Associate Dean of Finance and Chief Financial Officer (Cambridge)

Job Summary

Reporting to the Executive Dean, the Associate Dean for Finance and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is a key member of the Radcliffe Institute’s senior leadership team. The CFO provides vision and direction for the Institute’s overall financial strategy, safeguards its long‑term financial sustainability, and advances efficient, effective financial operations in support of Radcliffe’s mission and strategic goals.

The Associate Dean for Finance/CFO serves as a principal advisor on strategic planning, long‑range financial planning, fundraising, and risk management, and represents the Institute on University‑wide committees and working groups. The CFO is accountable for delivering high‑quality financial services; producing accurate, timely financial reporting; and ensuring compliance with University policies, internal controls, and applicable laws and regulations, while upholding the highest standards of accuracy, responsiveness, efficiency, and professionalism.

Job-Specific Responsibilities

Strategic Financial Leadership & Institutional Planning

• Lead the development and execution of the Institute’s long‑range financial strategy and multi‑year financial plans.
• Translate institutional priorities into clear financial models, scenarios, and trade‑offs to inform decision‑making.
• Advise senior leadership on resource allocation, investment strategies, and financial risks.
• Lead financial analysis to inform decisions about starting, scaling, reshaping, or sunsetting programs and initiatives.
• Ensure financial considerations are integrated into program, workforce, facilities, and capital planning.
• Represent Radcliffe on University committees, collaborating with other financial leaders and the University’s Vice President for Finance and CFO on institution‑wide policies.

Financial Management, Budgeting & Fiscal Stewardship

• Hold direct accountability for the financial health and integrity of the Radcliffe Institute.
• Oversee annual and multi‑year budgeting, forecasting, and financial performance reporting.
• Establish and maintain fiscal policies, internal controls, and spending guidelines that promote transparency, consistency, and accountability.
• Monitor financial performance and identify risks, trends, and opportunities for improvement.
• Ensure compliance with Harvard University financial policies and external regulatory requirements.
• Oversee financial operations, including payroll, general accounting, fixed assets, and quarterly and year‑end closings.

Financial Systems, Data, and Analytics

• Oversee financial systems, tools, and processes used for budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and analysis.
• Ensure the integrity, accuracy, and accessibility of financial data across the Institute.
• Advance the use of analytics and financial modeling to support scenario planning and strategic decision‑making.
• Improve the clarity and usability of financial reporting for non‑financial leaders and stakeholders.

Capital Planning, Sponsored Research, and External Relations

• Lead capital project planning and financing in collaboration with the Executive Dean, Director of Facilities Management, and facilities staff; determine priorities and monitor progress of major capital projects.
• Oversee the review and approval process for sponsored research activity, including sponsored budgets, financial control systems, financial reporting to external funding agencies, and liaison with the Office for Sponsored Programs.
• Coordinate the use of funds in operations, ensuring compliance with terms and successful completion of audits.
• Partner with External Relations to:
  • Develop policies and systems that support effective financial information flow between units.
  • Develop gift opportunities aligned with long‑range financial plans and Institute priorities.
  • Review the financial implications of fundraising proposals and donor gift terms.
  • Ensure proper stewardship and use of donor funds.

Leadership & Management Responsibilities

• Supervise a finance office of six staff members, including two direct reports and four indirect reports, with responsibility for hiring, onboarding, training, professional development, and performance management.
• Oversee the development and delivery of financial training on University administrative systems, policies, and procedures for Radcliffe staff.
• Maintain a strong, service‑oriented finance organization characterized by high standards of accuracy, responsiveness, quality, efficiency, and professionalism.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed primarily in a standard office setting within a campus environment.
• This position routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets.
• The role requires frequent interaction with administrators, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders in person, by phone, and via electronic communication.
• The position may require occasional early morning, evening, or weekend work for meetings, events, and deadlines.
• Occasional travel may be required for conferences, board meetings, or visits to other campus or system locations (as applicable).
• Work may involve periods of high activity and tight deadlines, particularly around budget cycles, audits, and key reporting periods.

Physical Requirements

• Employee must have the ability to sit at a desk for extended periods of time and complete tasks requiring repetitive use of hands.
• Constantly required to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to visually review and analyze detailed financial documents, spreadsheets, reports, and presentations.
• Ability to travel occasionally for meetings and conferences.

Basic Qualifications

• Degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in accounting, finance, and/or financial analysis, including significant administrative responsibility and staff supervision.
• Demonstrated experience in management and fiscal oversight, including planning, budgeting, reporting, and developing operational metrics that align organizational strategy with business operations.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Exceptional strategic thinking, analytical, and problem‑solving skills, with demonstrated ability to design and implement complex financial models and financial control systems, policies, and procedures.
• Strong understanding of multiple funding sources, including gifts, endowments, and restricted fund accounting principles (preferred).
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, negotiation, and presentation skills, including the ability to communicate financial concepts clearly to non‑financial audiences and to build trust and credibility with a broad range of stakeholders; strong commitment to customer service.
• Highly organized, self‑directed, and able to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a dynamic environment; active listener who is open to new ideas, able to synthesize complex issues, and provide clarity to others.
• Experience in an institution of higher education is strongly preferred.

Additional Information

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week.
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
• Application Requirements: Cover letters are required for every application for a position at the Harvard Radcliffe Institute.
• Interviews: Interviews will be conducted virtually and in‑person for selected candidates.
• Pre‑Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Employment, and Credit.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 061. The corresponding salary range and related information can be viewed on Harvard’s Salary Ranges page.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Wellbeing and mental health resources
• Support for families and caregivers
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

EEO/Non‑Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non‑discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard’s academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university’s non‑discrimination policy. Harvard’s equal employment opportunity policy and non‑discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.