Location field must contain 'city, state' or a zip code to perform a radius search (e.g., Denver, CO or 46122). City and state must be separated by a comma followed by a space (e.g., Houston, TX). Harvard University Senior Director of Research Administration Cambridge, Massachusetts Apply Now 66904BRAuto req ID:66904BRJob Code:F1360M Research Admin Mgt VI PrPs Department Office Location:USA - MA - Allston Business Title:Senior Director of Research Administration Sub-Unit: Salary Grade:060 Time Status:Full-time Union:00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary Basic Qualifications: Master’s degree or equivalent work experience required. Minimum of 10 years’ relevant work experience. Advanced knowledge of sponsored research regulations. Supervisory experience. Additional Qualifications and Skills: Strong people management skills, including performance management and staff development. Demonstrated leadership ability with sound judgment, autonomy and discretion. Strong process management skills, including process development, documentation, and communication. Experience with developing or working within large research centers/grants is a plus. Able to thrive in a dynamic environment and resolve complex issues. Active listener, with excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams. Responsive in a fast-paced environment. Strong analytical skills. Experience with financial systems and report creation. Able to discreetly handle confidential information. Position Description: The Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) seeks a Senior Director of Research Administration to lead the strategic operations of the research administration function within the School. Reporting to the Dean for Research, the Senior Director is responsible for sponsored and non-sponsored research activities, including grant proposal submissions, grant management, and gift and discretionary fund management. The Senior Director leads a team of 30 staff, which supports 100 ladder faculty, their lab groups, and principal investigators (PIs). This position works closely with the SEAS administrative lead for research policy, who is responsible for research policy and compliance functions. The Senior Director of Research Administration builds strong and effective relationships with faculty, staff and stakeholders, representing SEAS within Harvard and externally. Research Administration Leadership and Team Management: Oversee a complex portfolio of pre- and post-award activities across multiple sponsors including NSF, NIH, Department of Defense, Department of Energy, NASA, etc., and non-sponsored funding for PIs. Provide leadership and staff management, including hiring, onboarding, training and development, portfolio assignment, workload balancing, workflow, performance management, and problem solving. Foster an inclusive and innovative work environment. Build a positive and supportive culture of community. Promote an environment that is agile and responsive to change. Handle employee relations. Resolve interpersonal situations within the team and between the team and other stakeholders. Work with human resources and other resources as needed. Ensure team structure is effective and efficient; manage team growth and develop a strong talent pipeline. Serve as a mentor. Troubleshoot and resolve pre-award, post-award, and non-sponsored funding issues, working within SEAS and Harvard. Research Administration Business Process Oversight and Continuous Improvement: Responsible for the smooth and efficient functioning of SEAS research administration business processes. Evaluate systems and processes; identify risks, solutions and strategies to continuously improve operations. Work with other offices to improve processes related to procurement, vendor setup, travel/reimbursements, etc. Collaborate with colleagues to clarify roles/responsibilities between offices. Direct and oversee pre- and post-award processes, and non-sponsored funding. Develop and refine processes (e.g., timelines/deliverables for proposal submissions and grant reporting; onboarding/offboarding faculty related to sponsored/non-sponsored funding; repositories, etc.). Develop systems to track metrics. Compile and deliver reports and updates for SEAS leadership. Collaborate with colleagues and University partners on research administration business procedures. Develop communication plans for SEAS research community. Partner with the SEAS lead for research policy to ensure processes are compliant with University policies/procedures and applicable federal and sponsor rules and regulations. Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging: Harvard University views equity, diversity, 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 excellence and diversity 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 to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include: Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year, 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year, and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary caregivers. 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. Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning. This is a hybrid role; the Senior Director will be expected to be on campus as needed for meetings with faculty and staff, differing week by week, but likely several days per month. Due to the nature of the job, some evening and weekend work would be anticipated. About Us: The Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences serves as the connector and integrator of Harvard’s teaching and research efforts in engineering, applied sciences, and technology. Our core tenets are: educating broad-minded students; interdisciplinary research; integration across disciplines; and balancing theory, experimentation and practice to create an unmatched environment for learning and exploration. For more information about us, please visit www.seas.harvard.edu. J-18808-Ljbffr