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