Director of Finance and Administration - Military veterans preferred

Director of Finance and Administration

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 Kennedy School?

The John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University is one 12 graduate and professional schools at the university. Harvard Kennedy School’s mission is to improve public policy and leadership so people can live in societies that are more safe, free, just, and sustainably prosperous. By combining cutting-edge research, the teaching of outstanding students, and direct interaction with practitioners, we have an impact on solving public problems that no other institution can match. When you work at Harvard Kennedy School, you make a difference.

The Director of Finance and Administration for the Institute of Politics (IOP) at the Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) will work closely with IOP's Director and Executive Director in the financial management of the organization. Primary duties include supporting the strategic mission of the Center via oversight of day-to-day financial management, processing, budget projections and support of IOP staff colleagues and undergraduate student leaders. This position reports to the Executive Director and works independently to perform day-to-day financial administration including preparing, verifying, and monitoring budgets, financial analysis, forecasting and application of financial policies. The IOP is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community for staff and students; the successful candidate will share our goals and will contribute to the excellence of our team.

Core Responsibilities will include:

Financial Management :

• Finance and Budgeting. Manage finance operations and budgeting (budget approximately $7 million per year) for the IOP. Lead administration of the Center’s budget reporting, forecasting, financial analyses, and maintenance of financial controls. Develop center-wide policies for financial procedures. Ensure user-friendly processes that support all payment transactions in accordance with school and university policy.
• Lead and continually improve the Annual Budget Process, including analysis of costs and program tuition.
• Serve as a member of the senior management team, contributing to strategic direction, priority setting, and overall accountability to goals.
• Work with IOP staff assistant to process payments for invoices, corporate cards and individual staff and student reimbursements.
• Maintain vendor accounts and ensure timely clearance of outstanding payables and receivables.
• Ensure integrity and consistency of data between the HKS’s financial and accounting systems and IOP's internal financial reports/budgets.
• Management of IOP student internship and research stipends.
• Serve as the approver for IOP financial transactions.
• Set policy on financial operations with guidance from HKS Office of Financial Services (OFS).
• Participate as a member of the HKS Financial Managers Group.

Administrative Management :

• Responsible for working with human resources on hiring of students, temporary employees, and assist with IOP fellows; support their onboarding for financial processes.
• Manage Center’s compliance with all Harvard University, HKS, and government policies and requirements.
• Serve as approver for PeopleSoft time reporting system for IOP staff and student leaders.
• Manage and procure IT hardware including computers, printers, and laptops, as well as program software.
• Select vendors and serve as their point of contact; manage contracts with bulk email provider, calendar and survey programs, and all other website developers and contractors.

Lindauer, a global search and talent firm, has been retained to conduct this search on behalf of Institute of Politics at Harvard University. Applications, communications, nominations, and inquiries can be submitted through the Lindauer website.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required
• A minimum of 7 years relevant work experience
• Supervisory experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor's degree and a minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible finance and administrative management experience and management of staff direct reports and student mentorship is strongly preferred.
• Experience creating an inclusive, welcoming organizational culture that leverages diversity, and brings out the best in all members of the organization.
• Understanding of systems, governance, and decision-making in a university environment.
• Prior experience with Harvard University systems, e.g., PeopleSoft, Buy2Pay, Concur, etc., is helpful.
• A minimum of three years of experience with finance, controls and budgeting, including the ability to read, understand, and act on complex financial reports.
• A passion for internal operations and enabling the success of others.
• Interest in and/or knowledge of politics and public service is preferred.
• Demonstrated success in launching, implementing, or improving systems or standard operating procedures.
• A strong track record in developing, supporting, and leading teams.
• An ability to manage multiple activities simultaneously, delivering on commitments, and operating with speed, accuracy, and strong judgment.
• An enthusiasm for rolling up their sleeves to do whatever it takes to get work done.
• An ability to drive to big picture goals while maintaining strong attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills that will resonate with internal and external stakeholders of diverse backgrounds.

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Education,Identity
• Other Information: Important Application Instructions:
  Lindauer, a global search and talent firm, has been retained to conduct this search on behalf of Institute of Politics at Harvard University. Applications, communications, nominations, and inquiries can be submitted through the Lindauer website.
  
  Learn more about our work culture and see yourself at Harvard Kennedy School.
  
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Work Format Details

This is a position that is based at a Harvard campus location with some remote work options available. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). 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 058. 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, sex, ethnicity, color, national origin, 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.

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