Senior Research Portfolio Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Company Description

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Why join the Harvard Graduate School of Education?

The Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE) is a diverse community of learners, teachers, and employees who are passionate about changing the world through education and striving for maximum impact in the field of education.

Many choose to work at the Harvard Graduate School of Education because they believe in our mission and are excited by our vision for the future. We have a reputation as a great place to work, for our excellent leadership, and we are a strong community that values diversity. For more information about HGSE, its programs, research, and faculty, please visit:

Job Description

Job Summary:

The Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE) Office for Research Administration (HGSE ORA) provides comprehensive, faculty-centered research administration support across the full lifecycle of sponsored and research-related activity at HGSE.

Reporting to the Director of Research Management, the Senior Research Portfolio Manager manages a portfolio of assigned HGSE Principal Investigators (PIs) and areas, departments, and centers. The Senior Research Portfolio Manager provides comprehensive support across the full lifecycle of sponsored awards and other research funding — including contracts, consulting and related services agreements, gifts, internal awards, and other non-grant research support — from proposal development and submission through post-award management and closeout, helping to ensure compliance with sponsor, donor, and Harvard policies while supporting HGSE's research mission. As a Senior Research Portfolio Manager, this position works independently to prepare, negotiate, and manage a full array of sponsored research awards, consulting and related services agreements, non-grant research funding, and related compliance issues.

This is a one-year term position with the possibility of extension, contingent upon funding, program needs, and satisfactory performance.

Position Description

The Senior Research Portfolio Manager operates under the HGSE ORA lifecycle model as an independent and experienced practitioner, serving as the primary point of contact for an assigned portfolio of HGSE PIs across all stages of the sponsored research process. This role requires advanced knowledge of pre- and post-award administration, sponsor and donor regulations, and Harvard financial systems, as well as the ability to exercise independent judgment on complex award management and compliance issues.

The Senior Research Portfolio Manager works closely with other HGSE ORA team members, the Director of Research Management, the Compliance Officer, HGSE Finance, and Harvard's central Office for Sponsored Programs (Central OSP). The Senior Research Portfolio Manager also serves as a subject matter expert within the team, providing technical guidance to colleagues and participating in school- and university-level committees and initiatives as assigned.

Key Responsibilities

1. Oversee pre-award areas including funding opportunity reviews and proposal submission for both sponsored and non-sponsored research funding — including grants, contracts, consulting and related services agreements, gifts, internal research awards, and other programmatic support — including budget preparation, format review, adherence to sponsor, donor, and university guidelines, and document tracking.
2. Perform complex post-award activities including award approval — including review of federal and non-federal award documents, agreements, and non-grant research funding terms (such as consulting and related services agreements, gift agreements, and internal award terms) for compliance with university policy and procedures — financial analysis, reporting, and long-range financial planning.
3. Act as subject matter expert from HGSE on sponsored and non-sponsored research administration matters; may serve on university- or school-level committees and special projects as a lead contributor.
4. Serve as a source of information on fiscal policies and procedures including federal funding regulations, and advise PIs and project staff on existing options or alternatives for both sponsored and non-grant research funding and consulting and related services agreements, effectively recommending courses of action on fiscal matters.
5. Monitor grants and contracts and other research funding — including consulting and related services agreements, gifts, and internal awards — for assigned PIs to ensure expenses are paid according to the agreement and government regulations within budget limits and timelines.
6. Ensure financial compliance with university, sponsor, and donor policies, procedures, and regulations across both sponsored and non-grant research funding, including consulting and related services agreements.
7. Review awards for audit issues; identify and resolve compliance discrepancies and risks proactively within the assigned portfolio.
8. Ensure appropriate engagement with the School's Compliance Officer and other relevant compliance resources, and coordinate or support compliance reviews, audits, and monitoring activities as needed across sponsored and non-sponsored research funding and consulting and related services agreements.
9. Review Harvard University Office for Sponsored Programs (Central OSP) actions for accuracy and compliance with HGSE procedures; manage document control and workflow for the assigned portfolio among HGSE ORA, Central OSP, and the HGSE Finance Office.
10. Work collaboratively with other members of HGSE ORA, and may be tasked to work with the CRAO and Director of Research Management on special projects — such as providing technical advice for problem resolution, policy implementation, or compliance initiatives for a school or unit.
11. Evaluate pre- and post-award research administration procedures for both sponsored and non-sponsored funding mechanisms, including consulting and related services agreements, and recommend improvements.
12. Perform other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions: 

This position is based in Cambridge, MA and is currently eligible for a hybrid work schedule, with an expectation of at least three workdays per week on campus. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States. Work location and eligibility for remote work are subject to change.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree
• Minimum of five years of relevant work experience.
• Advanced knowledge of sponsored research regulations and policies.
• Any candidate wishing to be considered must supply a cover letter in addition to their resume

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

The following qualifications are preferred. If you meet some but not all, you are still encouraged to apply.

• Superior skills with Microsoft Office Suite and advanced Excel skills.
• Working knowledge of financial principles, budgeting, and analysis and forecasting.
• Strong analytical ability as well as excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and exhibit sound decision-making.
• Ability to represent HGSE ORA and the school with excellence and professionalism.
• Self-directed, team-oriented, and customer-focused; able to handle multiple competing priorities and deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to be trusted with confidential information.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to interact effectively with all levels of faculty and staff.
• Knowledge of Oracle financial systems and Harvard financial applications preferred.
• Prior experience in sponsored research administration in an academic or research environment strongly preferred; experience with non-grant research funding and consulting or related services agreements highly desirable.

Additional Information

• Appointment End Date: One year from date of hire
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Compensation Range/Rate (including Shift Differential if applicable):
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity and Education

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. 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 057. 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.