Senior Sponsored Programs Manager

Harvard Kennedy School; Cambridge (MA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time off

Health insurance

Retirement plans

Wellbeing resources

Tuition assistance

Commuter benefits

Job summary

Harvard Kennedy School is seeking a Sponsored Programs Manager to lead the review and approval of externally-funded grant and contract proposals and to oversee post-award monitoring and reporting. The role requires deep knowledge of sponsor rules, university policies, and effective collaboration with faculty and central offices.

It involves risk management, audits, and training across the RAO. The position sits in Cambridge, MA, with hybrid work arrangements and opportunities to influence

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience is required.
• Minimum of 5 years’ relevant work experience with broad-based research administration experience.
• Advanced knowledge of sponsored research regulations.
• A cover letter and writing sample are required as part of the applicant’s complete application.

Responsibilities

• Manage the HKS review and approval process for externally-funded sponsored grant and contract proposals, ensuring compliance with sponsor requirements and policies.
• Oversee post-award monitoring and reporting activities, including budgeting, accounting, monitoring, effort certification, reporting, and management of grants and contracts.
• Provide compliance monitoring and risk management on activities including use of human subjects, data use agreements, international activities, export controls, conflicts of interest, and MOUs.
• Coordinate internal and external audits and produce sponsored program activity reports and expenditure projections for leadership.
• Serve as an expert resource on Harvard and HKS research policies and procedures.
• Facilitate effective communication among faculty, research centers, and central offices; support training and onboarding as needed.

Skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Presentation skills

Interpersonal skills

Customer service

Attention to detail

Analytical problem-solver

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Job description

Harvard Kennedy School is seeking a Sponsored Programs Manager to lead the review and approval of externally-funded grant and contract proposals and to oversee post-award monitoring and reporting. The role requires deep knowledge of sponsor rules, university policies, and effective collaboration with faculty and central offices.

It involves risk management, audits, and training across the RAO. The position sits in Cambridge, MA, with hybrid work arrangements and opportunities to influence