Job Summary :

Lead financial operations and planning for the department/unit that may include payroll, accounting, accounts payable/receivable, procurement, capital projects, endowment funding, research administration, or other function.

Position Description  :

The Director of Finance and Administration for the Institute of Politics (IOP) at the Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) will work closely with IOP's Director and Executive Director in the financial management of the organization. Primary duties include supporting the strategic mission of the Center via oversight of day-to-day financial management, processing, budget projections and support of IOP staff colleagues and undergraduate student leaders. This position reports to the Executive Director and works independently to perform day-to-day financial administration including preparing, verifying, and monitoring budgets, financial analysis, forecasting and application of financial policies. The IOP is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community for staff and students; the successful candidate will share our goals and will contribute to the excellence of our team.  

Core Responsibilities will include:

Financial Management : 

• Finance and Budgeting. Manage finance operations and budgeting (budget approximately $7 million per year) for the IOP. Lead administration of the Center’s budget reporting, forecasting, financial analyses, and maintenance of financial controls. Develop center-wide policies for financial procedures. Ensure user-friendly processes that support all payment transactions in accordance with school and university policy.  
• Lead and continually improve the Annual Budget Process, including analysis of costs and program tuition.  
• Serve as a member of the senior management team, contributing to strategic direction, priority setting, and overall accountability to goals. 
• Work with IOP staff assistant to process payments for invoices, corporate cards and individual staff and student reimbursements. 
• Maintain vendor accounts and ensure timely clearance of outstanding payables and receivables. 
• Ensure integrity and consistency of data between the HKS’s financial and accounting systems and IOP's internal financial reports/budgets. 
• Management of IOP student internship and research stipends. 
• Serve as the approver for IOP financial transactions. 
• Set policy on financial operations with guidance from HKS Office of Financial Services (OFS). 
• Participate as a member of the HKS Financial Managers Group. 

Administrative Management : 

• Responsible for working with human resources on hiring of students, temporary employees, and assist with IOP fellows; support their onboarding for financial processes.  
• Manage Center’s compliance with all Harvard University, HKS, and government policies and requirements. 
• Serve as approver for PeopleSoft time reporting system for IOP staff and student leaders. 
• Manage and procure IT hardware including computers, printers, and laptops, as well as program software. 
• Select vendors and serve as their point of contact; manage contracts with bulk email provider, calendar and survey programs, and all other website developers and contractors. 

Typical Core Duties :

• Responsible for effective staff management for a group or team of employees, including hiring and orientation, training and development, workflow and performance management, and the promotion of an inclusive and innovative work environment
• Provide guidance, management, and oversight of one or more financial functions, which may include planning, analysis, budgeting, and implementation of processes and policies
• May manage regular processing of all financial transactions
• May develop and manage budget(s)
• Oversee interim year-end financial closing processes
• Analyze metrics and identifies opportunities to streamline processes; develop and implement action plans for improved procedures
• Ensure department’s accurate and timely financial reporting
• Identify operational challenges; research and implement solutions
• Design, develop and manage financial training
• Represent department to internal and external constituencies
• Ensure financial compliance with University policies and procedures and applicable legal rules and regulations

*Basic Qualifications  :

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required
• A minimum of 7 years relevant work experience
• Supervisory experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills  :

• Bachelor's degree and a minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible finance and administrative management experience and management of staff direct reports and student mentorship is strongly preferred. 
• Experience creating an inclusive, welcoming organizational culture that leverages diversity, and brings out the best in all members of the organization. 
• Understanding of systems, governance, and decision-making in a university environment. 
• Prior experience with Harvard University systems, e.g., PeopleSoft, Buy2Pay, Concur, etc., is helpful. 
• A minimum of three years of experience with finance, controls and budgeting, including the ability to read, understand, and act on complex financial reports. 
• A passion for internal operations and enabling the success of others. 
• Interest in and/or knowledge of politics and public service is preferred.   
• Demonstrated success in launching, implementing, or improving systems or standard operating procedures. 
• A strong track record in developing, supporting, and leading teams. 
• An ability to manage multiple activities simultaneously, delivering on commitments, and operating with speed, accuracy, and strong judgment. 
• An enthusiasm for rolling up their sleeves to do whatever it takes to get work done. 
• An ability to drive to big picture goals while maintaining strong attention to detail. 
• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills that will resonate with internal and external stakeholders of diverse backgrounds. 

Certificates and Licenses  :

Physical Requirements  :

Working Conditions  :

• Work is performed in an office setting

Additional Information  :

Learn more about our work culture and see yourself at Harvard Kennedy School.

We regret that the Harvard Kennedy School does not provide visa sponsorship.

Harvard University requires pre-employment reference and background checks.

Harvard University is committed to supporting a healthy, sustainable learning and working environment.

This is a hybrid position based on our campus in Cambridge, MA. As a campus-based institution, we place a high value on the in-person experience, cross-team collaboration, and strong community building in order to create a vibrant campus for our students, faculty, staff, and research fellows. The position is required to work in-person on campus a minimum of  three  days per week during the academic year. Specific days and schedule will be determined between you and your manager.

The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines.

Salary Range : $87,700 - $150,900

Note: Starting salaries typically fall in the lower half of the salary range; however, they are ultimately determined by the scope of the position, the candidate's relevant experience, and internal equity.

To learn more, please visit the IOP website:  

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 (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• 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.
• Tuition Reimbursement:  Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development:  Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation:  Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks:  Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging  :

Harvard Kennedy School’s Mission and Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Anti-Racism