Chief Financial Officer, Faculty of Arts and Sciences

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.

Why join the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences?

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) is the historic heart of Harvard University. It is the home of Harvard’s undergraduate program (Harvard College, founded in 1636) as well as all of Harvard’s Ph.D. programs (the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1872), Harvard Athletics and the Division of Continuing Education. The 40 academic departments and 30+ centers of the FAS support a community unparalleled in its academic excellence across the broadest range of liberal arts and sciences disciplines.

Job Description

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) seeks a forward-looking and collaborative financial strategist to serve as its Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Stewarding a $1.8B+ operating budget at the academic core of Harvard, the CFO will play a defining role in shaping the overall FAS financial strategy at a time of significant change and transformation across higher education.

Reporting to the Dean for Administration and Finance and working in close partnership with the Edgerley Family Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences and senior academic and administrative leaders across FAS, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) leads the financial strategy, planning and operations of Harvard’s Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS).

Job-Specific Responsibilities

The CFO has direct responsibility for the overall financial management of the FAS including accountability for the school’s $1.8 billion operating budget; fiscal policies and procedures; the effectiveness and efficiency of financial systems; and financial compliance and controls.

The CFO leads the development and maintenance of financial models, and partners across the FAS to design and implement financial strategies that support institutional priorities. These include long-term financial sustainability, tuition and fee setting, financial aid, sponsored funding and research, fundraising, risk management, facilities and capital planning, faculty planning, and staff workforce planning.

The CFO leads the FAS Finance Office, a team of approximately 30 professionals, including the Controller and the Director of Budget and Planning.

Working Conditions

Hybrid office environment; this position will be based in Cambridge, MA and there is an expectation of some workdays per week on campus.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience is required
• 10+ years of experience with progressive financial management responsibility required
• Leadership & supervisory experience required

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Experience in a university, research facility or academic medical center with working knowledge of sponsored program administration
• Advanced knowledge of financial principles and familiarity with technologies that impact financial functions as well as the overall operation and strong acumen in business analytics with a focus on deliverables.
• M.B.A., C.P.A., or expertise in fund accounting or other relevant technical areas, such as accounting for endowments, preferred.
• Demonstrated experience serving as a thought partner to senior leaders, adding value beyond the strict definition of the position; able to advise “beyond the math” on financial and strategic issues and build a succinct business case in relevant terms for each audience, balancing rigor, structure, and effectiveness.
• Proven success inspiring, developing and leading a data-driven, mission-oriented, service-minded team.
• Approach work with meticulous attention to detail, strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience in change leadership at scale.