Manager, Cost Analysis

Harvard University; Massachusetts; On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time off

Medical, dental, and vision health insurance

Retirement plans with university contributions

Job summary

Harvard University is seeking a Manager of Cost Analysis to oversee cost analysis operations within the Office for Sponsored Programs. Responsibilities include managing FAS costing integration, developing guidance on federal cost regulations, and supervising a team of analysts.

The ideal candidate will have at least 7 years of relevant experience, a strong background in cost accounting, and the ability to present complex concepts to various stakeholders. This role offers a hybrid work environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years’ relevant work experience.
• Advanced knowledge of federal regulations governing sponsored research.
• Supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead cost analysis operations and team management.
• Oversee space survey development and execution.
• Develop guidance for school administrators on federal regulations.

Skills

Advanced cost accounting and financial analysis

Strong communication skills

Stakeholder collaboration

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience

Tools

Cost allocation methodologies

Job 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/)

The Office for Sponsored Programs is a department within Harvard University’s Financial Administration (FAD) that is focused on providing high‑quality administrative and financial assistance to faculty and other University affiliates performing sponsored research. OSP works with researchers and schools across Harvard to help obtain and negotiate awards from sponsoring agencies, assist with grant proposal preparation, ensure compliance with federal regulations and University policies, provide financial support including financial reporting and billing and collection services, assist with audits, and promote knowledge of sponsored research administration throughout the University research community through training and other educational programs.

The Manager of Cost Analysis leads cost analysis operations, FAS costing integration, and team management, with primary responsibility for overseeing core Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) cost accounting activities as part of the OSP Reporting team. The Manager directs FAS space survey development and execution, space density analysis, and research cost allocations, and approves FAS Academic Service Center rates to ensure compliance with federal regulations. The role provides strategic oversight for development of the University’s F&A cost proposal and related costing methodologies, oversees University‑wide service center activities and rate approvals, and provides oversight of equipment management activities within the University’s property program. In addition, the Manager provides supervision, training, and cross‑functional coordination to ensure consistent application of costing methodologies and alignment across central and school‑level cost accounting and compliance functions.

Job Specific Responsibilities

FAS

• Lead cross‑functional collaboration with the FAS Facilities and Planning Office and Office of Finance to support rate development, strategic costing decisions, and alignment of research space and cost allocation methodologies.
• Oversee the development and execution of space surveys in partnership with the FAS Planning Office, including designing and delivering training to departments and ensuring accurate, complete survey submissions and appropriate research space usage calculations.
• Establish and oversee reporting metrics related to space and administrative cost components supporting enterprise‑wide analytics and strategic decision‑making.
• Review and approve annual Academic Service Center rate proposals, including oversight of rate development, evaluation of new service centers and rate structures, and ensuring compliance with federal regulations while optimizing cost recovery.

FAD

• Oversee equipment management activities within the University’s property program, including inventory tracking, review of sponsor requirements, and compliance with federal regulations and institutional policies related to capital equipment.
• Oversee University‑wide Academic Service Center activities, including review of new service center proposals, annual rate and cost recovery reviews, and guidance to schools and departments on rate development, compliance requirements, and operational practices.
• Develop and deliver guidance and training for school administrators on federal regulations and institutional policies related to cost accounting, including F&A cost principles, cost allocation, and compliance requirements.
• Supervise and develop Cost Analyst staff of three direct reports, including assigning work, reviewing analyses and deliverables, and providing ongoing guidance, training, and performance feedback.

Basic Qualifications

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

For consideration, please include a cover letter.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required.
• Minimum of 7 years’ relevant work experience.
• Advanced knowledge of federal regulations and cost principles governing sponsored research, including indirect (F&A) cost identification, allocation, and rate development in higher education.
• Understanding of government review and audit practices for Facilities & Administrative (F&A) cost proposals.
• Advanced knowledge of sponsored research regulations.
• Supervisory experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Advanced cost accounting and financial analysis.
• Staff leadership and development.
• Knowledge of sponsored research regulations and F&A cost principles.
• Ability to interpret and apply complex financial and regulatory guidance.
• Experience with cost allocation methodologies and rate development.
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to present complex concepts to non‑financial audiences.
• Stakeholder collaboration and cross‑functional coordination.
• Project management and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Please provide a cover letter and resume as one document with your application.

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: Onsite work is performed in an office setting.
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week primarily remote role with flexibility to work on‑site and optional in‑person meetings bi‑monthly. On‑site attendance expectations may evolve based on business needs.
• 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.

#LI-JD3

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 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 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 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.