Senior Grants and Contracts Manager

Harvard University FAS Human Resources; Boston (MA); Remote; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time off

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Tuition assistance and reimbursement

Job summary

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health seeks a Senior Grants & Contracts Manager to oversee post-award activities while supporting pre-award tasks. You will coordinate with faculty, review expenditures, ensure compliance, and manage budgets across sponsored projects.

Ideal candidates have 5+ years in grant management, CRA certification, and strong communication and analytical abilities to navigate complex sponsor requirements and university policies.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in pre- and post-award management (federal and non-federal).
• CRA certification is preferred.
• Strong analytical and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Post-award responsibilities include budget reconciliation, forecasting, and reviews with faculty.
• Pre-award responsibilities include grant preparation and budget development.
• Collaborate with investigators and offices to ensure sponsor and university compliance.

Skills

Grant management

Pre-award & post-award experience

Excel skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Certified Research Administrator (CRA)

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Company 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.

Why join the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health?

The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health is a world-renowned institution dedicated to advancing public health through cutting‑edge research, education, and global collaboration. Our school is a special place to work because of its vibrant, mission‑driven community, interdisciplinary approach, and commitment to addressing some of the most pressing health challenges worldwide. We foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment where innovation, continuous learning, and work‑life balance are valued.

Learn more about the School’s mission, objectives, and core values, our Principles of Citizenship, and about the Dean’s AAA vision about our school’s ongoing strategic initiatives.

Job Summary

The mission of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health is to advance the public's health through learning, discovery and communication. To pursue the mission, the school produces knowledge through research then translates this knowledge into evidence that can be communicated to the public, policymakers, and practitioners to advance the health of populations. The Office of Sponsored Programs Administration (SPA) supports the school's mission by serving as a central resource for the research community through the provision of expertise and leadership in obtaining and managing research funds. It acts as the institutional representative of the President and Fellows of Harvard College for the administration of sponsored projects for the school. SPA is comprised of research administrators that work in partnership with faculty to review and submit proposals for funding and to ensure that proposals and then awards conform and are managed according to sponsor guidelines and University policies.

Job-Specific Responsibilities

PLEASE NOTE: This is a post-award focused role but some pre-award responsibilities will be required.

• Post-award responsibilities include:
  
  
  
  • Creating budget reconciliation and forecasting reports, and using these reports to meet regularly with faculty to review their financial situations.
  
  
  • Reviewing and approving all expenditures
  
  
  • Ensuring compliance with requirements such as effort reporting
  
  
  • Submitting payroll changes for faculty and staff
  
  
  • Timely journal entries as necessary, grant close-outs, etc.
  
  
  • Other duties as assigned
  
  
  
  


• Pre-award responsibilities include:
  
  
  
  • Grant preparation, budget development
  
  
  • Application form submission
  
  
  • Responding to sponsor requests
  
  
  • Senior Grants & Contracts Manager will work directly with the Principal Investigators and will interface with central administrative offices to ensure that the applications meet all university, school and sponsor requirements
  
  
  • Other duties as assigned
  
  
  
  

Basic Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience, with 3+ years of those years in pre- and post-award management experience (both federal and non-federal), required; a combination of education and experience may be considered

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree


• Certified Research Administrator (CRA)


• Experience working with investigators on the management of complex research awards and working with a variety of sponsors


• Intermediate Excel skills


• Attention to detail, organized, strong written and verbal communication skills, etc.


• Advanced working knowledge of research compliance issues & of key federal grant regulations


• Excellent organizational and time management skills Excellent written and verbal skills


• Outstanding attention to detail


• Understanding of human subject use, animal use and other research compliance areas


• Problem solving skills and ability to be flexible required

Additional Information

• 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

Join the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health to support our mission of health research and education, and to be a part of the oldest institution of higher learning in the country!

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• The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health does not provide visa sponsorship, now or in the future, for staff positions.


• Harvard University requires pre-employment reference checks and background screenings.


• This position has a 90 day orientation and review period. The O&R period will be waived for any internal Harvard employee transfers.

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The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up to date on CDC-recommended vaccines.

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that the duties and responsibilities can effectively be performed fully remotely at a non‑Harvard location. Employees in fully remote positions must work all scheduled hours in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. At the discretion of the department, fully remote employees may occasionally be required on site at a Harvard location. 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 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 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.