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MIT - Massachusetts Institute of Technology

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"Senior Director of Finance"

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Senior Director of Finance

Senior Director

May 1, 2026

Location

Cambridge

MIT

Type

Full-time

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree
10+ years financial management
Budgeting, analysis, reporting
University budgets & non-profit accounting
Leadership & strategic thinking
Project management
Analytical & communication skills
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Senior Director of Finance

SENIOR DIRECTOR OF FINANCE, Office of the Provost

serves as a senior financial leader, providing strategic oversight of budgeting, financial planning, and fiscal operations across a complex academic portfolio. Reporting to the Assistant Provost for Finance and Administration (APAF), this role advises senior academic and administrative leaders on resource strategy, compliance, risk management, and long-range financial planning. The Senior Director leads the development and monitoring of budgets for the Provost’s Office proper and affiliated units, partners closely with the Office of the Vice President for Finance, and supports the Assistant Provost for Administration and Finance in the Institute’s annual academic budget process. The position provides informed decision-making through rigorous financial analysis, transparent reporting, and the creation of clear financial dashboards and forecasts. The role also provides financial guidance for faculty-related processes, new strategic initiatives, sponsored research requests, and special projects that strengthen academic financial models.

Job Requirements

REQUIRED: Bachelor’s degree; a minimum of ten years of progressive financial management experience, including budgeting, analysis, and reporting, with strong knowledge of university budget processes and non-profit accounting; demonstrated leadership and strategic thinking; strong project management skills; ability to align financial strategy with institutional priorities within complex organizations, preferably in higher education; excellent analytical and communication skills, including the ability to present complex financial information to senior leaders; collaborative, relationship-oriented approach; and high level of professionalism, discretion, sound judgment, and attention to detail.

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Frequently Asked Questions

🎓What qualifications are required for the Senior Director of Finance role?

The position requires a Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 10 years of progressive financial management experience, including budgeting, analysis, and reporting. Strong knowledge of university budget processes and non-profit accounting is essential, along with leadership, strategic thinking, project management skills, and excellent analytical and communication skills. Higher education experience is preferred. Explore executive higher ed jobs for similar roles.

💼What are the key responsibilities of the Senior Director of Finance?

This role provides strategic oversight of budgeting, financial planning, and fiscal operations for the Office of the Provost. Duties include advising leaders on resource strategy, compliance, risk management, budget development, financial analysis, reporting, and creating dashboards and forecasts. Supports faculty processes, strategic initiatives, sponsored research, and the annual academic budget. See administration jobs for related opportunities.

📚Is higher education or university experience required?

Higher education experience is strongly preferred, with demonstrated ability to align financial strategy with institutional priorities in complex organizations. Knowledge of university budget processes and non-profit accounting is required. Review higher ed career advice to strengthen your profile for such roles.

👔What is the reporting structure and key partnerships?

Reports to the Assistant Provost for Finance and Administration (APAF). Partners with the Office of the Vice President for Finance and supports the annual academic budget process. Advises senior academic and administrative leaders on financial matters. Check higher ed admin jobs for leadership positions.

📄How should I prepare my application for this executive finance role?

Highlight your 10+ years of financial leadership, budgeting expertise, and experience in higher education or complex non-profits. Tailor your resume to emphasize strategic financial planning, analysis, and communication skills. Use our free resume template and cover letter template to stand out in executive searches.

🚀Does the role involve special projects or sponsored research?

Yes, provides financial guidance for faculty-related processes, new strategic initiatives, sponsored research requests, and special projects to strengthen academic financial models. Ideal for those with risk management and long-range planning experience. Visit research jobs for related opportunities.

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