Director of Financial Planning and Analysis

Overview

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, this role is responsible for financial management, budgeting, and strategy for the School of Public Health. The Director will lead a team of three financial analysts and oversee development of a $400M+ annual operating budget, multi-year financial planning, monthly forecasts, management reporting, and frequent ad hoc analyses.

This position is part of the Office of Financial Services leadership team, partnering closely with the CFO and engaging with administrative and departmental leaders across the School. The role translates complex financial information into clear narratives for senior leadership and a range of audiences, including the Dean, Executive Dean for Administration, and other School and University leaders.

This is a primarily remote position, though scheduling flexibility may be required to come into the office for 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 identify financial risks and opportunities; provide ad hoc analysis in support of strategic decision-making
• Analyze monthly and year-end financial results using data from numerous sources, evaluating key drivers and trends
• Design and present financial materials, tailoring communication to both financial and non-financial audiences across the School

Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement

• Lead or contribute to special projects and strategic initiatives, often in collaboration with other finance and administrative colleagues, identifying opportunities to streamline and enhance budgeting, forecasting, and reporting
• Serve as a key liaison to departments, 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 Schools in monthly meetings and 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’ 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, with ability 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, 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, building 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
• FLSA Status: Exempt
• Union: 00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Benefits include, but are not limited to:

• 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: Fully Remote
• This position has been determined to be performed fully remotely at a non-local location.
• Employees in fully remote positions must work all scheduled hours in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts.
• At the discretion of the department, fully remote employees may occasionally be required on site at a Harvard location.
• Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Additional Information

• Visa sponsorship: Not available for this position
• Pre-employment screening: Identity, Education, Criminal, Credit
• Orientation and review period: 180 days
• Health and vaccination: Employees are strongly encouraged to be up to date on CDC-recommended vaccines

About the Role

FLSA: Exempt
Department: Financial Strategy and Planning
Job Function: Finance