Harvard College Observatory Assistant Finance Director

Harvard University, Faculty of Arts & Sciences; Cambridge (MA); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Parental leave

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Tuition assistance

Retirement plans

Job summary

Harvard University, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, invites applications for an Assistant Finance Director to oversee comprehensive financial management across a large academic department. The role leads budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis while partnering with faculty, program leaders, and senior administrators to advance academic priorities.

Hybrid work is available with on-campus presence three days per week; strong analytical, communication, and collaborative skills are essential

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required.
• Minimum of 7 years’ relevant work experience.
• MBA or Master’s degree in a relevant field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic financial planning and reporting for a large department.
• Develop and manage comprehensive budgets and cost models.
• Provide financial insights to support leadership decisions and forecasting.
• Collaborate with donors, development teams, and departmental leadership.

Skills

Financial analysis

Forecasting

Budgeting

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

MBA or Master’s degree

Tools

University financial systems

Excel

Job description

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community thatadvances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways,inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills andexpertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcomingenvironment where everyone can thrive.

Why join the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences?

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) is the historic heart ofHarvard University. It is the home of Harvard’s undergraduateprogram (Harvard College, founded in 1636) as well as all ofHarvard’s Ph.D. programs (the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin GraduateSchool of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1872), Harvard Athleticsand the Division of Continuing Education. The 40 academicdepartments and 30+ centers of the FAS support a communityunparalleled in its academic excellence across the broadest rangeof liberal arts and sciences disciplines. Together, the FAS seeksto foster an environment of ambition, curiosity and sharedcommitment to knowledge and truth that elicits excellence from allmembers of our community and prepares the next generation ofleaders through a transformative educational experience.

Job Description

Job Summary:

Responsible for comprehensive financialadministration, budgeting and operations. Provide management withanalysis and reporting. Advise on financial planning.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

The Assistant Finance Director serves as the primary financialadvisor for a large complex academic department or center or groupof units within the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. Reporting to theDivisional Finance Manager aligned to the academic division, with adotted line to the academic leader(s) for the unit(s), this rolepartners closely with faculty, program leaders, and senioradministrators to provide strategic financial leadership thatadvances academic and operational priorities.

The Assistant Finance Director is responsible for the comprehensivefinancial management of a highly complex portfolio, overseeingsignificant operating budgets and multiple funding sources,including sponsored and non-sponsored funds, endowments, gifts,unrestricted resources, and other specialized funding. This roleleads long-range financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, andfinancial analysis, translating complex financial information intoactionable recommendations that support strategicdecision-making.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Financial Planning & Leadership

• Partner with department leadership (faculty, administrators,and research leaders) to identify strategic priorities and alignfinancial resources accordingly.
• Prepare financial projections and reports for SteeringCommittee and Executive Committee meetings.
• Conduct scenario planning and long-range financial modelingusing available tools and shadow systems.
• Provide financial insights and recommendations to supportstrategic decision-making.

Budget Development & Management

• Develop and maintain comprehensive budget workbooks,incorporating:
  • Personnel costs (planned hires, reclassifications, compensationchanges)
  • Non-personnel expenses and operating costs
• Determine available funding sources and allocate costs incompliance with fund restrictions and terms.
• Prepare detailed program budgets to ensure full transparency ofprogram costs.
• Collaborate with Department Administrators (DAs) and ExecutiveDirectors (EDs) to create clear and actionable costing sheets forprogram managers.
• Ensure program managers understand budget allocations andprovide guidance as needed.

Financial Analysis & Reporting

• Prepare variance analyses and trend reports for departmentleadership.
• Analyze historical spending patterns and run rates to informforecasting.
• Develop and deliver financial presentations for leadershipmeetings.
• Meet regularly with program managers to review actualexpenditures against budget and provide recommendations.

Sponsored Programs & External Reporting

• Support stewardship reporting and financial accountability forexternally funded programs.

Endowments, Gifts & Restricted Funds Management

• Track balances, spending, and commitments for endowment andrestricted funds.
• Monitor expenditures to ensure alignment with donor intent anduniversity guidelines.
• Review gift agreements to determine allowable spending andrestrictions.
• Partner with donors, development teams, gift offices, taxoffices, and departmental leadership to structure agreements thatmeet institutional and donor goals.
• Ensure proper receipt, allocation, and recording of giftfunds.

Financial Stewardship & Compliance

• Maintain oversight of all unrestricted funds associated withthe department.
• Ensure compliance with university financial policies, fundrestrictions, and regulatory requirements.
• Provide guidance to faculty and staff on appropriate financialpractices and decision-making.

External Collaboration & Agreements

• Work with external institutions to develop and manage financialagreements related to faculty projects and collaborations.

Working Conditions:

Work is performed in an office setting;this is a hybrid position requiring 3 days on campus

Physical Requirements:

Sitting and using near vision forreading and computer work for extended periods of time

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 7 years’ relevant work experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• MBA or Master’s degree in relevant field
• Strong knowledge of budgeting, forecasting, and financialanalysis.
• Experience managing multiple funding sources, includingsponsored research, endowments, gifts, and unrestricted funds.
• Familiarity with university financial systems and policies(preferred).

Skills & Competencies

• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to translate complex financial information into clear,actionable insights.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the abilityto work effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• High level of attention to detail and organizationalskills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines in adynamic environment.
• Sound judgment and a high degree of integrity in handlingsensitive financial information.

Additional Information

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University isunable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Criminal,Credit
• Other Information: All formal offers will be made by FASHuman Resources.

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders thatsome of the duties and responsibilities can be effectivelyperformed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and locationwill be set by the department at its discretion and based uponoperational needs. When not working at a Harvard orHarvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions mustwork in a Harvard registered state in compliance with theUniversity’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 priorto employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 058. 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 tosupport a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental andfinancial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Ourbenefits include, but are not limited to:

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage startingon day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Wellbeing and mental health resources
• Support for families and caregivers
• Professional development opportunities including tuitionassistance and reimbursement
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & WellbeingPage.

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination . We seek talentfrom all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensureeveryone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our communityadvance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on thebasis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexualorientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability,or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in theuniversity's non-discrimination policy . Harvard'sequal employment opportunity policyand non-discrimination policy help allcommunity members participate fully in work and campus life freefrom harassment and discrimination.