Capital Analyst

Harvarduniversity; Cambridge (MA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Harvard University’s Capital Planning and Project Services (CAPS) team seeks a Capital Analyst to provide financial analysis, forecasting, reporting, and strategic support for capital planning and project approvals across the University.

This role acts as a liaison between central finance and schools, coordinating with facilities and stakeholders, supporting governance committees, and ensuring CAPS systems are effectively used.

Qualifications

• 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.
• 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.
• Foster relationships and provide consultative support to assigned Schools and Units regarding capital planning and project approvals
• Support governance bodies like UCMC and CPRC 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 testing, enhancement, and continuous improvement of CAPS systems and processes.
• Perform other special projects and ad-hoc duties as assigned.

Skills

Financial analysis

Capital planning

Excel

Communication

Data analysis

Project coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree

MBA a plus

Tools

CAPS system

Excel

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.

Basic Qualifications:

• 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:

• 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

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 Univers