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Why join the Harvard Kennedy School?

The John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University is one of 12 graduate and professional schools at the university. Harvard Kennedy School’s mission is to improve public policy and leadership so people can live in societies that are more safe, free, just, and sustainably prosperous. By combining cutting-edge research, the teaching of outstanding students, and direct interaction with practitioners, we have an impact on solving public problems that no other institution can match. When you work at Harvard Kennedy School, you make a difference.

Reporting to the Executive Dean and in close partnership withÂthe Dean andÂother senior leaders, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) leads theÂfinancial managementÂand strategic financial planning efforts of Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) in support of its teaching, learning, and research mission.Â

The CFO has direct responsibility for the overallÂfinancial managementÂof HKS including accountability for theÂSchool’sÂ$280 million operating budget,Âfiscal policies and procedures, efficiency and effectiveness of financial systems, and fiscal compliance and control.ÂFurther, theÂCFOÂleadsÂtheÂSchool’sÂrisk assessmentÂand management program,Âin partnershipÂwith theÂUniversity’s RiskÂManagement and Audit ServicesÂdepartment.Â

The CFO is also directly responsible for the development and maintenance of financial models, and, in collaboration with partner offices, the development and implementation of financial strategies in support of all facets of strategic planning forÂHKS, including overall 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. The CFO is also responsible for collaboration withinÂHKSÂand across the University on key strategic initiatives such as space planning and financial sustainability.Â

The CFO serves as a key advisor and partner to theÂExecutive Dean and the Dean,Âand as a senior administrative leaderÂat HKS,Âhas the opportunity toÂmake a significant impact by improving operational efficiencies and enhancing processes to supportÂHKS.ÂÂThe CFO also serves as the leader of theÂfinancial managementÂcommunityÂatÂHKSÂand will have the opportunity to build and support that community.Â

The CFOÂrepresentsÂthe interests ofÂHKSÂwithin theÂbroaderÂHarvard community,ÂincludingÂUniversity leadership.ÂÂThis role is expected toÂconveneÂstakeholders toÂinform the approach to addressing financialÂopportunities andÂchallenges facingÂHKS andÂto inform policy and management practicesÂacross theÂSchool andÂUniversity-wide.ÂÂThe CFOÂrepresentsÂtheÂSchool at theÂUniversity level on committees that consider financial policiesÂandÂinvestments in informationÂtechnology andÂfacilities.ÂThrough interaction with university-level leaders, the CFO facilitates the implementation of operational improvements in the areas of budgeting, planning, forecasting, and financial and management reporting.ÂIn addition, theÂHKSÂCFO works collaboratively with theÂUniversity CFO on a wide range ofÂstrategy, operations, and compliance issues.Â

The CFO provides direct leadership to theÂHKSÂController andÂthe Director ofÂFinancialÂPlanning and Analysis, and a staff of approximatelyÂ11Âprofessionals.ÂÂResponsibilities of the Controller include the creation and maintenance of financial systemsÂandÂprocedures, payrolls, general accounting,ÂtaxÂandÂaudit compliance,Âand interim and year-end closings.ÂÂResponsibilities of the DirectorÂof Financial Planning and AnalysisÂincludeÂdevelopmentÂandÂimplementationÂof strategies for budgeting,Âforecasting,Âspending policies,Âbudget performance reporting,Ârevenue enhancements,ÂleadershipÂof the long-termÂplanning and annual budget process,Âand support for financial leadership in departments as needed.ÂÂAs a manager, the CFO is expectedÂnot onlyÂto recruit, develop, andÂretainÂaÂhigh-performing professional staff, but alsoÂto fosterÂa culture of teamwork and inclusion that values, supports, and motivates the staff.Â

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Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's DegreeÂisÂrequired

• 10+ years of experience with progressiveÂfinancial managementÂresponsibilityÂrequiredÂ

• Leadership & supervisory experienceÂrequiredÂ

Additional Qualifications:

The following job-related skills, experience, and competencies are preferred:Â

• Advanced knowledge of financial principles and familiarity with technologies thatÂimpactÂfinancial functions as well as the overall operation and strong acumen in business analytics with a focus on deliverables.Â

• Proven success inspiring, developing, and leading a data-driven, mission-oriented, service-minded team.Â

• Demonstrated experience serving as a thought partner to senior leaders, adding value beyond the strict definition of the position; able to advise on financial and strategic issues and build a succinct business case in relevant terms for each audience, balancing rigor, structure, and effectiveness.Â

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to navigate difficult conversations and the ability to clearly convey complex financial and budget information to non-financial audiences.Â

• Approach work with discipline, precision, and attention to detail.Â

• MBA, CPA, orÂexpertiseÂin fund accounting or other relevant technical areas, such as accounting for endowments, preferred.Â

• Experience in a university or research organization with working knowledge of sponsored program administration.Â

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• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Criminal, Credit
• Other information:
  • This position isÂfull-time andÂbased on our campus in Cambridge, MA, and requiresÂworking on-siteÂat leastÂfourÂdays/week.Â
  • Application Instructions:Âcandidates shouldÂsubmitÂa cover letter andÂresumeÂ

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 062. Please visit ÂHarvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information.Â

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:Â

• Generous paid time off including parental leaveÂ
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day oneÂ
• Retirement plans with university contributionsÂ
• Wellbeing and mental health resourcesÂ
• Support for families and caregiversÂ
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursementÂ
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perksÂ

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

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.