Senior Director, Administration & Finance

Harvard University

Senior Director, Administration & Finance
Harvard Kennedy School
53957BR

Job Summary

Responsible for the overall direction and oversight of financial operations, which may include payroll, accounting, accounts payable/receivable, procurement, capital projects, endowment funding, research administration, or other function.

Job Code
F0859M Financial Admin Ops Mgt V

Job-Specific Responsibilities
The Senior Director for Administration and Finance will lead the key administrative functions of the new Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University including finance and budgeting, human resources, information systems, office and remote-office management, communications operations, and contracting. Building on the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative, the Center will focus on improving cities by strengthening city leadership and governance, and will serve as a hub of world-class programs, teaching, and research on cities, and a vibrant community that brings together faculty, students, and expertise from around Harvard to engage in continuous interaction with practice.

We are committed to building and fostering a diverse and inclusive team of staff, students, and faculty and we seek candidates who share our commitment and values.

Reporting to the Executive Director, and working closely with the Director, the Senior Director for Administration and Finance will play a key role on the Center's leadership team, regularly identifying and executing ways to enable the success of the Center's team and staff, advancing operational excellence across the organization, and leading and strengthening the following critical functions:

• Finance and Budgeting. Manage finance operations and budgeting (budget approximately $20 million per year) for the organization. Lead administration of the Center's budget reporting, forecasting, financial analyses, and maintenance of financial controls. Ensure user-friendly processes that support payment transactions in accordance with school policy.
• Human Resources. Lead the Center's operations with respect to recruitment, appointments, onboarding, and performance reviews. Establish initiatives and processes that support the team's professional development and training. Support managers on human resources issues such as job scoping, flex time and hiring of temporary workers. Advance practices that foster diversity, inclusion, and racial equity. Serve as primary liaison to HKS Human Resources.
• Information Systems. Oversee the Center's information technology infrastructure including its customer relationship management system, internal knowledge management, file-sharing, classroom technology, and instructional technology. Lead initiatives to ensure the team is trained.
• Office and Remote Office Management. Ensure that the physical and virtual infrastructure supports the team and provides a first-rate experience for those engaging with it. Manage issues related to workspace, audio/visual infrastructure such as web and video conferencing, and facilities. Manage capital projects and physical space, including facilities requests, furniture orders and designs, and maintenance.
• Communications Operations: Support the Center's communication team in the dissemination of content, including marketing/email automation, and maintenance of Center websites.
• Contracting: Oversee the Center's contracting with external vendors and freelancers
• Harvard Process and Policy: Liaise with other heads of Finance, research administration, and Operations across Harvard Kennedy School and Harvard University regarding process improvement, policies and procedures, and related initiatives. Lead staff training on core functions such as finance, research administration and compliance, human resources and other policies.

Typical Core Duties

• Responsible for effective staff management for a group or team of employees, including hiring and orientation, training and development, workflow and performance management, and the promotion of an inclusive and innovative work environment
• Manage multiple financial operations, which may include systems development, data analysis, budgeting and reporting while identifying opportunities for operational integration and improvement
• Lead department goal setting, planning, and process development
• Identify potential operational challenges and propose solutions
• Develop and implement operational policies, procedures and training for financial staff
• Manage ongoing relationships with external vendors and consultants
• Collaborate with university-wide leadership to continuously approve processes, policies and procedures
• Ensure financial compliance with University policies and procedures and applicable legal rules and regulations

Additional Information

Continued from Duties and Responsibilities Above:

As a key leader in the organization, the Senior Director will also model and seek ways to:

• Foster and contribute to a culture of excellence grounded in learning, problem-solving, and teamwork.
• Help team members protect their work-life balance and help managers protect the work-life balance of their teams.
• Collaborate with colleagues to identify recommendations for process improvements.
• Collaborate and problem-solve with colleagues throughout Harvard and Harvard Kennedy School, ensuring that design decisions are supportive of the larger mission of the school.
• Establish standard operating procedures that supports the Center and its staff, and operational excellence, in ongoing operations.

Please note: During the current period of Covid-19 related restrictions, this position may start as a remote position, with transition to onsite in Cambridge, Massachusetts when the office reopens. We continue to monitor the evolving COVID-19 and lifting of restrictions. We appreciate your understanding and flexibility with our interview process. We will be conducting interviews virtually for selected candidates until further notice.

Salary Range: $90,200 - $157,200
Note: Starting salaries typically fall in the lower half of the salary range; however, they are ultimately determined by the scope of the position, the candidate's relevant experience, and internal equity.

Harvard Kennedy School's Mission and Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging
At Harvard Kennedy School, fostering a diverse and inclusive community where everyone feels they belong is a matter of basic fairness consistent with our core values as an institution. It is also essential to our mission of improving public policy and leadership-because recruiting the best people and creating an environment where they can thrive make us better at what we do, because we learn more from people with different perspectives, and because we work in diverse groups and serve diverse societies.
Learn more about Harvard Kennedy School's commitment to diversity, inclusion, and belonging.

Harvard offers a generous benefits package including:

• Time Off: 3- 4 weeks paid vacation, paid holiday break, 12 paid sick days, 11.5 paid holidays, and 3 paid personal days per year.
• Medical/Dental/Vision: We offer a variety of excellent medical plans, dental & vision plans, all coverage begins as of your start date.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive tuition assistance program, $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and discounted options through participating Harvard grad schools.
• Transportation: Harvard offers a 50% discounted MBTA pass as well as additional options to assist employees in their daily commute.
• Wellness Options: Harvard offers programs and classes at little or no cost, including stress management, massages, nutrition, meditation and complimentary health services.
• Harvard access to athletic facilities, libraries, campus events and many discounts throughout metro Boston.

We regret that the Harvard Kennedy School does not provide Visa Sponsorship.

Harvard University requires pre-employment references and background checks.

Harvard University is committed to supporting a healthy, sustainable learning and working environment

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in an office setting

Job Function
Finance

Sub Unit
------------

Location
USA - MA - Cambridge

Department
Bloomberg Center for Cities

Time Status
Full-time

Union
00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Salary Grade
059

Pre-Employment Screening
Education, Identity

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.Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 8 years' relevant work experience
• Supervisory experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Experience in 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Entrepreneurial with an enthusiasm for doing whatever it takes to get the job 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 colleagues of diverse backgrounds.

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