Reporting to the Business Office Director in the Department of Psychology, the Sponsored Research Administrator (SRA) manages complex funding portfolios for Principal Investigators (PIs) and assists with general financial operations.
Position Description
Pre-award responsibilities
Works directly with PIs and Lab Managers to assemble, complete, and submit proposals in Harvard systems and external submission portals within all relevant deadlines.
Assists with the development of budgets, budget justifications, and related proposal requirements.
Post-award responsibilities
Serves as principal source of information/guidance on fiscal policies and procedures for 6-8 PIs and their labs. Portfolio management includes federal and non-federal sponsored funds, as well as faculty funds (restricted gifts, SEED, TAD) funds.
Reads, administers, and implements the terms and conditions in notices of awards, contracts, and action memos. Uploads budgets, schedules reports, and works with OSP to allocate part-of accounts.
Interprets terms and conditions and applies understanding of federal regulations to perform checks on new awards and modifications; captures essential progress and continuation report requirements; schedules/reviews financial and non-financial reports.
Performs timely financial projections. Notifies PI and supervisor about any funding shortfalls and advises on contingency plans.
Reviews effort certifications to ensure certs are correct before releasing them to PIs. Ensures compliance with federal and university principles, guidance, and policies.
Financial responsibilities
May prepare or approve financial transactions, including employee and non-employee reimbursements, purchase requisitions, and corporate card or PCard expenses in accordance with OMB, University, FAS, and Department guidelines, policies, and procedures.
Prepares multiple complex and varied financial reports that require selection, preparation, and interpretation of data for use in planning and decision making.
Works collaboratively with departmental leadership, FAS RAS, and OSP to identify and resolve problems arising during all phases of the sponsored programs lifecycle. May identify and develop best practices and business process enhancements.
Performs audit function to ensure accuracy and compliance with internal and external regulations. Identifies and resolves problems arising during all phases of the sponsored programs life cycle.
Other responsibilities
Supports team members, covering tasks for other research administrators and/or financial staff as needed.
Provides superior service to faculty members and their lab members and establishes effective partnerships with other administrators within the department, school, and University.
Other duties as assigned.
Basic Qualifications
3 years of financial experience. Education may count toward experience.
Additional Qualifications and Skills
Bachelor's degree and 3+ years of experience managing grants preferred. Experience with both pre-award and post-award grants administration desired. Strong financial skills (budgeting, reporting, accounting, etc.). Strong interpersonal and excellent written and verbal communication skills required. Ideal candidates will have a keen attention to detail, strong problem-solving skills, and ability to review and analyze financial data. Intermediate to advanced skills with MS Office, particularly Excel, required. Ability to work under deadline pressure. Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion. Must be able to work as part of a team in a high volume, fast-paced environment while maintaining a high level of accuracy, professionalism, and good cheer. Demonstrated commitment to customer service and willingness to assume increasing responsibilities.
Additional Information
The Department of Psychology sits within the Division of Social Science, which is strongly committed to creating and supporting a diverse workforce. Respect and fairness, kindness and collegiality, and trust and transparency are among the values we espouse and promote in our workplace culture. We work hard to ensure a healthy, inclusive, and positive environment where everyone does their best work in support of Harvard's mission. To learn more about our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and belonging, please see our departmental Diversity Statement.
Benefits
We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:
Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.
Department Office Location: USA - MA - Cambridge
Job Code: 403127 Financial Associate II
Job Function: Finance
Work Format: Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)
Sub Unit: Social Sciences
Salary Grade: 055
Department: Psychology
Union: 55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers
Time Status: Full-time
Pre-Employment Screening: Identity
Commitment to Equity Diversity Inclusion and Belonging: Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.
EOE Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.
