Senior Research Portfolio Manager

Campus Services - Cambridge, MA

Full-time - Mid Level

Remote - Cambridge, MA

Food Services and Drinking Places

About the position

The Senior Research Portfolio Manager at the Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE) plays a crucial role in managing a portfolio of assigned Principal Investigators (PIs) and centers. This position is responsible for providing timely information and advice to PIs regarding all aspects of proposal development, submission, and post-award management. The manager will interpret Harvard policies and sponsor guidelines to ensure compliance with necessary approvals, allowable costs, and budgetary constraints. As a senior grants manager, the individual will work independently to prepare, negotiate, and manage a comprehensive range of sponsored research awards and related compliance issues, while also making recommendations for the effective use of financial resources. In this role, the Senior Research Portfolio Manager will oversee pre-award activities, including funding opportunity reviews, proposal submissions, and document tracking. They will also perform complex post-award activities, such as award approvals, compliance reviews of federal and non-federal award documents, and long-range financial reporting. Acting as a subject matter expert, the manager may serve on various university or school committees and projects, providing technical advice and problem resolution for research administration. The position requires monitoring grants and contracts to ensure expenses align with agreements and government regulations, as well as ensuring financial compliance with university and sponsor policies. The manager will review awards for audit issues and ensure accuracy in the actions taken by the Harvard University Office for Sponsored Programs (HU-OSP). Collaboration with other members of the HGSE Office of Sponsored Projects is essential, and the manager may be tasked with special projects as needed. Evaluating and recommending improvements to pre- and post-award research administrative procedures will also be part of the responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of assigned HGSE Principal Investigators (PIs) and centers.
• Provide timely information and advice in proposal development, submission, and post-award management.
• Interpret Harvard policies and sponsor guidelines related to approvals, allowable costs, and budgets.
• Prepare, negotiate, and manage a full array of sponsored research awards and compliance issues.
• Oversee pre-award activities including funding opportunity reviews and proposal submissions.
• Perform complex post-award activities including award approvals and compliance reviews.
• Act as a subject matter expert and serve on university or school committees as needed.
• Advise PIs and project staff on fiscal policies and procedures, including federal funding regulations.
• Monitor grants and contracts to ensure compliance with agreements and regulations.
• Review awards for audit issues and ensure financial compliance with policies and procedures.
• Collaborate with HGSE OSP members and assist with special projects as necessary.
• Evaluate and recommend improvements to research administrative procedures.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience required.
• Minimum of 5 years' relevant work experience.
• Advanced knowledge of sponsored research regulations.
• Superior skills with Microsoft Office Suite, especially advanced Excel skills.
• Working knowledge of financial principles, budgeting, and analysis/forecasting.
• Strong analytical ability and excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and exhibit sound decision-making.
• Ability to represent HGSE OSP with professionalism.
• Self-directed, team-oriented, and customer-focused.
• Ability to handle multiple competing priorities and maintain confidentiality.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to interact with all levels of staff.

Nice-to-haves

• Knowledge of Oracle financial systems and Harvard financial applications preferred.

Benefits

• 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).
• Up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary caregivers.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• Disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits.
• Child and elder/adult care resources including on-campus childcare centers.
• Employee Assistance Program and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, and meditation.
• University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation.
• Tuition Assistance Program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School.
• Tuition Reimbursement Program providing 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses.
• Professional Development programs and classes at little or no cost.
• Various commuter options including discounted parking and half-priced public transportation passes.
• Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, and discounts on services.