Associate Dean of Finance and Chief Financial Officer

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Why join the Harvard Radcliffe Institute?

The Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study at Harvard University, known colloquially as Harvard Radcliffe Institute, is one of the world’s leading centers for interdisciplinary exploration. We bring together students, scholars, artists, and practitioners to pursue curiosity-driven research, expand human understanding, and grapple with questions that demand insight from across disciplines.

The Fellowship Program annually supports the work of 50 leading artists and scholars. Academic Ventures fosters collaborative research projects and sponsors lectures and conferences that engage scholars with the public. The Schlesinger Library documents the lives of American women of the past and present for the future, furthering the Institute's commitment to women, gender, and society. The Emerging Leaders Program is a youth leadership development program partnering local high school sophomores with Harvard undergraduates in a mentoring relationship.

The Institute’s work is shaped by its history as the former Radcliffe College-a school founded to ensure that the standard of education embodied in Harvard was accessible to women, who were then excluded from the University. But the legacy of Radcliffe College is not simply coeducation at Harvard; it is the recognition that universities will always be greater when they draw wisdom and talent from the widest possible pool.

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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.

As a strategic business partner and trusted thought-partner to the Executive Dean and senior leadership team, the Associate Dean for Finance/CFO plays a critical role in aligning resources with institutional priorities, strengthening decision-making through data-informed analysis, and enhancing operational effectiveness to support the Institute’s continued growth and impact.

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:

The demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• 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.

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week.
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
• Application Requirements: Please note that cover letters are required for every application for a position at the Harvard Radcliffe Institute.
• Interviews: We will be conducting interviews virtually and in-person for selected candidates. We appreciate your understanding and flexibility with our interview process.
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Employment, and Credit.

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Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 061. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• 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 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

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.