Assistant Director of Budget and Planning

Position Description

Position Summary

Reporting to the Associate Dean for Finance and Administration, the Assistant Director of Budget and Planning at Harvard College is responsible for overseeing the planning, budget, forecast, and year-end processes for the College. This role supports the Harvard College Dean’s office by consolidating and summarizing data, producing financial reports, presenting recommendations, and assisting with organization-wide analysis, long-term planning, and training development. Working as a collaborative and constructive partner, this position also serves as the primary analyst for a portfolio of departments, providing guidance for financial planning, monitoring, and compliance, including the analysis and review of financial performance, budget requests, mid-year forecasts, and year-end results. The Assistant Director of Budget and Planning works closely with College department administrators, the College’s Office of Administration and Finance, and FAS Finance to establish priorities, communicate guidance, allocate funds, uphold policies, and monitor financial outcomes to most effectively support the mission of the College.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Assistant Director of Budget and Planning for Harvard College will be responsible for the following:

• Budgeting and Planning Processes – Establishes and communicates guidance, leads College planning, budget, and forecast processes summarizes information, and makes recommendations to senior management regarding budget requests and program changes with financial implications. 

• Fund management – Identifies, evaluates, and monitors funding sources to strategically optimize resource allocation and ensure stewardship of restricted funds. Funding sources include unrestricted, endowments, gifts, and grants

• Department Support – Assists Harvard College units in developing annual budgets, monitoring financial performance, and creating financial models for strategic initiatives and long-range plans; Serves as a resource for College unit administrators to expand understanding of financial management by answering questions, trouble-shooting issues, and identifying training opportunities

• Financial Operations – Performs central accounting functions for the College including the preparation of journal entries, income transfers, and accruals; supports College units with year-end closing, access and understanding of financial systems, and familiarity with financial policies and procedures to ensure successful implementation 

• Financial Analysis and Reporting – Analyzes and forecasts financial and operational results for College units and the College Administration and Finance team. Prepares complex financial reports using query tools and University reporting systems and develops, validates, and distributes reports to appropriate stakeholders

• Financial Leadership – Works collaboratively within the College Administration and Finance team to define processes and procedures that support effective planning, implementation, and stewardship of College resources. Consolidates information, analyzes budget drivers and business questions, and presents recommendations to College leadership. Serves on College, FAS, and University focus groups and committees as assigned  

• Conducts ad-hoc analysis and special projects as identified by the Associate Dean.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 7 years’ relevant work experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• MBA or Master’s degree in relevant field preferred

• Advanced knowledge of budget management, financial analysis and financial modeling; working knowledge of accounting principles 

• Strong analytical and financial modeling skills, including advanced expertise with excel, and experience with enterprise business intelligence platforms and data query tools

• A collaborative working style with excellent interpersonal, consultative and problem-solving skills

• Meticulous attention to detail and high level of discretion

• Ability to manage multiple projects independently with deadlines.  

• An openness to learning and developing new approaches  

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in an office setting

Additional Information

Overview:

FAS Human Resources will make all formal written offers.

Harvard College is a close-knit undergraduate community within Harvard University. With world-class faculty, groundbreaking research opportunities, and a commitment to a diverse environment of bright, talented students, Harvard is more than just a place to get an education—it’s where students come to be transformed. The College enrolls over 7000 students and is comprised of 6 major administrative units including the Harvard College Dean’s Office, the Dean of Students Office, the Office of Undergraduate Education, the Office for the Arts, the Office of Student Services, and the Phillips Brooks House Center for Public Service and Engaged Scholarship.

Location

USA – MA – Cambridge

Job Code

F0958P Financial Analyst IV

Department

Harvard College Dean’s Office Administration & Finance

Union

00 – Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Pre-Employment Screening

Education, Identity

Schedule

9:00am-5:00pm Monday-Friday 

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.