Chief Financial Officer

Job Summary :

The Harvard University Graduate School of Design is dedicated to the education and development of design professionals in architecture, landscape architecture, urban planning, and urban design. With a commitment to design excellence that demands the skillful manipulation of form and technology and draws inspiration from a broad range of social, environmental, and cultural issues, the Graduate School of Design provides leadership for shaping the built environment of the 21st century.

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for the Graduate School of Design (GSD) reports to the Administrative Dean, with a dotted line to the Vice President for Finance and Chief Financial Officer for Harvard University. The CFO provides leadership and financial strategy in budgeting, planning, financial management, research administration, and reporting for the GSD with an annual budget of $70+ million. As a member of the School’s Administrative Leadership Council, the CFO acts as a senior advisor to the Dean and other members of the school’s leadership team on strategic and long-range financial planning matters and represents the school at the University level.

 

Position Description :

The CFO will lead a team of eight in the execution of the Design School’s financial planning, financial operations, and research administration.

Leads the annual and multi-year operating and capital budget/planning processes, financial risk assessment, financial reporting and analysis, accounting operations, payroll administration, general ledger management, and service delivery for the Finance Office.

Oversees the Design School’s department of Research Administration, which supports the development of grant proposals and provides post-award reporting, compliance oversight, and grants management.

Directs creation and maintenance of financial systems/procedures, payrolls, general accounting, and interim and year-end closings. Implements and ensures compliance with School and University financial policies and procedures.

Advises Development staff on structuring gift proposals and reviews restricted fund terms.

Supports donor stewardship and effective, term-compliant use of donor funds.

Serves as a resource to staff regarding department operating budgets and other financial matters.

Collaborates with Administrative Dean and senior staff to provide leadership in the overall administrative function of the school, and University-wide issues such as compliance, planning, reporting, risk management, contracts management etc.

Provides creative problem-solving on financial issues confronting the school. 

Serves as GSD representative on the Financial Dean’s Forum and serves on university committees.

Serves as a strategic business partner to GSD Senior leadership with the opportunity to make a significant impact by identifying strategic opportunities, improving operational efficiencies, and enhancing processes and systems to support the mission of the Design School.



Basic Qualifications :

Advanced degree in accounting, financial management, business administration or related field required. Minimum of 10 years of related financial experience, including budgeting, forecasting, non-profit accounting, and financial management. Expertise in financial reporting, analysis, and strategic planning. Proven analytical and problem-solving skills.

 

Additional Qualifications and Skills :

Experience managing a multi-functional financial team preferred. Demonstrated leadership, strategic planning, problem solving, influencing, and collaboration skills. Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and to work under deadlines. Experience in higher education strongly preferred. Excellent verbal and written, interpersonal, presentation, and customer service skills with diverse audiences.

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

Harvard University continues to place the highest priority on the health, safety and wellbeing of its faculty, staff, and students, as well as the wider community. Please note that all new employees will be required to provide confirmation of primary series COVID-19 vaccination upon hire, as detailed on our COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement Webpage. Harvard University Health Services employees and other health care individuals are also required to be up to date on vaccination as described by the CDC. Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. Additional information regarding this requirement, exemptions, verification of vaccination status, and other related policies and resources may be found on the University’s COVID-19 Information Website.

Salary ranges at Harvard:

Salary ranges within each pay grade are based on qualifications, skills, experience, equity in comparison to similar positions, and external market values. Salary ranges allow for differences among positions within the same grade as well increasing levels of responsibility and performance within the same job. Typically a new hire can expect a starting salary somewhere in the lower part of the range. The amount will vary based on the position and the candidate’s relevant experience. No employee will be paid below the minimum.