Employment

Open Positions at Harvard Forest

Director of Administration and Finance (posted September 12, 2025)

Job Summary:

Harvard Forest is a research center within the FAS Division of Science at Harvard University and a leading institution for research in ecology, conservation, and land use history. Located in Petersham, Massachusetts, approximately 70 miles west of Cambridge, Harvard Forest encompasses 4,000 acres of woodlands, fields, and research sites dedicated to the study of forest ecosystems. As an ecological research site, Harvard Forest provides a dynamic environment for scientists, students, and collaborators from around the world to explore pressing environmental questions.

The Director of Administration and Finance reports to the Director at Harvard Forest and plays a key leadership role in the strategic and operational management of the organization. This position oversees the financial, administrative, and human resources functions of Harvard Forest, ensuring the effective allocation of resources to support its mission of research, education, and outreach. The Director works closely with senior leadership to implement best practices in departmental operations and serves as a key liaison between the Harvard Forest Community, Harvard University central Offices, and external partners.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Responsibilities include but not limited to:

Administration & Operations

  • Lead and develop administrative strategies that align with the mission and strategic goals of Harvard Forest.
  • Establish policies and procedures to enhance organizational efficiency, financial sustainability, and compliance with university and external regulations.
  • Serve as a liaison between Harvard Forest and university administration, ensuring effective communication and alignment with institutional priorities.
  • Support strategic planning efforts, including long-term financial forecasting and operational improvements.
  • Oversee administrative aspects of our on-campus housing, conference space, office space, and equipment, including financial oversight, space allocation & assignments, asset management, and operational efficiency.

Human Resources & Staff Development

  • Oversee a team of 4 direct reports, including a Department Coordinator, Financial Associate, Accounting Assistant, and Sponsored Research Administrator.
  • Responsible for processing staff and academic appointments including postdocs, associates, visiting scholars, Bullard Fellows, and other fellows, which includes working with the Office of Faculty Affairs on academic appointments, HR for staff appointments, working with Harvard International Office for an international or visa requirements.
  • Working closely with central human resources, serve as the HR lead for Harvard Forest (25+ staff and scholars), by providing guidance on recruitment, hiring, onboarding, performance management, and staff development.
  • Advise and support conflict resolution, performance improvement plans, and disciplinary actions as needed.
  • Partner with Harvard’s HR department to ensure compliance with university policies and labor laws.
  • Promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) initiatives within the organization.
  • Ensure appropriate training and certifications for relevant staff, including CPR, vehicle safety training, and other workplace safety requirements.
  • Manages confidential files and employee personnel records.

Finance & Budgeting

  • Oversee Harvard Forest’s financial operations, including budgeting, accounts payables, accounts receivable, long-term financial planning, financial reporting, and resource stewardship.
  • Develop and implement financial policies to ensure compliance with Harvard University guidelines and external funding requirements.

Sponsored Research Administration

  • Oversee administrative support related to research funding, including providing administrative oversight during proposal development, budget preparation, and compliance with funding requirements.
  • Lead coordination of research operations needs for research projects at Harvard Forest. This includes:
    • Working with scientists and faculty to understand the scope and requirements of research conducted on-site.
    • Collaborating with the Manager of Land Use and Facilities at HF to assess time and labor needs, utility usage, and associated costs.
    • Evaluating housing or space usage and ensuring appropriate cost allocation during the planning stage of research projects.
  • Identify funding opportunities for major projects, infrastructure improvements, and operational needs.
  • Support faculty and research staff in navigating administrative processes related to grants and sponsored research.
  • Ensure adherence to university, state, and federal regulations related to research and research administration policies


Working Conditions:

This position will be based in Petersham, MA but may require occasional travel to Cambridge, MA, roughly 2-3 times per month. The position will be 100% on-campus for the first 90 days and then there is opportunity for a hybrid schedule for 1-2 days remote with Director in Residence’s permission

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

  • Must possess at least eight years of progressively responsible administrative management experience, including staff supervision, financial management experience in an academic or research environment.


Additional Qualifications and Skills:

  • Master’s degree strongly preferred
  • Demonstrated experience in Financial Management including Sponsored Research Administration
  • Project Management and Operations Experience including involvement with building repairs or renovations
  • Strong quantitative, analytical and supervisory capability
  • Effective interpersonal and written communication skills
  • Ability to work with all constituents with tact and discretion
  • Ability to balance shifting priorities and to work independently.
  • Experience with Harvard’s financial and human resource systems
  • Interest in the research, educational, and conservation mission of Harvard Forest.
  • Knowledge of experimental and safety procedures for environment containing dangerous mechanical equipment, and potentially hazardous chemical, biological, and radioactive materials

Additional Information

  • Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
  • Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
  • Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Criminal, Motor Vehicle Record
  • Other Information: 
  • All formal offers will be made by FAS Human Resources

Work Format Details

This is a position that is based at a Harvard campus location with some remote work options available. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment. 

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 058. Please visit  Harvard’s Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

  • 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 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on Harvard’s Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard’s academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university’s non-discrimination policy. Harvard’s equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.

LEARN MORE AND APPLY

The Harvard Forest Community

Harvard Forest is committed to establishing and maintaining a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community. We have a Code of Conduct that clearly outlines expected conduct for members of our community, unacceptable conduct, and pathways for support for those who experience or witness misconduct. We have initiated an ongoing series of staff-wide trainings and formed a standing committee to build competence in DEIB in our workplace, improved physical and digital accessibility of our campus resources, and re-examined and replaced harmful artwork. We are working toward including Indigenous knowledge and communities in our research and education, land use, and public programs, improving field safety for at-risk populations, and diversifying our team of investigators and educators. The aim of this work is to collectively support and implement our mission: the investigation, understanding, and communication of the ways in which physical, biological, and human systems interact to change our Earth, while ensuring that all participants should feel that they are critical parts of the Harvard Forest community—whatever their identity groups. We welcome, recruit, develop, and advance talented staff, students, and visiting scholars from diverse backgrounds, and strive to ensure that all are included in our mission. Harvard Forest is also committed to supporting the work-life balance of its staff.

We particularly encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically underrepresented in the sciences (Black, Indigenous, and people of color, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ community members) and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.

COVID-19

Harvard University does not currently require vaccinations for COVID but strongly encourages folks to follow CDC recommendations including being up to date on vaccines.

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.