Project Controls Specialist

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join Harvard University Central Administration?

Harvard University's Central Administration (CADM) is a 5,000+ employee organization that supports the university's overall excellence by understanding and serving the needs of its schools, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and surrounding communities. Through dynamic and collaborative partnerships, CADM provides high-quality and efficient services to the schools to help them achieve their goals.

Harvard Capital Projects (HCP)

Harvard Capital Projects (HCP) is an internal resource for the Harvard community providing
project management services across the entire campus. HCP works collaboratively with a variety
of Harvard Schools and Departments, providing project management services for large and small projects including new buildings, renovations, and infrastructure upgrades. HCP prides itself on
providing its clients with the highest value services.

The Project Controls Specialist (PCS) reports to the HCP Associate Director of Controls and Operations. The PCS helps maintain project controls and administrative services processes and procedures for Harvard Capital Projects and ensures their execution on all projects. The Project Controls Specialist supports the successful delivery of projects through the application of core project controls practices, including budgeting and forecasting, cost management, funding oversight, contract compliance, capital planning support, schedule review, and change management. The role is responsible for collecting, analyzing, and reporting project information, maintaining the integrity of project controls data, and supporting the development and continuous improvement of project controls systems, processes, tools, and templates.

Job-Specific Responsibilities

• Participates as a full member of HCP’s professional team in the delivery of all projects.
• Supports the HCP Project Management and Controls team in ensuring successful project delivery.
• Maintains project budgets, forecasts, cashflows and total project cost information within Excel and University systems. 
• Reviews and processes commitments, invoices, requisitions, change orders, allowances, and contingencies with established procedures and systems. 
• Assists with estimate reviews and bid leveling efforts. 
• Supports project set up, capital planning, claim review, and project recovery efforts. 
• Performs cost reconciliation and reclassification activities.
• Supports project funding activities
• Assists with project schedule reviews
• Tracks participation and other project metrics to support project requirements.
• Collects, analyzes, and reports project controls data to support project and organizational decision-making.
• Manages assigned trackers, records, and shared mailboxes.
• Assists with development and maintenance of Project Controls standards, procedures, templates and databases.
• Assists with evaluation, maintenance, and support of systems 
• Ensures integrity of project cost and schedule data
• Ensures adherence to contracts and University Policy 
• Supports HCP, client, and University reporting requirements.
• Participates in project meetings and internal department activities as required. 
• Contributes to HCP's professional community by sharing knowledge, supporting team initiatives, and promoting best practices.
• Continues professional growth and development across core project controls disciplines.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions:

• NOTE:  This is a hybrid position requiring work days on campus.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required, or 4 years of equivalent combination of education and relevant experience in construction project controls, project management, construction management, engineering, architecture, or related field.  

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Fundamental understanding of project control principles and project monitoring practices.
• Demonstrated experience supporting capital project delivery, project controls, construction, cost management, scheduling, or related disciplines. 
• Working knowledge of project controls systems, reporting tools, and capital project processes. 
• Ability to analyze information, identify routine issues, and apply sound judgement to determine escalation when appropriate. 
• Ability to apply basic analytical thinking to improve accuracy and efficiency.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment. 
• Effective written and verbal communication skills. 
• Ability to work collaboratively in a dynamic team environment. 
• Demonstrated willingness to learn new processes, systems, and project controls practices. 
• Ability to independently perform core activities with guidance as needed.
• Ability to support projects with increasing levels of responsibility and autonomy. 
• Demonstrates professionalism and dependability in interactions with peers and project teams. 
• Demonstrated flexibility and creativity in finding mutually agreeable solutions within project constraints.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products, particularly Excel. 
• Commitment to fostering an environment of teamwork, excellence, respect, accountability, inclusion, and diversity. 

Standard Hours/Schedule: 40 hours per week, exempt

Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position

Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, References

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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 056. 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.