Senior Research Portfolio Manager

at  Harvard University

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Senior Research Portfolio Manager (SRPM) is responsible for managing a high-volume portfolio of complex sponsored and non-sponsored funds for a group of Principal Investigators (PIs). The position reports to the Assistant Director of Research Administration and Finance (ADRAF). The SRPM is a member of a faculty support team that provides excellent customer service to the PI and lab members in support of their research activities. S/he uses independent judgment and problem-solving skills to ensure compliance with sponsor and donor regulations, School and University policies, and Area procedures. This is a high-volume, fast-paced, and dynamic environment.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 5 years’ relevant work experience
• Advanced knowledge of sponsored research regulations

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, advanced Excel skills
• Working knowledge of basic financial principles, budgeting, financial analysis
• Working knowledge of OMB circulars, 2 CFR 200, FAR, and other federal sponsored research regulations
• Working knowledge of federal and non-federal sponsors’ policies and procedures (such as NSF, NASA, DARPA, or NIH), and current issues in sponsored research administration
• Ability to learn new software and systems (including web-based tools)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to prioritize duties and meet multiple deadlines
• Ability to work independently and as a team player with a diverse constituency
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion
• Excellent customer service and problem-solving skills
• Ability to embrace change
• Experience in an academic or related setting (such as hospital or non-profit)
• Financial management experience

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

No significant physical requirements.

ABOUT US

The Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences serves as the connector and integrator of Harvard’s teaching and research efforts in engineering, applied sciences, and technology. Our core tenets are educating broad-minded students; interdisciplinary research; integration across disciplines; and balancing theory, experimentation and practice to create an unmatched environment for learning and exploration. Through collaboration with researchers from all parts of Harvard, other universities, and industry, we bring discovery and innovation directly to bear on improving human life and society. For more information about us, please visit www.seas.harvard.edu.

• Provides life-cycle grant support for complex, multi-faceted or non-standard projects, both federal and non-federal, which may include complex Center grants.
• Pre-award responsibilities include providing direct support to faculty and administrators with proposal preparation, developing budgets, budget justifications, supporting documentation, and required institutional information. Shepherds supported proposals through the proposal review and submission process. Ensures compliance with federal regulations and University, SEAS and sponsor policies.
• Post-award duties include monthly budget and expenditure reconciliation, financial projections, interpreting financial policies and applying best practices to effectively communicate financial reporting to PI, sponsors, and related University offices.
• Utilizing the Harvard systems, manages faculty-designated funding (sponsored and non-sponsored funds), including monitoring balances and deficits, performing spending projections, developing financial reports, and maintaining working knowledge of basic funding formation.
• Conducts financial analysis; presents financial reports that include committed and available balances across all funds, both sponsored and non-sponsored. Utilizes Harvard systems for these and ad hoc financial queries.
• Strategizes with PI on resource/personnel allocations, including initiating and processing required forms and documentation.
• Serves as backup to the ADRAF and a team lead for the Area. Provides guidance to more junior staff. May prepare PI rights petitions, flag potential conflicts, and review funding opportunities for potentially problematic terms and conditions for their PIs and others. May draft small business subcontracting plans. May also help prepare technical reports, which includes special reporting, coordinating statements of work, and assisting with the tracking of milestones and deliverables.
• Reviews and approves financial transactions, such as reimbursements for travel and corporate card payments, purchasing card and procurement system approvals.
• Assists PI with reporting requirements of the various funding organizations, including progress reports.
• Facilitates the effort certification process and advises the PI on related policies.
• Works with the ADRAF to implement local procedures, recommend process improvements, and resolve issues related to research funding.
• Serves as liaison with internal departments. Collaborates with external research groups and their institutional representatives and communicates with sponsor agencies.
• Works in collaboration with SEAS Finance to administer capital equipment, including purchasing, tagging and equipment inventory.
• Responsible for sub-recipient monitoring on sub-awards/contracts.
• Provides guidance to lab administrators on finance and sponsored research matters including systems, policies, and procedures.
• Additional responsibilities may include drafting consulting agreements and other research-related documents, which require collaboration with SEAS Finance and others.
• The SRPM may also present financial data to sponsors and function as a member of a project team when required.
• This position may supervise one or more direct reports.
• Other duties as required.