Sciences Divisional Director, FAS Finance

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences?

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) is the historic heart of Harvard University. It is the home of Harvard’s undergraduate program (Harvard College, founded in 1636) as well as all of Harvard’s Ph.D. programs (the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1872), Harvard Athletics and the Division of Continuing Education. The 40 academic departments and 30+ centers of the FAS support a community unparalleled in its academic excellence across the broadest range of liberal arts and sciences disciplines. Together, the FAS seeks to foster an environment of ambition, curiosity and shared commitment to knowledge and truth that elicits excellence from all members of our community and prepares the next generation of leaders through a transformative educational experience.

Job Description

Job Summary:

The Sciences Divisional Director, FAS Finance serves as the senior financial advisor to the Sciences divisional leadership, with responsibility for financial oversight across all departments and centers in the division and all fund types. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, this role leads divisional budgeting and forecasting in partnership with the Financial Planning and Analysis team, supports strategic decision-making, and ensures alignment with Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) financial policies and planning processes. The incumbent plays a key role in advancing financial strategy and stewardship at the divisional level.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Budgeting and Financial Planning

• Lead the development and management of the division’s annual budget and multi-year financial forecasts
• Monitor financial performance and analyze budget-to-actual variances; communicate findings and recommendations to leadership
• Identify financial risks and opportunities and develop mitigation strategies
• Optimize assignment of restricted and unrestricted funds to sustainably advance divisional and school priorities
• Lead the evaluation, piloting, and deployment of AI-enabled tools to streamline financial processes and operations. Explore AI-driven analytics to uncover actionable financial insights.

Strategic Financial Partnership

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

Leadership and Staff Management

• Supervise and develop finance staff across the division, including all unit-level finance leaders
• Establish and promote consistent financial practices, processes, and reporting standards
• Foster 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

• Ensure compliance with FAS financial policies, procedures, and internal controls
• Serve as the primary point of contact between the division and central FAS Finance
• Contribute 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

Basic 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

This is a leadership role overseeing divisional finance operations and staff. The position operates in a highly collaborative environment and requires the ability to balance local priorities with broader institutional goals.

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 060. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information.

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our 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

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.

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.