Senior Award Specialist - Compliance & Innovation

Harvard University; Massachusetts; Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/dental/vision insurance

Paid time off

Tuition assistance

Flexible work options

Job summary

Harvard University is seeking an Award Specialist within the Financial Administration Department. The role requires interpreting sponsor terms, setting up complex award structures, and ensuring compliance across the award lifecycle, collaborating with OSP and university partners.

Responsibilities include advising on high-risk scenarios, maintaining data integrity in GMAS, and guiding staff through regulatory interpretations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum of 5 years’ relevant work experience.
• Advanced knowledge of sponsored research regulations.
• Familiarity with Uniform Guidance, NIH, NSF, DOD preferred.
• Strong communication and relationship management skills.
• Detail-oriented and analytical problem-solver.
• Experience in sponsored programs administration preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the institutional review and acceptance of complex sponsored award notices and determine award setup structures in line with policy and risk.
• Advise stakeholders on operational, compliance, and system implications for non-standard award scenarios.
• Ensure data integrity and quality assurance for sponsored projects in GMAS.
• Serve as senior escalation point for complex award issues and guide staff on regulatory interpretation.
• Execute audit and reconciliation routines to ensure complete award data.
• Lead process improvements to enhance efficiency, data integrity, and compliance outcomes.

Skills

Sponsored programs knowledge

Stakeholder management

Regulatory interpretation

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Harvard University is seeking an Award Specialist within the Financial Administration Department. The role requires interpreting sponsor terms, setting up complex award structures, and ensuring compliance across the award lifecycle, collaborating with OSP and university partners.

Responsibilities include advising on high-risk scenarios, maintaining data integrity in GMAS, and guiding staff through regulatory interpretations.