Sciences Divisional Director, FAS Finance

Overview

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Job Summary

The Sciences Divisional Director, FAS Finance serves as the senior financial advisor to the Sciences divisional leadership, with responsibility for financial oversight across all departments and centers in the division and all fund types. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, this role leads divisional budgeting and forecasting in partnership with the Financial Planning and Analysis team, supports strategic decision-making, and ensures alignment with Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) financial policies and planning processes. The incumbent plays a key role in advancing financial strategy and stewardship at the divisional level.

Job-Specific Responsibilities

Budgeting and Financial Planning

• Lead the development and management of the division’s annual budget and multi-year financial forecasts
• Monitor financial performance and analyze budget-to-actual variances; communicate findings and recommendations to leadership
• Identify financial risks and opportunities and develop mitigation strategies
• Optimize assignment of restricted and unrestricted funds to sustainably advance divisional and school priorities
• Lead the evaluation, piloting, and deployment of AI-enabled tools to streamline financial processes and operations; explore AI-driven analytics to uncover actionable financial insights

Strategic Financial Partnership

• Serve as a trusted advisor to divisional leadership on financial strategy and resource planning
• Translate FAS financial guidance and priorities into divisional implementation
• Provide financial analysis to support academic and operational initiatives, including investment decisions

Leadership and Staff Management

• Supervise and develop finance staff across the division, including all unit-level finance leaders
• Establish and promote consistent financial practices, processes, and reporting standards
• Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, encouraging the thoughtful adoption of new tools and technologies across the division in partnership with the CFO

Governance and Compliance

• Ensure compliance with FAS financial policies, procedures, and internal controls
• Serve as the primary point of contact between the division and central FAS Finance
• Contribute to enterprise-wide financial planning and reporting activities

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

Working conditions: Hybrid position requiring 3 days on campus. Physical requirements include sitting and near-vision work for extended periods.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 10 years’ relevant work experience
• Supervisory experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Advanced degree (MBA) or professional certification (CPA) desirable
• Demonstrated experience partnering with senior leaders on financial planning and strategy
• Strong analytical skills, including budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis
• Excellent judgment and ability to translate complex financial information for diverse audiences
• Proven leadership and staff management experience
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

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

Benefits and Equal Opportunity

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support work-life balance and wellbeing. Benefits include generous paid time off, health insurance, retirement plans with university contributions, wellbeing resources, family and caregiver support, professional development opportunities, and commuter benefits.

Harvard 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 equal employment opportunity policy prohibits 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.