Associate Dean of Finance and Chief Financial Officer

Job Summary

Reporting to the Executive Dean, the Associate Dean for Finance and Chief Financial Officer 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 and effective financial operations in support of Radcliffe's mission and strategic goals.

• 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 sun setting 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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…