Director of Financial Planning and Analysis

Harvarduniversity; United States; Remote; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health is seeking a Director of Financial Planning and Analysis reporting to the Chief Financial Officer.

You will lead a team of three financial analysts, manage a $400M+ annual operating budget, and drive multi-year planning, monthly forecasts, and management reporting to inform strategic decisions. Collaboration with the CFO, school leaders, and university partners is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum of 10 years' relevant work experience.
• 7+ years of experience in sponsored research finance within a complex higher education, hospital, healthcare, or academic medical center environment required; higher education experience strongly preferred
• Supervisory experience required

Responsibilities

• Strategic Financial Planning, Analysis, and Presentation: Direct and oversee all aspects of the School's annual budget process; develop guidance and materials, analyze submissions, lead departmental meetings, and create a holistic plan that aligns with priorities.
• Build and refine the School's multi-year financial plan, incorporating assumptions and modeling scenarios across financial metrics; synthesize data into presentations and recommendations
• Oversee the creation and continuous improvement of management reporting for the CFO, School leadership, and University stakeholders
• Lead the development of monthly forecasts to identify financial risks and opportunities; provide ad hoc analysis for strategic decisions
• Leverage data from multiple sources to analyze monthly and year-end results and identify key drivers and trends
• Design and present financial materials, tailoring communication to financial and non-financial audiences across the School

Skills

Strategic thinking

Leadership

Financial analysis

Communication

Presentation skills

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Master's Degree is a plus

Job description

Job Summary

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Director of Financial Planning and Analysis is responsible for the financial management, budgeting, and strategy of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Leading a team of 3 financial analysts, the Director is responsible for the development of the School's $400M+ annual operating budget, multi-year financial plan, monthly forecasts, and management reporting, as well as frequent ad hoc analyses. A key member of the Office of Financial Services leadership team, the Director partners closely with the CFO, and regularly engages with administrative and departmental leaders across the Chan School. The Director plays a critical role in shaping the School's financial strategy, providing actionable insights to inform resource allocation, investments, and long‑range planning in support of the research and teaching mission. This role is highly visible and requires the ability to translate complex financial information into clear, compelling narratives for a range of audiences, including the Dean, Executive Dean for Administration, and other School and University leaders.

Job‑Specific Responsibilities

• Strategic Financial Planning, Analysis, and Presentation Direct and oversee all aspects of the School's annual budget process; develop guidance and materials, analyze submissions, lead departmental meetings, and create a wholistic plan that aligns with School and University priorities and long‑term financial sustainability
• Build and refine the School's multi-year financial plan, incorporating assumptions and modeling scenarios across a wide range of financial metrics; synthesize data into presentations and recommendations
• Oversee the creation and continuous improvement of management reporting for the CFO, School leadership, and University stakeholders
• Lead the development of monthly forecasts to proactively identify financial risks and opportunities; regularly provide ad hoc analysis in support of strategic decision making
• Leveraging data from numerous sources, analyze monthly and year‑end financial results and evaluate key drivers and trends
• Design and frequently present financial materials, tailoring communication to financial and non‑financial audiences across the School

Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement

• Lead or contribute to special projects and strategic initiatives, often in collaboration with other finance and administrative colleagues; identify opportunities to streamline and enhance budgeting, forecasting, and reporting efforts
• Serve as key liaison to departments, providing guidance on budgeting and financial analysis; work closely with leaders from Facilities and IT to ensure long‑term capital and technology plans align with financial plans
• Serve as key liaison to the University's finance team; collaborate with FP&A Directors from all Harvard Schools in monthly meetings; represent the School in University‑wide initiatives

Team Leadership and Management

• Provide effective leadership and direct management of a team of three financial analysts
• Foster a collaborative and innovative work environment that supports professional development, accountability, and continuous learning

PLEASE NOTE: This is a primarily remote position, however, scheduling flexibility may be required to come into the office for various meetings and events.

Basic Qualifications

• PLEASE NOTE: To be considered a qualified applicant for this position, candidates must meet all listed basic qualifications . Applicants must clearly demonstrate how they meet each of these qualifications within their resume to be eligible for consideration.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 10 years' relevant work experience
• 7+ years of experience in sponsored research finance within a complex higher education, hospital, healthcare, or academic medical center environment required; higher education experience strongly preferred
• Supervisory experience required

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Master's Degree in a related field is a plus
• Demonstrated experience leading strategic financial planning and modeling within a large, decentralized organization, preferably in higher education, healthcare, research, or other mission‑driven environments
• Strong executive presence with the ability to synthesize complex financial information into clear communications and recommendations for senior leadership and non‑financial stakeholders
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities and navigate ambiguity in an