Finance Director

The Finance Director is responsible for directing the financial analyses and processes to prepare annual budgets, mid-year forecasts, multi-year financial plans, and monthly, quarterly and year-end management reporting and analysis. The Director leads the Finance team, serves as a key contributor to analyze the ongoing financial performance of the Berkman Klein Center (BKC) and its Institutes and projects, and provides excellent financial stewardship of BKC’s funds (endowment, gifts, grants) working to ensure financial sustainability.

The Director presents analytics, financial data, and recommendations to senior Berkman Klein Center leadership to facilitate strategic financial decision making, develop business plans, and effectively manage a sustainable and growing organization. This role identifies and evaluates policies and procedures and contributes to implementing structures and processes that improve operational capacity and financial literacy across the Center.

The Director also works closely with the Harvard Law School (HLS) Finance Office and other Harvard colleagues to ensure that all parties are aware of key financial issues.

As Finance Director you will:

• Be responsible for effective management for a team of staff, including hiring and orientation, training and development, workflow and performance management, and the promotion of an inclusive and innovative work environment.
• Serve as a leader and full partner in major decisions, advising senior and departmental leadership on key initiatives, business models, and strategic directions.
• Develop and implement strategies for: budgeting; forecasting, modeling & projecting; identifying & explaining variances; financial reporting; expense reductions; cost containment; and revenue enhancements.
• Develop and maintain forecasting model for operating budgets, develop long-range financial forecast, and operating performance targets.
• Direct the annual budget process within BKC, in collaboration with HLS Finance, including establishing and communicating the budget process to BKC unit managers, overseeing the coordination of annual budget meetings and compilation of budget requests, formulating recommendations to present data strategically and clearly to BKC and HLS Finance team leadership, drafting annual budget narrative, and submitting the budget to HLS Finance.
• Partner with finance leadership on multi-year financial plans.
• Perform strategic and quantitative financial analysis for the Center, its programs and Institutes, including supporting exploration of new initiatives.
• Identify opportunities and champion continuous improvement in support of internal controls and financial reporting processes.
• Serve as a liaison to HLS Finance team.
• Collaborate with research program colleagues across HLS and Harvard University.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required
• A minimum of 7 years relevant work experience
• Supervisory experience

We are looking for people who have/are:

• Success in managing multiple stakeholders and competing priorities.
• BA or Master’s degree in relevant field.
• Knowledge of advanced financial operations principles
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills.
• Advanced knowledge of budget management, financial analysis and financial modeling; working knowledge of accounting principles.
• Demonstrated experience with financial systems and data query tools.
• Proactive, highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

This is a term appointment currently expected to extend through 6/30/25, with potential for renewal subject to funding and departmental need.

We regret that Harvard Law School is unable to provide visa sponsorship for staff positions.

All offers to be made by HLS Human Resources.

• 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.