Associate Dean of Finance and Chief Financial Officer

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world‑changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

The Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study at Harvard University, known colloquially as Harvard Radcliffe Institute, is one of the world’s leading centers for interdisciplinary exploration. We bring together students, scholars, artists, and practitioners to pursue curiosity‑driven research, expand human understanding, and grapple with questions that demand insight from across disciplines.

The Fellowship Program annually supports the work of 50 leading artists and scholars. Academic Ventures fosters collaborative research projects and sponsors lectures and conferences that engage scholars with the public. The Schlesinger Library documents the lives of American women of the past and present for the future, furthering the Institute’s commitment to women, gender, and society. The Emerging Leaders Program is a youth leadership development program partnering local high school sophomores with Harvard undergraduates in a mentoring relationship.

The Institute’s work is shaped by its history as the former Radcliffe College—a school founded to ensure that the standard of education embodied in Harvard was accessible to women, who were then excluded from the University. But the legacy of Radcliffe College is not simply coeducation at Harvard; it is the recognition that universities will always be greater when they draw wisdom and talent from the widest possible pool.

Take a look at this video to get different staff perspectives on working at Harvard Radcliffe Institute!

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

The Associate Dean for Finance/CFO serves as a principal advisor on strategic planning, long‑range financial planning, fundraising, and risk management, and represents the Institute on University‑wide committees and working groups. The CFO is accountable for delivering high‑quality financial services; producing accurate, timely financial reporting; and ensuring compliance with University policies, internal controls, and applicable laws and regulations, while upholding the highest standards of accuracy, responsiveness, efficiency, and professionalism.

As a strategic business partner and trusted thought‑partner to the Executive Dean and senior leadership team, the Associate Dean for Finance/CFO plays a critical role in aligning resources with institutional priorities, strengthening decision‑making through data‑informed analysis, and enhancing operational effectiveness to support the Institute’s continued growth and impact.

• 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…