Assistant Director of Research Administration

Assistant Director of Research Administration

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvards 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.

Harvard Medical Schools mission is to nurture a diverse, inclusive community dedicated to alleviating suffering and improving health and well-being for all through excellence in teaching and learning, discovery and scholarship, and service and leadership.

Youll be at the heart of biomedical discovery, education, and innovation, working alongside world-renowned faculty and a community dedicated to improving human health. This is more than a job - its an opportunity to shape the future of medicine.

Job Summary :

Oversee comprehensive pre-post-award grant administration. Provide consultation and recommendations for the use of financial resources to faculty and staff.

Job-Specific Responsibilities :

As a departmental leader, the Assistant Director of Research Administration brings to the role extensive experience with the full lifecycle of grant administration and the ability to design, implement, and monitor effective workflow processes and procedures. This individual will be instrumental in shaping and improving research administration operations while supporting the departments strategic research goals. The Assistant Director will also be responsible for strengthening internal competencies and building confidence among the grants management team. The Assistant Director of Research Administration provides high-level technical expertise and oversight of both pre- and post-award grants management in a fast-paced and dynamic research environment. We are seeking someone with strong leadership abilities and excellent interpersonal and communication skills. The Assistant Director will work closely with faculty in identifying and applying for funding opportunities, review all pre-award submissions before department signoff, and advise faculty and research staff on University, federal, and sponsor guidelines. The individual will generate financial analyses and reporting for faculty and department leadership, serve as a departmental signatory on sponsored research proposals, and lead the development and delivery of grants management training. This position directly supervises two business office staff members and plays a key role in cultivating a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing team.

Key Responsibilities :

Leadership & Oversight :

• Oversee the full range of sponsored research administration, from proposal development and submission through award setup, management, and closeout.
• Provide strategic guidance to faculty and staff on funding strategy, resource allocation, and financial planning related to research activities.
• Act as department signatory for sponsored research proposals in compliance with institutional policies and sponsor regulations.

Staff Management :

Pre- and Post-Award Administration :

Compliance and Institutional Coordination :

Process Improvement & Training :

Qualifications :

Basic Qualifications :

Additional Qualifications and Skills :

Additional Information :

Work is performed in an office setting and remotely. Remote working conditions will be discussed during the hiring process.

Please note that we are currently conducting a majority of interviews and onboarding remotely and virtually. We appreciate your understanding.

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