Remote FP&A Director: Strategy & Planning

Harvard University; Boston (MA); Remote; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement plans with university con</

Generous paid time off

Job summary

Harvard University’s Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health seeks a Director of Financial Planning and Analysis to lead budgeting, forecasting, and reporting for a $400M+ operating budget.

Reporting to the CFO, you will manage a team of three analysts and partner with senior leaders to drive long-range financial strategy. The role emphasizes translating complex data into clear narratives for executives, with a primarily remote work model and occasional on-site meetings.

Qualifications

• 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
• 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 evolving environment while maintaining attention to detail and accuracy
• Demonstrated success leading, mentoring, and developing high-performing analytical teams with a collaborative and service-oriented approach
• Experience developing and improving financial reporting, dashboards, and analytical tools to support decision making and operational transparency
• Advanced proficiency in financial systems and data analysis/presentation tools (e.g., Excel modeling, ERP systems, PowerPoint, etc.)
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build effective partnerships across multiple financial and administrative areas
• Knowledge of or experience with university budgeting models, sponsored research environments, endowment-funded institutions, or capital planning processes is a plus

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 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

Job description

Harvard University’s Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health seeks a Director of Financial Planning and Analysis to lead budgeting, forecasting, and reporting for a $400M+ operating budget.

Reporting to the CFO, you will manage a team of three analysts and partner with senior leaders to drive long-range financial strategy. The role emphasizes translating complex data into clear narratives for executives, with a primarily remote work model and occasional on-site meetings.