Harvard's Financial Administration Department (FAD) is responsible for the stewardship of the University's finances, including related business processes and technology. FAD is dedicated to supporting the teaching and research mission of the University by providing outstanding financial services to the Harvard community; by providing support, guidance and consultation; by working to ensure compliance with University and federal guidelines; by mitigating risk; and by promoting the financial health of the University.
The Office for Sponsored Programs (OSP) is a department within Harvard University's Financial Administration that is focused on providing high-quality administrative and financial assistance to faculty and other University affiliates performing sponsored research. OSP works with researchers 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, and promote knowledge of sponsored research administration throughout the University research community.
Grants & Contracts Officer
This is a fully benefited, full-time Harvard University position that has been funded for two years from start date. There is the possibility of renewal, contingent on funding, university priorities and satisfactory job performance.
The OSP Pre-Award Team through its Grants and Contracts Officer Team negotiates the terms and conditions of sponsored awards with federal, foundation, industry, foreign, and other sponsors, as well as reviews and negotiates data use agreements and other non-funded research collaborations for University Area researchers. The Grants and Contracts Officer Team liaises with sponsors, school/department administrators, and Principal Investigators as needed, and provides high level customer service to each party. Works with the Office for Technology Development, Office of the General Counsel, Risk Management and Audit Services, and the Office of the Provost to ensure compliance with University policies. Assists with training and process implementation pertinent to award and data use agreement negotiation and management.
Harvard Business School (HBS) educates leaders who make a difference in the world. In support of its mission, HBS faculty are engaged in world class business research that shapes business scholarship and the practice of business. The Grants and Contracts Officer (GCO) will be a member of the OSP Grants and Contracts Officer Team, and the individual will also be a part of an integrated research partnerships team at HBS that provides high-touch, timely, and customized data use agreement support for HBS faculty. This is a two-year term position with the possibility of extension. With a direct line reporting relationship to the Senior Manager of the Grants and Contracts Officer Team and a dotted line reporting relationship to the Senior Director of Research Administration at HBS, the GCO provides subject matter expertise, as a member of the research partnership team, to HBS faculty and to those colleagues supporting collaborations between faculty and corporate, government, and non-profit partners for field experiments and the acquisition of secondary data for research. Develops an appreciation and understanding of HBS faculty research and provides important context for negotiations with data providers and field research partners. Manages transactions by facilitating and monitoring information sharing, correspondence, statuses, issue resolution, and turnaround of contracts in an efficient and timely manner. Authorized to sign all research-related agreements, including but not limited to contracts, grants, subcontracts, data use, and collaboration agreements, on behalf of the University.
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience required
Minimum of 7 years' relevant work experience
Advanced knowledge of sponsored research regulations
Additional Qualifications and Skills
The following Additional Qualifications are strongly preferred. If you meet some, but not all, you are still encouraged to apply; we value employees with a willingness to learn.
J.D. strongly preferred
High volume, long-term negotiation experience
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, diplomacy, and tact.
Proven ability in collaborative problem-solving.
Demonstrated comfort in working in a dynamic, multiple-deadline driven environment.
Training experience is helpful, as well as 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.
Working Conditions
Interview and onboarding activity for this position may be conducted via telephone & Zoom video conferencing.
This position will be based in Cambridge, MA. FAD supports hybrid workplace models where business and team needs allow. Additional details pertaining to this position will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed in a state in which Harvard is registered to do business (CA, CT, MA, MD, ME, NH, NY, RI, and VT).
Harvard University continues to place the highest priority on the health, safety and wellbeing of its faculty, staff, and students, as well as the wider community. Please note that all new employees will be required to provide confirmation of primary series COVID-19 vaccination upon hire, as detailed on our COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement Webpage. Harvard University Health Services employees and other health care individuals are also required to be up to date on vaccination as described by the CDC. Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. Additional information regarding this requirement, exemptions, verification of vaccination status, and other related policies and resources may be found on the University's COVID-19 Information Website.
Additional Information
Please provide a cover letter with your application.
Please note:
Harvard University requires pre-employment reference and background screening.
We are unable to provide work authorization and/or visa sponsorship.
This position has a 90-day orientation and review period.
More about FAD:
FAD is committed to an engaging and diverse culture, strong values, and client partnership. The department is led by the Vice President for Finance (VPF), is comprised of eight reporting units:
Office of the Controller
Office of Finance and Administration
Office of Financial Strategy and Planning
Office for Sponsored Programs
Office of Treasury Management
Risk Management and Audit Services
Strategic Procurement
Capital Planning and Project Services
For more about the Financial Administration Department and its 8 reporting units, see: http://finance.harvard.edu
Total Rewards: Harvard's Total Rewards Program is designed to attract, retain, and reward the performance of talented employees. As a Harvard staff member, you enjoy many perks that come with working for one of the top employers in Massachusetts, including:
Flexible work environment: FAD supports flexible work arrangements where business needs allow.
Time off: 3 - 4 weeks paid vacation, paid holiday break, 12 paid sick days, 12.5 paid holidays, and 3 paid personal days per year.
Medical/Dental/Vision: We offer a variety of excellent medical plans, dental & vision plans.
Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with full vesting after 3 years of service.
Tuition Assistance Program (TAP): $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and discounted options through participating Harvard grad schools.
Harvard University Employees Credit Union: Our employees credit union provides a complete line of services for all your financial needs. https://huecu.org
Transportation: 50% discounted MBTA pass as well as additional options to assist employees in their daily commute.
Wellness options: A variety of programs and classes at little or no cost, including stress management, massages, nutrition, meditation, and complimentary health services.
Access to athletic facilities, libraries, campus events and many discounts throughout metro Boston.
Accessibility: Harvard University IT plays an important role in supporting Harvard's commitment by seeking to create, procure and deploy technologies that are accessible to all, including and especially those who live with disability. Harvard welcomes individuals with disabilities to apply for positions and participate in its programs and activities. If you would like to request accommodations or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact our University Disability Resources Department.
Salary Grade: 058
Union: 00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary
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.
EEO Statement We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Harvard University is devoted to excellence in teaching, learning, and research, and to developing leaders in many disciplines who make a difference globally. The University, which is based in Cambridge and Boston, Massachusetts, has an enrollment of over 20,000 degree candidates, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Harvard has more than 360,000 alumni around the world. The University has twelve degree-granting Schools in addition to the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, offering a truly global education. Established in 1636, Harvard is the oldest institution of higher education in the United States.