Sciences Divisional Director, FAS Finance

The Sciences Divisional Director, FAS Finance oversees financial operations and staff within the division. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, this role leads divisional budgeting and forecasting, supports strategic decision-making, and ensures alignment with FAS financial policies.

Budgeting and Financial Planning

• Develops and manages the division’s annual budget and multi-year financial forecasts.
• Maintains oversight of financial performance and analyzes budget-to-actual variances.
• Communicates findings and recommendations to leadership.
• Identifies financial risks and opportunities and develops mitigation strategies.
• Optimizes assignment of restricted and unrestricted funds to sustainably advance divisional and school priorities.
• Pilots and deploys AI-enabled tools to streamline financial processes and operations.
• Uses AI-driven analytics to uncover actionable financial insights.

Strategic Financial Partnership

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

Leadership and Staff Management

• Supervises and develops finance staff across the division, including all unit-level finance leaders.
• Establishes and promotes consistent financial practices, processes, and reporting standards.
• Fosters 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

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

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in an office setting.
• This is a hybrid position requiring 3 days on campus.
• Physical Requirements: Sitting and using near vision for reading and computer work for extended periods of time.

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

• Generous paid time off including parental leave.
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one.
• Retail plans with university contributions.
• Wellbeing and mental health resources.
• 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.