Business Analyst

Harvard Business School is part of Harvard University, a vibrant community dedicated to advancing its world-changing mission. The Business Analyst will support the Financial Administration Department by leading initiatives related to pre-award services, operational analysis, and project management to enhance the university's financial stewardship.

Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with business partners to learn and document current processes, map workflows, and recommend potential solutions
• Direct strategic analyses that inform and support business decisions
• Oversee the assessment of new initiatives by reviewing key performance indicators and contributing to operational decision-making
• Help identify change management requirements, create change management plans, support the creation of training materials, develop engaging end user communications, and contribute to post-implementation reviews
• Provide support for and take the lead on additional analytical projects as needed
• Create and update project plans that support the staffing, tracking, and oversight of OSP Pre-Award or university-wide new and ongoing initiatives
• Working with the Manager and Pre-Award Leadership Team: Compile and structure data and written materials into draft projects and proposals. Prepare presentations for management groups and, when appropriate, present this information to them
• Develop creative and meaningful Pre-Award initiatives, including new programs or revised versions of current programs, with an emphasis on quality and process improvement
• Review and assess methods used to complete projects, applying lessons learned to enhance the management of future work
• Meet with stakeholders and follow up on information shared, confirming that projects and proposals are finished within the required timelines
• Lead small workgroups to generate recommendations for senior leadership
• Clearly communicate and present issues to both internal and external leaders
• Provide leadership for committees, new initiatives, and projects related to Pre-Award services or general research administration needs
• Help determine and execute strategic goals for OSP as well as for the broader Harvard research administration community
• Develop and maintain relationships with a range of Harvard University offices, including but not limited to: the Office of the Vice Provost for Research, Office of Technology Development, Harvard University IT, Alumni Affairs and Development, Risk Management and Audit Services, as well as all school level leadership, research officials, and department administrators

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience required related to business process and change management work
• Minimum of 5 years' relevant experience required
• Advanced knowledge of sponsored research regulations
• Excellent computer skills, especially using the Microsoft Office suite of products
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
• Proficient in data analysis principles and practices, including the ability to prepare, interpret, and analyze data, strongly preferred
• Astute attention to details and commitment to accuracy and integrity of all data, reports, and communications
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex and concurrent projects and re-establish priorities as necessary
• Demonstrated ability to be a self-starter with the ability to excel in a fast-paced and deadline-oriented environment
• Demonstrates flexibility and a willingness to assume additional responsibilities and support special initiatives as business needs evolve
• Exceptional judgment and discretion in interacting with constituencies (internal and external) on sensitive political, fiscal, and confidential issues
• Familiarity with Harvard-affiliated institutions is a plus
• Master's degree or other terminal degree in a relevant field