Chief Financial Officer, Faculty of Arts and Sciences

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 $1.8 B+ operating budget at the academic core of Harvard, the CFO will play a defining role in shaping the overall FAS financial strategy during a period of significant change and transformation across higher education. Working closely with the FAS Dean and the Dean of Administration & Finance as a trusted advisor, the CFO will lead the development of a more integrated, data‑driven financial model that uses finance not only to control costs but to enable ambitious teaching and groundbreaking research.

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. In collaboration with senior leaders and key central offices, the CFO plays a critical role in strategic planning and resource allocation across the FAS.

The CFO serves as a key advisor to the Dean for Administration & Finance and as a senior administrative leader in the FAS. This role is expected to identify and drive opportunities to improve operational efficiency and to enhance processes, systems, and technology that support financial management and decision‑making.

The CFO represents the FAS within the Harvard community and engages with faculty, students, alumni and university leadership. This role convenes diverse groups to inform approaches to financial challenges and represents the school at the university level on committees that consider financial policies and investments in facilities and program development. Through close collaboration with university leaders, the CFO helps drive improvements in budgeting, planning, forecasting, and financial and management reporting. The FAS CFO also works with the university CFO on a broad range of strategic, operational, and compliance matters.

Working with development and fundraising staff, the CFO explains the finances of the FAS to staff, alumni and donors, and helps translate elements of strategic planning into compelling fundraising initiatives.

The CFO leads the FAS Finance Office, a team of approximately 30 professionals, including the controller and the director of budget and planning. The controller is responsible for financial systems, payroll, general accounting and closing. The director of budget and planning leads the multi‑year forecast process, the annual budget process, ad‑hoc analyses of budgetary trends, budget performance reporting and supports financial leadership in departments. Efforts are underway to evolve the model to strengthen coordination, accountability and stewardship; the CFO will play a critical role in ensuring the success of this new model.

Working Conditions

Hybrid office environment; the position will be based in Cambridge, MA with an expectation of some workdays per week on campus.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience is required.
• 10+ years of progressive financial management responsibility.
• Leadership and supervisory experience.

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, strong business analytics acumen, focus on deliverables.
• M.B.A., C.P.A., or expertise in fund accounting or other relevant technical areas, such as accounting for endowments.
• Demonstrated experience serving as a thought partner to senior leaders, advising beyond the math and building succinct business cases.
• Proven success inspiring, developing and leading a data‑driven, mission‑oriented, service‑mindful team.
• Approach work with meticulous attention to detail, strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience in change leadership at scale.

Job Details

• Standard hours/schedule: 35 hours per week.
• Visa sponsorship: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
• Pre‑employment screening: Identity, education, criminal, credit.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off including parental leave.
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one.
• Retirement plans with university contributions.
• Well‑being 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 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.