Business Operations and Finance Manager, HBS Foundry

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Why join HBS Foundry?

HBS Foundry is a new initiative at Harvard Business School (HBS) that helps founders build, fund, and launch their ventures through an AI-driven digital learning platform. We combine world-class business education with practical tools, intelligent guidance, and a collaborative community to support entrepreneurs at every stage.

Our team brings together educators, technologists, and creative thinkers who are passionate about innovation and real-world impact. Working at Foundry means being part of a small, fast-moving team where ideas matter, collaboration is key, and you have the opportunity to shape something new. We’re focused on helping founders develop both their ventures and their confidence to lead and grow successful businesses.

Job Summary:

The Business Operations and Finance Manager, HBS Foundry is responsible for leading and optimizing the department’s core administrative, financial, and operational functions. This role ensures efficient contract administration, accurate and timely invoice processing, strong budget tracking, support and preparation, and effective HR coordination.

Acting as a trusted partner to Foundry leadership, the Business Operations and Finance Manager drives operational excellence, builds scalable processes, and ensures compliance with institutional policies and financial controls. This role requires a proactive, detail-oriented leader who can manage competing priorities while improving systems, managing budgets, and supporting team effectiveness.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Financial Management & Budget Ownership

• Lead annual budgeting, forecasting, and ongoing financial tracking for Foundry
• Create budget projections, monitor performance, identify variances, and recommend corrective actions
• Oversee expense management, ensuring alignment with financial policies and targets
• Develop and maintain financial reporting and dashboards to support decision-making
• Partner with central finance teams to ensure compliance and accurate financial operations

Contract Administration & Procurement

• Manage end-to-end contract lifecycle, including drafting, review, execution, and renewal tracking
• Coordinate vendor onboarding and ensure adherence to procurement policies and standards
• Support negotiation processes to achieve optimal cost, terms, and service outcomes
• Maintain organized contract records and ensure compliance with institutional requirements

Invoice Processing & Payment Operations

• Oversee invoice intake, review, coding, and submission for payment
• Ensure timely and accurate processing of vendor payments and expense reimbursements
• Serve as subject matter expert on financial systems and tools used for procurement and payments
• Identify opportunities to streamline and improve invoice and payment workflows

HR Management & Talent Operations

• Coordinate HR processes including hiring, onboarding, offboarding, and personnel changes
• Partner with HR to support performance management, training, and employee development
• Ensure compliance with HR policies, reporting requirements, and documentation standards
• Support a positive, inclusive, and high-performing team culture

Business Operations & Process Optimization

• Design, implement, and continuously improve operational processes and systems
• Serve as the primary point of contact for operational inquiries within Foundry
• Develop tools, workflows, and documentation to improve efficiency and transparency
• Lead or support special projects aligned with departmental priorities
• Ensure operational alignment with broader organizational policies and practices
• Build trust and collaboration by being present on-site and engaging directly with colleagues and various constituents
• This role is responsible for other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience is required
• 5+ years of experience in business operations, financial management, or administrative leadership is required

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Prior experience using Harvard University financial systems strongly preferred
• Experience with budget management, financial analysis, and forecasting
• Strong knowledge of contract administration and procurement processes
• Familiarity with HR operations and employee lifecycle management
• Experience working with enterprise financial systems (e.g., purchasing, expense, or ERP tools)

• Appointment End Date: This position is approved as a term appointment with an end date of 06/30/27. There is a possibility of renewal/extension.
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 40 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education
• Other Information:
  • This is a hybrid position which we consider to be a combination of remote and onsite work at our Boston, MA based campus. HBS expects all staff to be onsite a minimum of 3 days per week and departments provide onsite coverage Monday – Friday. Specific hours and days onsite will be determined by business needs and are subject to change with appropriate advanced notice.
  • We may conduct candidate interviews virtually (phone and/or via Zoom) and/or in-person for this role.
  • A cover letter is required to be considered for this opportunity.

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. 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 057. 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 our 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.