Office of Finance & Research Administration

Office of Finance & Research Administration

The Office of Finance and Research Administration serves as a central resource for comprehensive financial oversight and research support at the Harvard Graduate School of Design. The office is dedicated to the responsible stewardship of the school’s resources and the advancement of its academic mission. 

The Financial Operations team is responsible for ensuring the integrity, efficiency, and effectiveness of the school’s financial activities. The team oversees a range of essential financial functions, including accounts payable and receivable, procurement, payroll processing, internal controls, and financial reporting. Team members work closely with faculty and staff to provide guidance on university financial policies and compliance with donor and sponsor requirements. The team prepares quarterly and annual financial reports for the University; processes payments, reimbursements, and purchase orders in accordance with Harvard policies; manages gift, grant and contract funding; implements and maintains effective internal controls to safeguard school assets; and provides consultative support for departments and administrative units. 

For questions, please contact Nelson Wong.

The Planning and Analysis function ensures the strategic, effective, and transparent allocation of the school’s financial resources. The team supports senior leadership, academic departments, and administrative units and leads the annual budget and multi-year financial planning processes; provides in-depth financial analysis, forecasting, and scenario modeling to inform decision-making; monitors performance; prepares financial presentations and reports for School and University senior leadership; and promotes best practices in budget management. 

For questions, please contact Billy Foshay.

The Research Administration function provides support for GSD faculty engaged in research activities, including facilitating the administration of internal research grants; overseeing compliance with University, donor, and sponsor policies and guidelines; and serving as a resource for the school’s research community. Key responsibilities include: coordinating the application and review process for research funding opportunities; assisting with the submission of proposals for external and University funding; ensuring compliance with GSD and University research policies; serving as a liaison to Harvard’s Office for Sponsored Programs (OSP) and other central administrative offices for cases involving external funding or regulatory matters; and supporting principal investigators with budget preparation, progress reporting, and financial monitoring of internal and external research awards.

For questions, please contact Christina Burkot.