Job Summary

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) Office of Research Administration (FORA) leads research administration in the FAS to support the research and scholarly activities of FAS faculty and researchers in collaboration with the administrators in departments, labs, and centers.

We are seeking a dynamic and innovative individual to fill the role of Chief Research Administration Officer (CRAO) for our complex organization. The CRAO will oversee the administration and stewardship of the FAS research portfolio of $206 million in external funding. This individual will lead an office that supports the full award lifecycle as well as other research administration activities within the school regardless of the funding type.

Position Description

The CRAO reports to the FAS Dean for Administration and Finance and is a member of their senior leadership team. The CRAO establishes the vision and strategy for FORA and is directly responsible for a team of 20+ professionals supporting the full life cycle of research administration, including proposal services, award receipt and management, research finance, training and compliance, and research policy and operations. The CRAO is also responsible for collaboration within the FAS and across the University on key strategic initiatives such as changes in sponsored regulations, the research compliance landscape, and financial sustainability. This role works closely with FAS Divisional and Departmental Leadership, FAS Office of Finance, FAS Administrative Operations, Office of the Vice Provost for Research (OVPR), Research Compliance Program, Office for Sponsored Programs (OSP), Office of Technology Development (OTD), and the Office of the General Counsel (OGC) to ensure alignment and integration of compliance standards and efficient research operations.

The CRAO?s influence extends beyond research administration matters; they also serve as a key advisor to the Dean for Administration. In this capacity, the CRAO strives to enhance operational efficiencies and refine processes and technology to support the FAS's research objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Lead and advance FORA to support the broad range of research activities across the FAS regardless of funding source(s).
2. Foster a collaborative and supportive work environment while maintaining high standards for service quality.
3. Build strong relationships with researchers, research administration communities, divisional administrative deans, science lab directors, and department, center, and area administrators across FAS.
4. Serve as an advocate for the FAS on university-wide committees, working groups, and special initiatives.
5. Interpret internal and external policies and regulations and work with relevant faculty, researcher, and administrative committees to develop effective policies and procedures for FAS.
6. Interpret and implement internal and external policies, ensuring they are communicated effectively to faculty and administrators.
7. Develop and deliver educational programs and outreach tailored to the FAS research community.
8. Establish clear communication channels across the FAS research community, facilitating prompt dissemination of updates and resources.
9. Stay current on the field of research administration including policy, compliance, funding agencies, and service models.
10. Collaborate with key stakeholders and partners across the university, such as OVPR, OTD, OSP, and other schools to establish business processes and policies.
11. Address complex challenges by convening stakeholders from across the FAS and the university to make informed decisions that balance risk and support research innovation.
12. Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of FORA activities to improve efficiency and outcomes.
13. Promote staff development through training, mentorship, and growth opportunities.
14. Perform additional responsibilities as needed.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor?s degree required.
• Minimum of ten years of progressive experience in sponsored research programs, or other related fields.
• At least five years of experience managing a team.

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.

• Advanced degree in law, business, finance, policy, or another related field is strongly preferred.
• Expertise in research administration and compliance.
• Ability to work collaboratively and serve as a ?thought partner? with key stakeholders to foster strong partnerships with faculty and administrative staff across all units in the FAS and key central offices in a culture of shared governance.
• Strong communication skills that enable the adaptation and refinement of institutional policies and guidance for clear, effective communication to diverse audiences.
• Comfortable navigating ambiguity and adept at guiding teams toward clear, actionable solutions to resolve complex research-related matters.
• Proven ability to balance multiple and competing priorities in a timely manner.
• Ability to handle confidential matters with appropriate discretion.
• Exceptional interpersonal and verbal/written communication skills.
• Strong critical thinking, decision-making, and negotiation skills as well as problem-solving abilities, and project management skills.
• Commitment to the supervision, development, and mentorship of a broad range of staff and to fostering a collaborative, inclusive work environment that encourages continuous learning.

Working Conditions

Work is done in an office environment.

Additional Information

This job is part of the FAS Employee Referral Program.? Guidelines, including information on the $2500 referral bonus, are here.

We regret that we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

All formal offers will be made by FAS Human Resources.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) 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.

Work Format

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)


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, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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