Job Information
Harvard University Asst Dir Sponsored Research in Cambridge, Massachusetts
68125BRAuto req ID:68125BRJob Code:359057 Admin Dept/Program Admin Department Office Location:USA - MA - Boston Business Title:Assistant Director, Sponsored ResearchSub-Unit:------------ Salary Grade (https://hr.harvard.edu/salary-ranges#ranges) :057Time Status:Full-time Union:00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary Basic Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree required.
Master’s degree, or equivalent work experience required.
Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible and relevant experience, including the development and implementation of administrative policies, regulations, and procedures related to sponsored research is required.
Additional Qualifications and Skills:Additional Qualifications:
Experience with federal and non-federal grants management policies and procedures.
Demonstrated knowledge of research compliance domains, including the protection of human subjects in research, export controls, conflict of interest policies, and international research risk management.
Experience should include evidence of strong project management skills, excellent written and oral communication skills, strong attention to detail, and ability to work collaboratively across teams and units with faculty and staff throughout an organization.
Experience working within a complex academic or research environment culture and the related expectations and norms.
Strategic thinker with the ability to manage multiple projects and initiatives, both collaboratively and independently.
Collaborative, creative problem-solver, excellent team player with maturity, judgment and diplomacy, comfort with ambiguity and changing priorities.
An understanding of and ability to manage confidential information.
The ability to communicate with a diverse group of people with sensitivity.
A strong customer service orientation with experience exercising diplomacy with high profile clients.
Takes initiative and ownership of work, following through to completion and executing with an appropriate sense of urgency.
Additional Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
Staff Management
With responsibility for the administration of sponsored research, the Assistant Director serves as the line manager for the Sponsored Research Administrator (SRA) and directs the work of others as appropriate.
The Assistant Director partners with the SRA in supporting the administration of individual and research project sponsored funding. Supports pre-award activities, including proposal preparation, budget development, form preparation, and ensuring criteria and guidelines are followed for the appropriate funding agencies.
Manages the SRA in the execution of their duties. Provides the SRA with a broad portfolio of work that extends the team’s capacity and bench strength. Serves as a resource to the SRA in the successful execution of their roles and in their professional development. Provides on-going training and development. Helps the SRA navigate the complex research landscape at HBS and HU. Fosters an environment where the SRA can thrive and do their best work in support of the School’s mission. Ensures the needs of the faculty and other partners across HBS are met through the services provided.
Be responsible for other duties as assigned.
Additional Information:This is a hybrid position which we consider to be a combination of remote and onsite work at our Boston, MA based campus. HBS expects all staff to be onsite a minimum of 3 days per week and departments provide onsite coverage Monday – Friday. Specific hours and days onsite will be determined by business needs and are subject to change with appropriate advanced notice.
We may conduct candidate interviews virtually (phone and/or via Zoom) and/or in-person for this role.
A cover letter is required to be considered for this opportunity.
Harvard Business School will not offer visa sponsorship for this opportunity.
Culture of Inclusion: The work and well-being of HBS is profoundly strengthened by the diversity of our network and our differences in background, culture, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, and life experiences. Explore more about HBS work culture here https://www.hbs.edu/employmentDepartment:Division of Research and Faculty DevelopmentPre-Employment Screening:Criminal, Education, IdentityJob Function:General Administration, ResearchPosition Description:The Assistant Director provides a broad range of funder, pre-award, and post-award process expertise and support to HBS faculty and researchers engaged in sponsored research and to other staff working to support research initiatives and projects throughout the School. Specific responsibilities include:
Sponsored Research Support
Manages the day-to-day operations of HBS sponsored research administration, including the school-level review and approval process, and associated information collection and reporting, for all externally funded grant and contract proposals.
Working with the Director and partners across HBS, develops policies, procedures and protocols for the creation of a sponsored research program at HBS, adhering to all applicable federal, state and Harvard University regulations, and provides appropriate communication, training and implementation of said policies. Identifies risks, solutions and strategies to continuously improve operations including procurement, vendor setup, travel/reimbursements, etc. as they relate to sponsored research, and clarifies roles/responsibilities between offices.
Provides guidance to HBS faculty and staff on all aspects of sponsored programs administration and related policies, and on the boundaries between, and differing policy implications of sponsored research, gifts, and philanthropy. Develops communication plans regarding sponsored research policies, procedures and protocols for HBS research community.
Works closely with the Digital, Data and Design Institute (D3) on grant opportunities and supports activities related to grant identification, proposal preparation, budget development and all other activities related to pre-and post-award support.
Together with the Director, collaborates with HBS Financial Office, the Harvard University Office for Sponsored Programs (OSP), Office of Technology Development, Office of the General Counsel, Provost, and the University’s Institutional Review Board (IRB), along with other DRFD stakeholders on sponsored program proposal reviews and approvals to ensure compliance with HBS, University, and external sponsor policies and regulations. Serves as a central liaison, fostering transparency and collaboration within the HBS and University research communities.
May serve as the HBS representative on various HBS and University committees and working groups supporting sponsored research activities.
Provides advice regarding administrative and financial aspects of proposals, budgets, budget justification, subcontracting, indirect cost rates, fringe rates, etc., to researchers.
Supports the preparation, coordination, and review of proposal elements (e.g. biographical sketches, current and pending support, historical data, facilities & resources, etc.) for consistency, accuracy, and completeness.
Develops systems to track grant submissions, awards, and other metrics. Compiles and delivers reports and updates for HBS leadership.
Together with the Director, designs and delivers training programs for faculty, researchers, and staff to promote understanding of sponsored research processes, compliance requirements, and effective system utilization.
Supports coordination of subcontracts and subawards associated with sponsored funding.
Additional responsibilities are listed in the Additional Qualifications section below.School/Unit:Harvard Business School EEO 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.Job Summary:The Assistant Director of Sponsored Research Administration is a member of a cross-functional team supporting a wide range of research programs and activities for the HBS faculty and its governance. Reporting to the Director, Research Funding, and working closely with members of the Research Administration team, HBS faculty, and administrative partners at HBS, the Assistant Director will be responsible for launching an internal sponsored research program and leading the administrative infrastructure for sponsored research support for the research community at HBS. The Assistant Director’s primary responsibilities include: 1) providing expert guidance, dissemination, support, and training across all areas of sponsored research; 2) developing and managing processes and procedures related to sponsored research for the HBS community (including but not limited to faculty, doctoral students, administrators, and staff); and 3) providing support to the HBS and DRFD leadership.Commitment to Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging:Harvard University views equity, 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 this excellence while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.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.
Work Format:Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote) LinkedIn Recruiter Tag (for internal use only):#LI-KD1About Us:The mission of Harvard Business School (HBS) is to educate leaders who make a difference in the world. Within HBS, the DRFD helps to build and develop the faculty and facilitates the creation of enduring knowledge that shapes both business scholarship and the practice of business by providing unparalleled faculty support. The School’s largest administrative department, the DRFD houses approximately 350 full-time and part-time staff members. As a premier service organization, and in collaboration with colleagues across the School, the DRFD staff delivers high-touch, customized support to the faculty, demonstrating solid judgment and high standards of responsiveness and professionalism.