Director of Financial Planning and Analysis

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 Description

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Director of Financial Planning and Analysis is responsible for the financial management, budgeting, and strategy of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Leading a team of 3 financial analysts, the Director is responsible for the development of the School’s $400M+ annual operating budget, multi-year financial plan, monthly forecasts, and management reporting, as well as frequent ad hoc analyses.

A key member of the Office of Financial Services leadership team, the Director partners closely with the CFO, and regularly engages with administrative and departmental leaders across the Chan School. The Director plays a critical role in shaping the School’s financial strategy, providing actionable insights to inform resource allocation, investments, and long-range planning in support of the research and teaching mission.

This role is highly visible and requires the ability to translate complex financial information into clear, compelling narratives for a range of audiences, including the Dean, Executive Dean for Administration, and other School and University leaders.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Please Note: Applicants must have significant experience in sponsored research finance within a complex higher education, hospital, healthcare, or academic medical center environment, with higher education experience strongly preferred. This experience should be clearly demonstrated in the candidate’s resume and application materials in order to be formally considered for the position.

Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Strategic Financial Planning, Analysis, and Presentation
  • Direct and oversee all aspects of the School’s annual budget process; develop guidance and materials, analyze submissions, lead departmental meetings, and create a wholistic plan that aligns with School and University priorities and long-term financial sustainability
  • Build and refine the School’s multi-year financial plan, incorporating assumptions and modeling scenarios across a wide range of financial metrics; synthesize data into presentations and recommendations
  • Oversee the creation and continuous improvement of management reporting for the CFO, School leadership, and University stakeholders
  • Lead the development of monthly forecasts to proactively identify financial risks and opportunities; regularly provide ad hoc analysis in support of strategic decision making
  • Leveraging data from numerous sources, analyze monthly and year-end financial results and evaluate key drivers and trends
  • Design and frequently present financial materials, tailoring communication to financial and non-financial audiences across the School
• Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement
  • Lead or contribute to special projects and strategic initiatives, often in collaboration with other finance and administrative colleagues; identify opportunities to streamline and enhance budgeting, forecasting, and reporting efforts
  • Serve as key liaison to departments, providing guidance on budgeting and financial analysis; work closely with leaders from Facilities and IT to ensure long-term capital and technology plans align with financial plans
  • Serve as key liaison to the University’s finance team; collaborate with FP&A Directors from all Harvard Schools in monthly meetings; represent the School in University-wide initiatives
• Team Leadership and Management
  • Provide effective leadership and direct management of a team of three financial analysts
  • Foster a collaborative and innovative work environment that supports professional development, accountability, and continuous learning

PLEASE NOTE: This is a primarily remote position, however, scheduling flexibility may be required to come into the office for various meetings and events.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 10 years’ relevant work experience
• 7+ years of experience in sponsored research finance within a complex higher education, hospital, healthcare, or academic medical center environment required; higher education experience strongly preferred
• Supervisory experience required

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Master's Degree in a related field is a plus
• Demonstrated experience leading strategic financial planning and modeling within a large, decentralized organization, preferably in higher education, healthcare, research, or other mission-driven environments
• Strong executive presence with the ability to synthesize complex financial information into clear communications and recommendations for senior leadership and non-financial stakeholders
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities and navigate ambiguity in an evolving environment while maintaining attention to detail and accuracy
• Demonstrated success leading, mentoring, and developing high-performing analytical teams with a collaborative and service-oriented approach
• Experience developing and improving financial reporting, dashboards, and analytical tools to support decision making and operational transparency
• Advanced proficiency in financial systems and data analysis/presentation tools (e.g., Excel modeling, ERP systems, PowerPoint, etc.)
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build effective partnerships across multiple financial and administrative areas
• Knowledge of or experience with university budgeting models, sponsored research environments, endowment-funded institutions, or capital planning processes is a plus 

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, Education, Criminal, Credit

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 180 day orientation and review period. 

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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 060. 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.