate card payments, purchasing card and procurement system approvals.
• Assists PI with reporting requirements of the various funding organizations, including progress reports.
• Facilitates the effort certification process and advises the PI on related policies.
• Works with the ADRAF to implement local procedures, recommend process improvements, and resolve issues related to research funding.
• Serves as liaison with internal departments. Collaborates with external research groups and their institutional representatives and communicates with sponsor agencies.
• Works in collaboration with SEAS Finance to administer capital equipment, including purchasing, tagging and equipment inventory.
• Responsible for sub-recipient monitoring on sub-awards/contracts.
• Provides guidance to lab administrators on finance and sponsored research matters including systems, policies, and procedures.
• Additional responsibilities may include drafting consulting agreements and other research-related documents, which require collaboration with SEAS Finance and others.
• The SRPM may also present financial data to sponsors and function as a member of a project team when required.
• This position may supervise one or more direct reports.
• Other duties as required.

Basic Qualifications

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

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, advanced Excel skills
• Working knowledge of basic financial principles, budgeting, financial analysis
• Working knowledge of OMB circulars, 2 CFR 200, FAR, and other federal sponsored research regulations
• Working knowledge of federal and non-federal sponsors? policies and procedures (such as NSF, NASA, DARPA, or NIH), and current issues in sponsored research administration
• Ability to learn new software and systems (including web-based tools)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to prioritize duties and meet multiple deadlines
• Ability to work independently and as a team player with a diverse constituency
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion
• Excellent customer service and problem-solving skills
• Ability to embrace change
• Experience in an academic or related setting (such as hospital or non-profit)
• Financial management experience

Physical Requirements

No significant physical requirements.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in an office setting.

Additional Information

• Applicants should submit a resume and a cover letter
• The Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences does not provide visa sponsorship for administrative and staff positions.
• This position is based on our Cambridge, MA Campus. Must be able to work Monday through Friday, 35 hours/week. Some events may require a schedule adjustment and/or additional work hours.
• 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.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/benefits-wellbeing) 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, 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 this excellence while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

SEAS Commitment to Diversity
SEAS is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment. Some of our core values include respect for all, serving the greater good, and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

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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