Harvard Kennedy School · 6 hours ago
Chief Financial Officer
Cambridge, MA
Full-time
Hybrid
Director/Executive
10+ years expHarvard Kennedy School is part of Harvard University, dedicated to improving public policy and leadership. The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) will lead financial management and strategic planning efforts, ensuring the School's financial health and compliance while supporting its mission through effective resource allocation.
Education
No H1B
Hiring Manager
Erin Sharicz
Responsibilities
Leads the financial management and strategic financial planning efforts of Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) in support of its teaching, learning, and research mission
Has direct responsibility for the overall financial management of HKS including accountability for the School’s $280 million operating budget, fiscal policies and procedures, efficiency and effectiveness of financial systems, and fiscal compliance and control
Leads the School’s risk assessment and management program, in partnership with the University’s Risk Management and Audit Services department
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 for HKS, 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
Serves as a key advisor and partner to the Executive Dean and the Dean, and as a senior administrative leader at HKS, has the opportunity to make a significant impact by improving operational efficiencies and enhancing processes to support HKS
Serves as the leader of the financial management community at HKS and will have the opportunity to build and support that community
Represents the interests of HKS within the broader Harvard community, including University leadership
Expected to convene stakeholders to inform the approach to addressing financial opportunities and challenges facing HKS and to inform policy and management practices across the School and University-wide
Represents the School at the University level on committees that consider financial policies and investments in information technology and facilities
Facilitates the implementation of operational improvements in the areas of budgeting, planning, forecasting, and financial and management reporting
Works collaboratively with the University CFO on a wide range of strategy, operations, and compliance issues
Provides direct leadership to the HKS Controller and the Director of Financial Planning and Analysis, and a staff of approximately 11 professionals
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's Degree is required
10+ years of experience with progressive financial management responsibility required
Leadership & supervisory experience required
Preferred
Advanced knowledge of financial principles and familiarity with technologies that impact financial functions as well as the overall operation and strong acumen in business analytics with a focus on deliverables
Proven success inspiring, developing, and leading a data-driven, mission-oriented, service-minded team
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
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
Approach work with discipline, precision, and attention to detail
MBA, CPA, or expertise in fund accounting or other relevant technical areas, such as accounting for endowments, preferred
Experience in a university or research organization with working knowledge of sponsored program administration
Benefits
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
Company
Harvard Kennedy School
Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University is a public policy and public administration school. It is a sub-organization of Harvard University.
201-500 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageLeadership Team
Eric Rosenbach
Co-Director, Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs
Rafael Carbonell
Executive Director, Taubman Center for State and Local Government; Adjunct Lecturer in Public Policy
Recent News
Boston Herald
2025-12-04
News Archives - Times Kuwait
2025-11-27
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