Capital Analyst

Harvard University; Cambridge (MA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Harvard University in Cambridge, MA, is seeking a Capital Analyst to join the Capital Planning and Project Services (CAPS) team. This role provides financial analysis, forecasting, and reporting to support capital planning across the university and acts as a liaison between central finance and schools.

The position emphasizes governance coordination, data-driven decision making, and continuous improvement of CAPS processes in a hybrid work environment with on-site presence 2–3 days per week.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in financial analysis, planning, or capital project support.
• MBA or other relevant graduate degree is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Provide financial analysis and capital planning support to Schools and Units as part of CAPS’ oversight function.
• Foster relationships and provide consultative support to assigned Schools and Units regarding capital planning and project approvals
• Support the University Construction Management Council (UCMC), Capital Project Review Committee (CPRC), and related subcommittees in advancing construction best practices.
• Generate reports and dashboards to support capital planning reviews and respond to ad hoc data requests.
• Provide training and user support for CAPS systems
• Participate in the testing, enhancement, and continuous improvement of CAPS systems and processes.
• Perform other special projects and ad hoc duties as assigned.

Skills

Capital planning

Financial analysis

Stakeholder management

Advanced Excel

Data reporting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in finance or related field

Tools

CAPS systems

Reporting tools

Financial planning systems

Job description

Company Description

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.

Financial Administration (FAD) is dedicated to advancing Harvard University’s teaching and research mission by stewarding its resources; providing support, guidance, and consultation; ensuring compliance with university and federal guidelines; mitigating risk; pursuing operational excellence; and promoting the financial health of the University.

More about FAD:
Within and across the University, we aim to be exemplary colleagues, trusted partners, valued advisors, and agents of positive change.
Within our own community, we aspire to:

• Engage with respect, honesty, and integrity
• Cultivate equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging
• Welcome innovation, collaboration, and flexibility
• Enjoy our work, grow professionally, and aim for the extraordinary

Learn more about Financial Administration (harvard.edu) and our eight reporting units. (https://finance.harvard.edu/)

Job Description

The Capital Analyst is a key member of Harvard’s Capital Planning and Project Services (CAPS) team, responsible for providing financial analysis, forecasting, reporting, and strategic support for capital planning and project approvals across the University. The CAPS team sits within the central Financial Administration Department (FAD) and this role serves as a critical liaison between central finance and the University’s schools and business units, ensuring accurate and timely analysis of capital expenditures and forecasts. The CAPS Analyst supports complex workflows and advances institutional priorities through consultative support to Schools and Units. This position requires a strong understanding of financial management and capital project planning with the ability to communicate effectively at all levels of an organization.

The Capital Analyst plays a key role in coordinating with facilities and financial stakeholders, supporting university governance committees, and ensuring CAPS systems and tools are effectively leveraged. The position contributes to the advancement of capital planning practices and promotes consistency, usability, and compliance across the university.

Job-Specific Responsibilities

• Provide financial analysis and capital planning support to Schools and Units as part of CAPS’ oversight function.
• Foster relationships and provide consultative support to assigned Schools and Units regarding capital planning and project approvals
• Support the University Construction Management Council (UCMC), Capital Project Review Committee (CPRC), and related subcommittees in advancing construction best practices.
• Generate reports and dashboards to support capital planning reviews and respond to ad hoc data requests.
• Provide training and user support for CAPS systems
• Participate in the testing, enhancement, and continuous improvement of CAPS systems and processes.
• Perform other special projects and ad hoc duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

Basic Qualifications are the minimum threshold a candidate must meet in order to be considered for this role.

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, business, engineering, or related field
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in financial analysis, planning, or capital project support

Additional Qualifications and Skills

The following qualifications are strongly preferred. If you meet some, but not all, you are still encouraged to apply; we value employees with a willingness to learn.

• MBA (or other relevant professional/graduate degree) a plus
• Engineering and/or consulting background a plus
• Strong understanding of construction concepts and capital project planning and management, including terminology, budgeting, and lifecycle stages
• Familiarity with real estate development, facilities or capital planning, or the management of large-scale institutional projects
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to work independently and manage complex processes
• Demonstrated ability to stay organized, adaptable, and effective while managing multiple complex projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven ability to build strong relationships with people at all levels of the organization
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex information to non-technical audiences
• Demonstrated experience working with large datasets and financial systems
• Advanced proficiency in Excel; familiarity with reporting tools and financial planning systems
• Knowledge of financial compliance and audit best practices
• Experience in higher education or large, decentralized institutions

Additional Information

Why join Harvard University Central Administration?

Harvard University's Central Administration (CADM) is a 5,000+ employee organization that supports the university's overall excellence by understanding and serving the needs of its schools, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and surrounding communities. Through dynamic and collaborative partnerships, CADM provides high-quality and efficient services to the schools to help them achieve their goals.

• Working Conditions: Hybrid role with required on-site presence 2-3 days per week; additional on-site attendance may be required as business needs evolve.
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education
• Other Information: This position has a 90-day orientation and review period.

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. 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 057. 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, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, 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.