Manager, Cost Analysis

The Office for Sponsored Programs is a department within Harvard University’s Financial Administration (FAD) that is focused on providing high-quality administrative and financial assistance to faculty and other University affiliates performing sponsored research. OSP works with researchers and schools across Harvard to help obtain and negotiate awards from sponsoring agencies, assist with grant proposal preparation, ensure compliance with federal regulations and University policies, provide financial support including financial reporting and billing and collection services, assist with audits, and promote knowledge of sponsored research administration throughout the University research community through training and other educational programs.

The Manager of Cost Analysis leads cost analysis operations, FAS costing integration, and team management, with primary responsibility for overseeing core Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) cost accounting activities as part of the OSP Reporting team. The Manager directs FAS space survey development and execution, space density analysis, and research cost allocations, and approves FAS Academic Service Center rates to ensure compliance with federal regulations. The role provides strategic oversight for development of the University’s F&A cost proposal and related costing methodologies, oversees University-wide service center activities and rate approvals, and provides oversight of equipment management activities within the University’s property program. In addition, the Manager provides supervision, training, and cross-functional coordination to ensure consistent application of costing methodologies and alignment across central and school-level cost accounting and compliance functions.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

FAS

Lead cross-functional collaboration with the FAS Facilities and Planning Office and Office of Finance to support rate development, strategic costing decisions, and alignment of research space and cost allocation methodologies

Oversee the development and execution of space surveys in partnership with the FAS Planning Office, including designing and delivering training to departments and ensuring accurate, complete survey submissions and appropriate research space usage calculations

Establish and oversee reporting metrics related to space and administrative cost components supporting enterprise-wide analytics and strategic decision-making

Review and approve annual Academic Service Center rate proposals, including oversight of rate development, evaluation of new service centers and rate structures, and ensuring compliance with federal regulations while optimizing cost recovery

FAD

Oversee equipment management activities within the University’s property program, including inventory tracking, review of sponsor requirements, and compliance with federal regulations and institutional policies related to capital equipment

Oversee University-wide Academic Service Center activities, including review of new service center proposals, annual rate and cost recovery reviews, and guidance to schools and departments on rate development, compliance requirements, and operational practices

Develop and deliver guidance and training for school administrators on federal regulations and institutional policies related to cost accounting, including F&A cost principles, cost allocation, and compliance requirements

Supervise and develop Cost Analyst staff of three direct reports, including assigning work, reviewing analyses and deliverables, and providing ongoing guidance, training, and performance feedback

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 7 years’ relevant work experience

Advanced knowledge of federal regulations and cost principles governing sponsored research, including indirect (F&A) cost identification, allocation, and rate development in higher education

Understanding of government review and audit practices for Facilities & Administrative (F&A) cost proposals.

Advanced knowledge of sponsored research regulations

Supervisory 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.

Advanced cost accounting and financial analysis

Staff leadership and development

Knowledge of sponsored research regulations and F&A cost principles

Ability to interpret and apply complex financial and regulatory guidance

Experience with cost allocation methodologies and rate development

Strong communication skills, including the ability to present complex concepts to non-financial audiences

Stakeholder collaboration and cross-functional coordination

Project management and organizational skills

Ability to manage multiple pri…