Job Description:

Harvard University


Description:

05-Apr-2024

Senior Grants and Contracts Officer

Harvard Medical School

65535BR

Position Description

The Harvard Medical School (HMS) Office of Research Administration (ORA) provides pre- and post-award management support by assisting Principal Investigators and Faculty with proposal submission, award administration, and reporting. ORA offers a range of expertise and manages a diverse group of portfolios in support and advancement of HMS’s mission.

Reporting to the Associate Director, Grants & Contracts (ADGC), the Sr. Grants & Contracts Officer (Sr. GCO) works independently performing a wide range of complex and confidential award- and agreement- related tasks as part of the HMS ORA Grants & Contracts Team. The Sr. GCO will use all available information to review, draft, negotiate, and execute in a timely manner all incoming awards and other research-related agreements, while also ensuring compliance with relevant sponsor/collaborator guidelines and University policies and mitigating risk to the University. As an authorized University signatory, will be responsible for making the judgment call whether agreement terms and conditions are acceptable to the University and HMS or if the risk level warrants escalation.

The Sr. GCO serves as an expert resource on matters related to sponsored awards and other research- related agreements. Works with ORA colleagues, departmental grant managers, and research staff to identify compliance-related requirements and potential agreement administration challenges at the award/signing stage and proactively develops plans to mitigate any identified challenges. This position will support the development and maintenance of contract negotiation resources, agreement templates, ORA business processes, and other tools and resources to facilitate agreement set-up and management, promote best practices, and facilitate comprehension of sponsor/collaborator requirements at all stages from award/signing to close-out. Will collaborate in offering related trainings.

The Sr. GCO coordinates review and negotiation of agreement-related issues with other University offices such as the Office for Technology Development, Office of the General Counsel, Risk Management and Audit Services, and the office of the Provost to ensure compliance with University policies. Acts as point person for post-execution administrative communications with sponsor/collaborator and liaises with the sponsor/collaborator, Office for Sponsored Programs (which provides financial reporting support to the Longwood Medical Area), school/department administrators and Principal Investigators as needed to resolve issues that arise throughout the life of an award/agreement. Uses knowledge of sponsor/collaborator and University/HMS guidelines and policies to provide advice to department customers, and provides a high level of customer service and responsiveness to each party. Uses specialized systems to manage, track and report on progress of agreements and account set-up to Harvard and HMS stakeholders and ORA Staff. As appropriate, serves on selected HMS, University-wide, and external committees.

The Sr. GCO will embrace a continuous improvement mindset and contribute to developing and implementing process improvements aimed at streamlining ORA's work while enhancing the level of service provided. Other duties as assigned.

The successful candidate for this position will work independently with minimal supervision in a fast- paced, high volume environment. Should be able to anticipate and resolve problems and efficiently manage stakeholders' expectations regarding projects.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 7 years’ relevant work experience
• Advanced knowledge of sponsored research regulations

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Advanced degree or graduate certificate in law, research administration, or regulatory compliance may count toward experience
• Experience with data use agreements and university sponsored research strongly preferred
• Juris Doctor or Paralegal experience is a plus
• Excellent communication skills - verbal, written and interpersonal
• Strong negotiation skills, tact, diplomacy
• Proven ability in collaborative problem- solving
• Demonstrated comfort in working in fast-paced, multiple-deadline driven environment
• Demonstrated ability to work individually or within a team and to think creatively and provide sound advice
• Computer skills and strong organizational skills
• Should have broad academic interests and the ability to think critically about programmatic, financial and policy issues

Additional Information

The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines.

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

The Harvard Medical School is not able to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

Not ready to apply? Join our talent community to keep in touch and learn about future opportunities! (https://www.gem.com ?formID=16341e35-cbc6-4904-88a3-09b35763307e)

Work Format Details

This position is based in Boston, but the work may be done primarily remote. Any remote work must be performed in a state in which Harvard is registered to do business (CA*, CT, GA, IL, MA, MD, ME, NH, NJ, NY, RI, VA, VT, and WA). Individual flexible and remote work options for this role will be discussed during the interview process. *Note: Harvard employees working in California must be exempt.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Job Function

Finance

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Boston

Job Code

F1358P Research Admin IV PrPs

Work Format

Remote

Sub-Unit

------------

Salary Grade

058

Department

Research Administration

Union

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Time Status

Full-time

Pre-Employment Screening

Education, Identity

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

We are committed to cultivating an inclusive workplace culture of faculty, staff, and students with diverse backgrounds, styles, abilities, and motivations. We appreciate and leverage the capabilities, insights, and ideas of all individuals. Harvard Medical School Mission and Community Values

https://hms.harvard.edu/about-hms/campus-culture/mission-community-values-diversity-statement

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.

LinkedIn Recruiter Tag (for internal use only)

#LI-RA1

PI239219183

Apply Now