Principal Contracts Analyst

Principal Contracts Analyst Full-time Work Format: Hybrid Harvard Job Function: Finance Union: 00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary Salary Grade: 059 Department: Financial Administration FLSA Status: Exempt Company Description 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. Financial Administration (FAD) is dedicated to advancing Harvard University’s teaching and research mission by stewarding its resources; providing support, guidance, and consultation; ensuring compliance with university and federal guidelines; mitigating risk; pursuing operational excellence; and promoting the financial health of the University. More about FAD:  Within and across the University, we aim to be exemplary colleagues, trusted partners, valued advisors, and agents of positive change.

Within our own community, we aspire to:  Engage with respect, honesty, and integrity   Cultivate equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging   Welcome innovation, collaboration, and flexibility   Enjoy our work, grow professionally, and aim for the extraordinary Learn more about Financial Administration (harvard.edu) and our eight reporting units. ( https://finance.harvard.edu/) Job Description Harvard University’s Strategic Procurement Department is a central administrative function that serves all Harvard schools, institutes, and administrative units. Our mission is to create value for Harvard by optimizing the procurement of goods and services while upholding the highest standards of integrity, compliance, and supplier partnership. We manage over $3.5 billion in annual addressable spend and are committed to practices that support balance of trade, environmental sustainability, and the University’s long-term financial health. The Principal Contracts Analyst will be responsible for management, review, and negotiation of legal contracts in support of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) and its departments. Collaborates with local and central professional staff supporting contract negotiation and management processes. Supports integration of purchasing strategy with other functional strategies for departments by ensuring that legal and procurement inputs are considered in the development of department unit and supply chain strategies. Supports development of university and specifically FAS third-party/supplier risk assessment processes and ongoing monitoring, control and mitigation. Job-Specific Responsibilities: Clearly communicates legal contract requirements and relevant market dynamics to FAS department unit leaders, ensuring category strategies are fully aligned with institutional objectives. Provides oversight and governance of third‑party contracts within assigned categories, serving as the principal point of contact for contract structure, terms, and risk mitigation. Leads and supports change management initiatives necessary to successfully execute sourcing and contracting activities, promoting adoption of improved processes and practices across FAS. Serves as a key FAS representative in the design, development, and implementation of Strategic Procurement strategies, policies, processes, and enabling technologies. Acts as a principal contributor to advancing best practices in FAS and central procurement, driving standardization and efficiencies that help FAS stakeholders achieve their goals and objectives. Collaborates closely with FAS leadership, Harvard’s Office of General Counsel, Risk Management & Audit Services, and other University partners to ensure FAS supplier contracts and relationships meet required legal, regulatory, and risk standards. Functions in a dual‑reporting capacity, including a dotted‑line reporting relationship to FAS, to ensure strong alignment and