Director of Financial Planning and Analysis

Overview

The organization is seeking a Director of Financial Planning and Analysis to report to the Chief Financial Officer. This role provides financial management, budgeting, and strategy for the organization’s financial planning and analysis function.

This position leads a team of three financial analysts and is responsible for the development of the organization’s $400M+ annual operating budget, multi-year financial plans, monthly forecasts, and management reporting, along with frequent ad hoc analyses.

This is a primarily remote position; however, scheduling flexibility may be required to come into the office for various meetings and events.

Responsibilities

• Strategic financial planning, analysis, and presentation

  • Direct and oversee all aspects of the School’s annual budget process, including developing guidance and materials, analyzing submissions, leading departmental meetings, and creating a holistic plan aligned with School and University priorities and long-term financial sustainability
  • Build and refine the School’s multi-year financial plan, incorporating assumptions and modeling scenarios across a wide range of financial metrics; synthesize data into presentations and recommendations
  • Oversee creation and continuous improvement of management reporting for the CFO, School leadership, and University stakeholders
  • Lead development of monthly forecasts to proactively identify financial risks and opportunities; provide ad hoc analysis to support strategic decision making
  • Analyze monthly and year-end financial results using data from numerous sources; evaluate key drivers and trends
  • Design and frequently present financial materials, tailoring communication for financial and non-financial audiences across the School

• Collaboration and stakeholder engagement

  • Lead or contribute to special projects and strategic initiatives in collaboration with other finance and administrative colleagues; identify opportunities to streamline and enhance budgeting, forecasting, and reporting efforts
  • Serve as a key liaison to departments by providing guidance on budgeting and financial analysis
  • Work closely with leaders from Facilities and IT to ensure long-term capital and technology plans align with financial plans
  • Serve as a key liaison to the University’s finance team; collaborate with FP&A Directors from all Harvard Schools in monthly meetings; represent the School in University-wide initiatives

• Team leadership and management

  • Provide effective leadership and direct management of a team of three financial analysts
  • Foster a collaborative and innovative work environment that supports professional development, accountability, and continuous learning

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant work experience
• 7+ years of experience in sponsored research finance within a complex higher education, hospital, healthcare, or academic medical center environment required; higher education experience strongly preferred
• Supervisory experience required

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Master’s degree in a related field is a plus
• Demonstrated experience leading strategic financial planning and modeling within a large, decentralized organization (preferably in higher education, healthcare, research, or other mission-driven environments)
• Strong executive presence; able to synthesize complex financial information into clear communications and recommendations for senior leadership and non-financial stakeholders
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities, navigate ambiguity in an evolving environment, and maintain attention to detail and accuracy
• Demonstrated success leading, mentoring, and developing high-performing analytical teams with a collaborative and service-oriented approach
• Experience developing and improving financial reporting, dashboards, and analytical tools to support decision making and operational transparency
• Advanced proficiency in financial systems and data analysis/presentation tools (e.g., Excel modeling, ERP systems, PowerPoint, etc.)
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills; able to build effective partnerships across multiple financial and administrative areas
• Knowledge of or experience with university budgeting models, sponsored research environments, endowment-funded institutions, or capital planning processes is a plus

Compensation & Benefits

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Salary grade: 060
• Benefits: comprehensive benefits package including:
  • Generous paid time off including parental leave
  • Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
  • Retirement plans with university contributions
  • Wellbeing and mental health resources
  • Support for families and caregivers
  • Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
  • Commuter benefits, discounts, and campus perks

Location & Work Format

• Work format: primarily remote
• Remote employees must work all scheduled hours in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts
• Occasional on-site attendance at a Harvard location may be required at the discretion of the department

Additional Information

• Visa sponsorship: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-employment screening: Identity, Education, Criminal, Credit
• This position has a 180 day orientation and review period
• The health of the workforce is a priority; employees are strongly encouraged to be up to date on CDC-recommended vaccines