[Hiring] Director of Financial Planning and Analysis @Harvard University

Role Description

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Director of Financial Planning and Analysis is responsible for the financial management, budgeting, and strategy of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Leading a team of 3 financial analysts, the Director is responsible for the development of the School’s $400M+ annual operating budget, multi-year financial plan, monthly forecasts, and management reporting, as well as frequent ad hoc analyses.

A key member of the Office of Financial Services leadership team, the Director partners closely with the CFO, and regularly engages with administrative and departmental leaders across the Chan School. The Director plays a critical role in shaping the School’s financial strategy, providing actionable insights to inform resource allocation, investments, and long-range planning in support of the research and teaching mission.

This role is highly visible and requires the ability to translate complex financial information into clear, compelling narratives for a range of audiences, including the Dean, Executive Dean for Administration, and other School and University leaders.

Job-Specific Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee all aspects of the School’s annual budget process; develop guidance and materials, analyze submissions, lead departmental meetings, and create a holistic plan that aligns with School and University priorities and long-term financial sustainability.
• Build and refine the School’s multi-year financial plan, incorporating assumptions and modeling scenarios across a wide range of financial metrics; synthesize data into presentations and recommendations.
• Oversee the creation and continuous improvement of management reporting for the CFO, School leadership, and University stakeholders.
• Lead the development of monthly forecasts to proactively identify financial risks and opportunities; regularly provide ad hoc analysis in support of strategic decision making.
• Leverage data from numerous sources to analyze monthly and year-end financial results and evaluate key drivers and trends.
• Design and frequently present financial materials, tailoring communication to financial and non-financial audiences across the School.
• Lead or contribute to special projects and strategic initiatives, often in collaboration with other finance and administrative colleagues; identify opportunities to streamline and enhance budgeting, forecasting, and reporting efforts.
• Serve as key liaison to departments, providing guidance on budgeting and financial analysis; work closely with leaders from Facilities and IT to ensure long-term capital and technology plans align with financial plans.
• Serve as key liaison to the University’s finance team; collaborate with FP&A Directors from all Harvard Schools in monthly meetings; represent the School in University-wide initiatives.
• Provide effective leadership and direct management of a team of three financial analysts.
• Foster a collaborative and innovative work environment that supports professional development, accountability, and continuous learning.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required.
• Minimum of 10 years’ relevant work experience.
• 7+ years of experience in sponsored research finance within a complex higher education, hospital, healthcare, or academic medical center environment required; higher education experience strongly preferred.
• Supervisory experience required.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Master's Degree in a related field is a plus.
• Demonstrated experience leading strategic financial planning and modeling within a large, decentralized organization, preferably in higher education, healthcare, research, or other mission-driven environments.
• Strong executive presence with the ability to synthesize complex financial information into clear communications and recommendations for senior leadership and non-financial stakeholders.
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities and navigate ambiguity in an evolving environment while maintaining attention to detail and accuracy.
• Demonstrated success leading, mentoring, and developing high-performing analytical teams with a collaborative and service-oriented approach.
• Experience developing and improving financial reporting, dashboards, and analytical tools to support decision making and operational transparency.
• Advanced proficiency in financial systems and data analysis/presentation tools (e.g., Excel modeling, ERP systems, PowerPoint, etc.).
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build effective partnerships across multiple financial and administrative areas.
• Knowledge of or experience with university budgeting models, sponsored research environments, endowment-funded institutions, or capital planning processes is a plus.

Benefits

• 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.