Strategy Analyst

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.

Harvard's Financial Administration Department (FAD) is responsible for the stewardship of the University’s finances, including related business processes and technology in support of the teaching and research mission of the University. Within and across the University, we aim to be exemplary colleagues, trusted partners, valued advisors, and agents of positive change.  

More about FAD: 
Within and across the University, we aim to be exemplary colleagues, trusted partners, valued advisors, and agents of positive change. 

Within our own community, we aspire to: 

• Engage with respect, honesty, and integrity  
• Cultivate equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging  
• Welcome innovation, collaboration, and flexibility  
• Enjoy our work, grow professionally, and aim for the extraordinary

Learn more about Financial Administration (harvard.edu) and our eight reporting units. (https://finance.harvard.edu/)

Job Description

Harvard’s Office of Financial Strategy & Planning is a dynamic and entrepreneurial working environment that supports and facilitates decision-making at the highest levels of the University (including the CFO, EVP, Provost, President and Corporation) in key areas of financial management and strategic planning.

As an Analyst, you will be responsible for the office’s relationship with a few of the University’s Schools and business Units, including conducting objective analyses of the Schools’ financial performance, developing an in-depth understanding of their financial structure, and reviewing the Schools’ and Units’ quarterly results, annual budgets, long-range financial and capital planning. This position will also be involved in a wide range of initiatives to advise University leadership, Schools and Units on critical strategic financial questions (e.g., endowment planning, capital planning considerations, financial policy development, etc.). 

Specific duties include, but are not limited to:

• Working closely with School leadership to analyze and evaluate quarterly results, operating budgets, multi-year financial plans and multi-year capital plans ahead of engagement with the CFO, EVP, Provost, President, and the Corporation.
• Synthesizing findings and determining short- and long-term ramifications for all stakeholders.
• Designing and delivering presentations that educate University and School leadership on potential options, facilitating informal and formal dialogue as needed.
• Developing hypotheses and conducting analyses to respond to Schools’ ad-hoc queries and strategic requests.
• Performing other ad-hoc projects to support the policies and decision-making of the CFO, EVP, President, Corporation, and other senior University leadership.
• Working closely with other groups within the central finance division (including the Office of the Controller, the Office of Treasury Management, and the Office of Sponsored Programs) to better understand University-wide financial management issues that inform planning, reporting, and analysis. 

 

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

Basic Qualifications are the minimum threshold a candidate must meet in order to be considered for this role.

For consideration, please include a cover letter.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 5 years’ relevant work experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

The following 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.

• MBA (or other relevant professional/graduate degree) a plus; Note: An MBA with prior consulting experience, or extensive financial analytics experience in a complex environment, can offset the required years of experience.
• Excellent analytical, written, and verbal communication skills, including experience presenting to senior ("C-level") leadership.
• All applicants must demonstrate experience with designing and executing strategy-based financial analyses, including scenario modeling.
• Must be well organized, flexible, and able to manage multiple challenging projects simultaneously in a dynamic environment.
• Applicants must also have collaborative working style and ability to build strong relationships with people at all levels of the organization. 

Additional Information

Why join Harvard University Central Administration?

Harvard University's Central Administration (CADM) is a 5,000+ employee organization that supports the university's overall excellence by understanding and serving the needs of its schools, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and surrounding communities. Through dynamic and collaborative partnerships, CADM provides high-quality and efficient services to the schools to help them achieve their goals.

• Working Conditions: Hybrid
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education
• Other Information:
  • This position has a 90 day orientation and review period

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 057. 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.