Senior Grants and Contracts Officer

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. Financial Administration (FAD) is dedicated to advancing Harvard University's teaching and research mission by stewarding its resources; providing support, guidance, and consultation; ensuring compliance with university and federal guidelines; mitigating risk; pursuing operational excellence; and promoting the financial health of the University. Within and across the University, we aim to be exemplary colleagues, trusted partners, valued advisors, and agents of positive change. Within our own community, we aspire to: engage with respect, honesty, and integrity; cultivate equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging; welcome innovation, collaboration, and flexibility; and enjoy our work, grow professionally, and aim for the extraordinary. Job Description The Office for Sponsored Programs is a department within Harvard University’s Financial Administration (FAD) that is focused on providing high‑quality administrative and financial assistance to faculty and other University affiliates performing sponsored research. OSP works with researchers and schools across Harvard to help obtain and negotiate awards from sponsoring agencies, assist with grant proposal preparation, ensure compliance with federal regulations and University policies, provide financial support including financial reporting and billing and collection services, assist with audits, and promote knowledge of sponsored research administration throughout the University research community through training and other educational programs. As a member of the Office for Sponsored Programs (OSP) Pre‑Award Team and its Grants and Contracts Officer Team, the Senior Grants and Contracts Officer (GCO) leads the negotiation of sponsored awards with federal, foundation, industry, foreign, and other sponsors; reviews and negotiates data use agreements; and coordinates the drafting, negotiation, and review of subcontract agreements within a given portfolio. Job‑Specific Responsibilities This full‑time position reports to the Senior Manager, Grants, and Contracts Officer Team. Independently review, draft, and negotiate complex research‑related agreements. Liaise with sponsors, school/department administrators, and Principal Investigators as needed and provide high‑level customer service to each party. Partner with the Office of Technology Development, Office of the General Counsel, Risk Management and Audit Services, and the Office of the Vice Provost for Research to ensure compliance with external and internal policies. Execute outgoing subcontracts and modifications to existing agreements on behalf of the University, and other agreements on an as‑needed basis. Other duties as required. Qualifications Basic Qualifications Bachelor's degree and a minimum of seven years of experience in a sponsored research, compliance, agreement negotiation, or related regulatory environment. Advanced knowledge of sponsored research regulations. Advanced degree or graduate certificate in law, research administration, or regulatory compliance may count toward experience. Additional Qualifications and Skills Juris Doctor preferred. University‑sponsored research experience, including familiarity with the FAR, is a plus. Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills. Strong negotiation skills, tact, and diplomacy. Proven ability in collaborative problem‑solving. Demonstrated comfort in working in a fast‑paced, multiple‑deadline driven environment. Training experience is helpful, as is an interest in mentoring others. Demonstrated ability to work individually or within a team and to think creatively and provide sound advice. High level of confidence and willingness to accept high‑level responsibilities is required. Should have broad academic interests and the ability to think critically about programmatic, financial, and policy issues. Academic administration experience. Additional Information Why join Harvard University Central Administration? Harvard University's Central Administration (CADM) is a 5,000+ employee organization that supports the university's overall excellence by understanding and serving the needs of its schools, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and surrounding communities. Through dynamic and collaborative partnerships, CADM provides high‑quality and efficient services to the schools to help them achieve their goals. Working Conditions: On‑site work is performed in an office setting. Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week. Primarily remote role with flexibility to work on‑site and optional in‑person meetings bi‑monthly. On‑site attendance expectations may evolve based on business needs. Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position. Pre‑Employment Screening: Identity, Education. Other Information: This position has a 90‑day orientation and review period. 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 058. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information. Benefits 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. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr Conditions. Workplace Diversity, LLC.