Posted: 26-Nov-25
Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
Internal Number: 530959f8-a349-4c6d-90b4-f9c311351de2
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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 with the Dean and other senior leaders, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) leads the financial management and strategic financial planning efforts of Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) in support of its teaching, learning, and research mission.
The CFO 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. Further, the CFO leads the School’s risk assessment and management program, in partnership with the University’s Risk Management and Audit Services department.
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 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. The CFO is also responsible for collaboration within HKS and across the University on key strategic initiatives such as space planning and financial sustainability.
The CFO 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. The CFO also serves as the leader of the financial management community at HKS and will have the opportunity to build and support that community.
The CFO represents the interests of HKS within the broader Harvard community, including University leadership. This role is 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. The CFO represents the School at the University level on committees that consider financial policies and investments in information technology and facilities. Through 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. In addition, the HKS CFO works collaboratively with the University CFO on a wide range of strategy, operations, and compliance issues.
The CFO provides direct leadership to the HKS Controller and the Director of Financial Planning and Analysis, and a staff of approximately 11 professionals. Responsibilities of the Controller include the creation and maintenance of financial systems and procedures, payrolls, general accounting, tax and audit compliance, and interim and year-end closings. Responsibilities of the Director of Financial Planning and Analysis include development and implementation of strategies for budgeting, forecasting, spending policies, budget performance reporting, revenue enhancements, leadership of the long-term planning and annual budget process, and support for financial leadership in departments as needed. As a manager, the CFO is expected not only to recruit, develop, and retain a high-performing professional staff, but also to foster a culture of teamwork and inclusion that values, supports, and motivates the staff.
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Basic Qualifications:
Bachelor's Degree is required
10+ years of experience with progressive financial management responsibility required
Leadership & supervisory experience required
Additional Qualifications:
The following job-related skills, experience, and competencies are 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.
- 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 is full-time and based on our campus in Cambridge, MA, and requires working on-site at least four days/week.
- Application Instructions: candidates should submit a cover letter and resume
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.