"Chief Financial Officer"

Founded in 1993 by Dr. Susan Weber, the Bard Graduate Center (BGC) is a unique degree-granting graduate institute and exhibition space in New York City. BGC’s gallery exhibitions, MA and PhD programs, research initiatives and public programs explore new ways of thinking about decorative arts, design history and material culture. Its campus comprises a state-of-the-art academic programs building at 38 West 86th Street, a gallery at 18 West 86th Street, and a residence hall at 410 West 58th Street. BGC is a graduate academic unit of Bard College.

BGC offers two programs of study, one leading to a Master of Arts degree and the other to a Doctor of Philosophy degree. BGC currently teaches 49 MA students and 28 PhD students every year. The 2024-2025 academic year saw increasing success and visibility of BGC’s students, many of whom participated in prestigious academic and professional conferences, as well as the deepening of long-standing partnerships with other cultural institutions.

BGC is also a leader in research, with faculty involved with intramural and leading federally and foundation-funded research projects. A member of the prestigious Association of Research Institutions in Art History (ARIAH), BGC’s excellence in research is widely recognized.

In addition to its education and research offerings, BGC also operates a major exhibition facility. For more information about BGC’s extensive academic, research, exhibition, and public programs, please visit bgc.bard.edu.

This is an opportunity for an accomplished and strategic professional with substantial financial, budgeting, forecasting, and investment/endowment management experience. The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) will serve as the lead executive responsible for all areas related to finance and will help to build sustainable growth to further BGC’s mission. As a key member of the senior leadership team, the CFO will work closely with the Director, the Board of Trustees, and staff at all levels, and will provide strong guidance, mentorship, and support to the finance team.

The CFO reports to BGC’s Founder and Director, Dr. Susan Weber, and is a member of the leadership team. Reporting to the CFO is a team that currently includes the Director of Finance, and Budget Manager. The annual compensation for this role is $175,000 plus attractive benefits.

BGC has a current annual operating budget of $15 million, of which more than half is provided by an endowment distribution and the remainder is secured through tuition revenue, revenue from faculty and graduate housing, several foundation and government grants, and giving from generous and committed major donors. While an academic unit of Bard College, BGC is financially independent from the College.

Ideal Experience/Qualities:

• A genuine interest in the Bard Graduate Center mission.
• Substantial history of progressively responsible experience overseeing the fiscal operation of an academic, cultural, or other related not-for-profit institution. Candidates from industry may be considered with a relevant mission connection.
• Demonstrated ability to be a strategic partner to a chief executive.
• Financial forecasting and business planning skills.
• Firm understanding of endowments and the complex mix of funding sources that support BGC.
• Familiarity with investment management and accounting.
• Expertise in managing complex operations, workflow practices, and recordkeeping processes.
• Strategic as well as hands on; capable of big picture thinking as well as attention to detail and accuracy.
• Able to establish and analyze performance metrics and trends.
• Knowledge of commonly used financial and accounting software.
• Experience leading, mentoring, and supporting a team.
• Successful history of working with board members and staffing board committees.
• Well-developed communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Capacity to oversee or advise on additional operational and business-related matters such as real estate, rentals, and risk management.
• Diplomatic, politically attuned, and able to be an effective and polished negotiator.
• A collaborative consensus builder with the ability to make firm decisions and push back when necessary.
• Committed to building a culture of transparency.
• Entrepreneurial and growth oriented.
• Skilled at prioritizing competing demands and performing under pressure.
• Sound judgment and maturity.
• Bachelor’s degree and CPA is required; master’s degree or other advanced degree is preferred. Bard College/Bard Graduate Center is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from those who contribute to their diversity.

Howe-Lewis International is pleased to assist Bard Graduate Center with this important search. To apply online via the Howe-Lewis Talent Portal please click here or email your resume and letter of interest to kirk@howe-lewis.com.