Principal Contracts Analyst

Harvard Central Administration (CADM) Talent Acquisition; Cambridge (MA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous time off

Health insurance from day one

University retirement plan

Tuition assistance and professional发展

Job summary

Harvard University’s Strategic Procurement Department invites a Principal Contracts Analyst to lead contract strategy, governance, and risk across assigned categories. You will communicate legal requirements and market dynamics to FAS leaders, shape policies, and collaborate with General Counsel and risk teams.

This role emphasizes cross‑functional leadership, integrity, and innovation, with a hybrid schedule and a 35‑hour work week.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required.
• Minimum of 8 years’ relevant work experience or 7 years with JD degree.
• JD degree and membership in Massachusetts Bar Association preferred.
• Proven experience managing cross‑functional teams in a highly matrixed environment.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and time‑management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, written and oral communication, presentation, and negotiation skills with strong influencing and persuasive talents.
• Self‑motivated, takes initiative and can effectively organize, multi‑task, and prioritize a wide array of initiatives.
• Aptitude and experience with innovation.
• Experience working collaboratively across a diverse organization.
• Ability to manage and develop a team.
• Uncompromising integrity and strong ethical judgment in all aspects of professional work.

Responsibilities

• Clearly communicates contract requirements and market dynamics to FAS leaders, aligning category strategies.
• Oversees third‑party contracts within assigned categories, guiding terms and risk mitigation.
• Leads change management initiatives to improve sourcing and contracting processes across FAS.
• Represents Strategic Procurement in design, development, and implementation of policies and enabling technologies.
• Contributes to advancing best practices, standardization, and efficiencies across FAS and central procurement.
• Collaborates with FAS leadership, General Counsel, Risk Management, and University partners to ensure compliant contracts.
• Functions in a dual‑reporting capacity to align with FAS priorities.

Skills

Contract management

Negotiation

Cross-functional leadership

Risk mitigation

Policy development

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

JD degree preferred

Job description

Principal Contracts Analyst – Strategic Procurement Department

Harvard University’s Strategic Procurement Department is a central administrative function that serves all Harvard schools, institutes, and administrative units. Our mission is to create value for Harvard by optimizing the procurement of goods and services while upholding the highest standards of integrity, compliance, and supplier partnership. We manage over $3.5 billion in annual addressable spend and are committed to practices that support balance of trade, environmental sustainability, and the University’s long‑term financial health.

Job-Specific Responsibilities

• Clearly communicates legal contract requirements and relevant market dynamics to FAS department unit leaders, ensuring category strategies are fully aligned with institutional objectives.
• Provides oversight and governance of third‑party contracts within assigned categories, serving as the principal point of contact for contract structure, terms, and risk mitigation.
• Leads and supports change management initiatives necessary to successfully execute sourcing and contracting activities, promoting adoption of improved processes and practices across FAS.
• Serves as a key FAS representative in the design, development, and implementation of Strategic Procurement strategies, policies, processes, and enabling technologies.
• Acts as a principal contributor to advancing best practices in FAS and central procurement, driving standardization and efficiencies that help FAS stakeholders achieve their goals and objectives.
• Collaborates closely with FAS leadership, Harvard’s Office of General Counsel, Risk Management & Audit Services, and other University partners to ensure FAS supplier contracts and relationships meet required legal, regulatory, and risk standards.
• Functions in a dual‑reporting capacity, including a dotted‑line reporting relationship to FAS, to ensure strong alignment and responsiveness to FAS priorities.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required.
• Minimum of 8 years’ relevant work experience or 7 years with JD degree.

For consideration, please include a cover letter.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• JD degree and membership in Massachusetts Bar Association preferred.
• Proven experience managing cross‑functional teams in a highly matrixed environment.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and time‑management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, written and oral communication, presentation, and negotiation skills with strong influencing and persuasive talents.
• Self‑motivated, takes initiative and can effectively organize, multi‑task, and prioritize a wide array of initiatives.
• Aptitude and experience with innovation.
• Experience working collaboratively across a diverse organization.
• Ability to manage and develop a team.
• Uncompromising integrity and strong ethical judgment in all aspects of professional work.

Additional Information

• Working Conditions: Hybrid schedule; 1–2 days onsite per week on average, with additional on‑site presence as needed.
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week.
• 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 059. Please visit Harvard’s Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.

Benefits

• 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.

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.