Chief Financial Officer

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Why join the Harvard Graduate School of Education?

The Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE) is a diverse community of learners, teachers, and employees who are passionate about changing the world through education and striving for maximum impact in the field of education.

Many choose to work at the Harvard Graduate School of Education because they believe in our mission and are excited by our vision for the future. We have a reputation as a great place to work, for our excellent leadership, and we are a strong community that values diversity. For more information about HGSE, its programs, research, and faculty, please visit: www.gse.harvard.edu.

Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer and working in close partnership with the Dean and senior leadership, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) serves as HGSE’s principal leader for financial strategy, sustainability, and risk. The CFO is accountable for translating institutional priorities into financial plans, models, policies, and tradeoffs that support HGSE’s teaching, learning, and research mission.

As a senior institutional leader, the CFO provides executive leadership across financial management, research administration, compliance, and risk management, and plays a central role in enabling disciplined prioritization, long-term planning, and operational excellence in a complex academic environment.

HGSE is a residential academic community supporting primarily on-campus degree programs, along with faculty and staff. Our commitment to a vibrant campus culture relies on strong in-person engagement, which fosters collaboration, innovation, and a high-quality student experience. This position requires an on-campus presence several days per week, with flexibility during certain times of the year. Evening and weekend work may be required, either in person or remotely.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Financial Leadership & Institutional Planning

The CFO is accountable for HGSE’s overall financial strategy and long-term sustainability and serves as a key advisor to the Dean and Chief Administrative Officer.

• Leading the development and execution of HGSE’s long-range financial strategy and multi-year financial plans
• Translating institutional priorities into clear financial models, scenarios, and tradeoffs
• Advising senior leadership on resource allocation decisions, investment strategies, and financial risks
• Supporting strategic planning initiatives related to academic programs, research growth, enrollment, tuition and fees, and financial aid
• Leading financial analysis to inform decisions about starting, scaling, reshaping, or sunsetting programs and initiatives
• Ensuring financial considerations are integrated into faculty planning, workforce planning, facilities planning, and capital investments

Financial Management, Budgeting & Fiscal Stewardship

The CFO has direct accountability for the financial health and integrity of HGSE, including its $166 million operating budget.

• Oversight of annual and multi-year budgeting, forecasting, and financial performance reporting
• Establishing and maintaining fiscal policies, controls, and spending guidelines
• Ensuring sound financial management practices across all HGSE departments and units
• Monitoring financial performance and identifying risks, trends, and opportunities for improvement
• Ensuring compliance with University financial policies and external regulatory requirements
• Promoting transparency, consistency, and accountability in financial decision-making

Financial Systems, Data, and Analytics

The CFO is responsible for ensuring that HGSE’s financial systems, data, and analytics enable effective institutional decision-making.

• Oversight of financial systems, tools, and processes used for budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and analysis
• Ensuring the integrity, accuracy, and accessibility of financial data across the School
• Advancing the use of analytics and financial modeling to support scenario planning and strategic decisions
• Partnering with the CIO/CIOP and University stakeholders on financial systems modernization and integration
• Improving the usability and clarity of financial reporting for non-financial leaders and stakeholders

Research Administration & Sponsored Programs

The CFO provides strategic and operational oversight of HGSE’s $30 million Research Administration Program.

• Oversight of all pre-award and post-award sponsored research administration activities
• Ensuring effective support for faculty and research staff throughout the research lifecycle
• Maintaining compliance with sponsor, University, and regulatory requirements
• Strengthening processes that enable responsible research growth while minimizing administrative burden
• Partnering with faculty leadership and University offices to align research administration practices with institutional goals

Compliance, Risk Management & Institutional Integrity

The CFO leads HGSE’s approach to financial compliance and institutional risk management.

• Leading the School’s risk assessment and management program in partnership with University Risk Management and Audit Services
• Serving as HGSE’s Designated Institutional Official (DIO)
• Oversight of the Financial Conflict of Interest program in partnership with the Office of the Vice Provost for Research
• Ensuring compliance frameworks protect HGSE’s reputation, funding eligibility, and operational continuity
• Identifying emerging risks and advising leadership on mitigation strategies

Staffing, Leadership, and Organizational Development

The CFO leads, mentors, and develops inclusive finance, research administration, and compliance leadership and staff while building financial capability across HGSE.

• Lead, mentor, and develop inclusive finance, research administration, and compliance leadership and staff across multiple functional domains.
• Build and retain a skilled, engaged, and appropriately resourced Finance organization, providing exceptional leadership and effective supervision of the Director of Financial Planning and Analysis, Controller, Director of Research Administration, Associate Director of Compliance and Risk Management, and associated professional staff.
• Model inclusive leadership in team meetings, hiring practices, performance management, professional growth opportunities, and mentorship.
• Set clear strategic direction, priorities, and performance expectations for finance, research administration, and compliance functions.
• Partner with HGSE leadership to assess evolving staffing and capability needs in areas such as financial analytics, financial systems, sponsored research administration, compliance, risk management, and institutional planning.
• Support recruitment, retention, professional development, and succession planning for finance and related functional staff.
• Build financial literacy, shared standards, and strong working relationships across departments to strengthen decentralized decision-making and institutional effectiveness.

University IT Leadership, Governance, and Engagement

The CFO represents HGSE within the broader Harvard community and contributes to University-wide strategy and governance.

• Representing HGSE on University committees related to financial policy, financial systems, information technology investments, and facilities planning
• Collaborating with the University CFO and other senior leaders on shared financial, operational, and compliance initiatives
• Convening HGSE stakeholders to address financial opportunities and challenges
• Facilitating adoption of University-wide improvements in budgeting, planning, forecasting, and reporting

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible financial management experience
• Demonstrated leadership and supervisory experience

Qualified Harvard Internal applicants are encouraged to apply.

This position includes a six-month orientation and review period.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge of financial principles and experience with financial systems, analytics, and reporting tools
• Experience in a university or research-intensive organization, including sponsored research administration
• Experience leading compliance and risk management activities in complex organizations
• Proven success building and leading data-informed, mission-driven teams
• Demonstrated ability to serve as a strategic thought partner to senior leaders
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to translate complex financial information for non-financial audiences
• Experience leading complex organizational, systems, or process change in decentralized environments
• MBA, CPA, or deep expertise in fund accounting or endowment accounting preferred

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity and Education

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  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.