Research Portfolio Manager

Harvarduniversity; Cambridge (MA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Committee involvement

Job summary

Harvard University is seeking a professional to manage a portfolio of faculty sponsored and non-sponsored research funding, focusing on post-award activities for a medium-complexity portfolio while ensuring compliance with federal sponsor and university regulations.

Under guidance of senior team members, you will handle day-to-day tasks, monitor expenses, prepare reports, and collaborate across offices such as OSP, ORAC, and FAS Finance, with a hybrid on-campus schedule.

Qualifications

• At least 3 years of relevant work experience.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• Strong communication skills including verbal, written and interpersonal.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and ability to work with financial reporting applications and data.
• Experience working with faculty; experience with federal or non-federal sponsors preferred.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with offices to manage research portfolios and ensure compliance.
• Monitor expenses and reconcile funds monthly, ensuring policy compliance.
• Prepare administrative sections of progress reports, including Current and Pending support.
• Monitor expenditures and advise PIs on sponsor and university requirements.
• Coordinate salary and effort allocation across departments with HR and finance.
• Prepare interim and final financial reports under guidance of OSP.
• Work with FAS Finance for non-sponsored portfolios.

Skills

Strong communication

Discretion and diplomacy

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Financial reporting software

Job description

Job Summary

This position is primarily responsible for post-award management for a portfolio of faculty sponsored and non-sponsored research funding. The portfolio is of medium complexity. Working under the guidance of senior team members, this position is also responsible for ensuring compliance with key sponsor and university regulations, including those of federal sponsors.

Profile: Experienced professional, independently performs day-to-day tasks and continues to develop knowledge and skills

Knowledge: Utilizes professional knowledge and experience to apply concepts, principles and technical capabilities in performing varied tasks within established guidelines

Complexity : Performs moderately complex projects of small to medium scope within defined parameters. Applies judgment in analyzing issues and resolving problems using established policies and procedures.

Autonomy : Works independently on routine and moderately complex matters within established guidelines. Seeks guidance for complex tasks. Collaborates with colleagues to exchange information and complete assignments. May deliver training to clients and staff.

Job-Specific Responsibilities

Collaborate with other offices (OSP, ORAC, FAS Finance) or functional areas (HR, Academic Affairs etc.) as needed to effectively manage research portfolios. For example, collaborate with OSP proposal development manager during the proposal submission process.

Award management

Monitors expenses on a variety of funds, reconciling on a monthly basis and ensuring funds are spent compliantly with university and sponsor policies

Preparation of administrative sections of progress reports, including Current and Pending support and personnel effort reporting

Monitors expenditures on all awards, providing guidance to PIs on compliance with sponsor and university requirements in all areas, including effort, subrecipient monitoring, and proper allocation of expenses across funds

Working proactively with other offices and functional areas to manage faculty and other personnel salary and effort allocation, including supplemental salary; Monitor compliance with sponsor terms and conditions of awards.

Financial reporting and projections

Tracking expenses on sponsored and non-sponsored faculty-designated funding, whole-portfolio analyses may be performed with guidance from senior team members to assist PI in lab financial planning

Preparation of interim and final financial reports under guidance of OSP

Close working relationship with FAS Finance for non-sponsored portfolio

Working Conditions

This position is designated as a hybrid. Work needs will determine on-campus presence, with an expectation of 1-3 days on campus per week, with flexibility in scheduling onsite days in consultation with the manager and team. On-site attendance requirements may vary based on assigned departments and evolving business needs.

Physical Requirements

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

Basic Qualifications

At least 3 years of relevant work experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
• Strong communication skills including verbal, written and interpersonal skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and ability to work with financial reporting applications and data
• Experience working with faculty; experience with federal or non-federal sponsors preferred
• Ability to interact with staff, researchers and faculty with discretion and diplomacy

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

Other Information

All formal offers will be made by FAS Human Resources

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 056. 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 insur