Position Summary

New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) is partnering with Isaacson, Miller to conduct this search. To ensure a confidential and equitable process, all application materials must be submitted directly through Isaacson, Miller. Candidate information will be handled with the utmost discretion, and only those who apply via Isaacson, Miller will be considered for this position. Please submit your application electronically via https://www.imsearch.com/open-searches/nyu-abu-dhabi/chief-financial-officer.

Applications are welcome from all qualified candidates. In line with UAE regulations, Emirati candidates are encouraged to apply.

New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) seeks to appoint a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) reporting to the Chief Operating Officer.

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO), NYU Abu Dhabi, serves as the University’s senior executive responsible for ensuring the financial sustainability, operational effectiveness, and strategic alignment of all business and financial resources with NYUAD’s academic and institutional mission. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer (COO), the CFO provides vision, leadership, and strategic oversight across all business and financial functions, including financial planning and analysis, budgeting, accounting and reporting, treasury and investments, procurement, risk management, and business partnerships.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Business and Financial Leadership

• Define and execute NYUAD’s long-term business and financial strategy, aligning resources with academic, research, and operational priorities. Serve as the chief financial strategist to the COO and Vice Chancellor, providing fiscal and operational insights to drive institutional decision-making. Oversee governance frameworks ensuring compliance with UAE laws, NYU global policies, and partnership agreements

Business Planning, Budgeting, and Forecasting

• Lead the development and monitoring of multi-year operating and capital budgets, integrating data analytics and scenario modeling. Partner with NYUAD’s Government Partners to negotiate, report, and manage the annual funding envelope. Align resource planning with institutional KPIs and strategic objectives

Treasury, Investment, and Risk Management

• Oversee liquidity management, endowment performance, banking relationships, and capital financing strategies. Lead enterprise risk management and ensure adherence to internal controls and investment policies. Provide oversight of cash flow optimization and strategic use of reserves

Financial and Operational Infrastructure

• Oversee controllership, accounting, and business operations to ensure accuracy, transparency, and efficiency in NYUAD’s financial position in compliance with GAAP and audit standards. Drive the integration of business systems across NYUAD and the global NYU network

Strategic Partnerships and Institutional Relations

• Represent NYUAD in fiscal and business discussions with NYU New York, Government Partners, external auditors, and financial institutions. Build trusted relationships with global university and finance leaders and align local practices with international best standards in higher education business administration. Serve on and play a leading role in the Joint Finance Advisory Committee of NYUAD

Leadership, Culture, and Capability Development

• Lead and inspire a high-performing business and finance organization that embodies NYUAD’s values of transparency, integrity, and service excellence. Mentor senior leaders, build succession pipelines, and promote professional development

Policy, Compliance, and Continuous Improvement

• Establish governance frameworks, business policies, and internal controls. Ensure full compliance with UAE regulations and NYU global policies. Drive continuous improvement initiatives through Lean and digital transformation of financial and administrative processes

Required Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field

Preferred Education:

• Doctoral degree, PhD or Executive MBA with specialization in Strategic Finance, Business Leadership, or Global Management

Required Experience:

• 15+ years of progressively senior leadership experience in complex, global, or higher education environments
• Proven experience in strategic financial planning, business operations, risk management, and stakeholder engagement at an executive level
• Demonstrated success managing large-scale budgets (>$500M), investments, and capital projects
• Exceptional strategic, analytical, and communication skills
• Expertise in financial modeling, scenario planning, and investment management
• Strong leadership presence and ability to influence at Board and government levels
• Proven ability to operate across cultures and institutions with diplomacy and integrity
• Advanced proficiency in Oracle or similar enterprise business systems

Preferred Experience:

• 2+ years of Senior leadership experience at a global university, research institution, or multinational organization in the GCC
• Direct experience working with government entities and joint venture governance frameworks