Arts and Humanities Divisional Director, FAS Finance

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 Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) is the historic heart of Harvard University. It is the home of Harvard’s undergraduate program (Harvard College) as well as all of Harvard’s Ph.D. programs, Harvard Athletics, and the Division of Continuing Education. The 40 academic departments and 30+ centers of the FAS support a community unparalleled in academic excellence across the liberal arts and sciences disciplines.

Together, the FAS seeks to foster an environment of ambition, curiosity, and shared commitment to knowledge and truth that elicits excellence from all members of our community and prepares the next generation of leaders through a transformative educational experience.

The Arts and Humanities Divisional Director, FAS Finances, serves as the senior financial advisor to the Arts and Humanities divisional leadership, with responsibility for financial oversight across all departments and centers in the division and all fund types. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, this role leads divisional budgeting and forecasting in partnership with the Financial Planning and Analysis team, supports strategic decision‑making, and ensures alignment with Faculty of Arts and Sciences financial policies and planning processes.

The incumbent plays a key role in advancing financial strategy and stewardship at the divisional level.

• Lead the development and management of the division’s annual budget and multi‑year financial forecasts.
• Monitor financial performance and analyze budget‑to‑actual variances; communicate findings and recommendations to leadership.
• Identify financial risks and opportunities and develop mitigation strategies.
• Optimize assignment of restricted and unrestricted funds to sustainably advance divisional and school priorities.
• Lead the evaluation, piloting, and deployment of AI‑enabled tools to streamline financial processes and operations. Explore AI‑driven analytics to uncover actionable financial insights.

• Serve as a trusted advisor to divisional leadership on financial strategy and resource planning.
• Translate FAS financial guidance and priorities into divisional implementation.
• Provide financial analysis to support academic and operational initiatives, including investment decisions.

• Supervise and develop finance staff across the division, including all unit‑level finance leaders.
• Establish and promote consistent financial practices, processes, and reporting standards.
• Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, encouraging the thoughtful adoption of new tools and technologies across the division in partnership with the CFO.

• Ensure compliance with FAS financial policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Serve as the primary point of contact between the division and central FAS Finance.

Working Conditions
:
Work is performed in an office setting; this is a hybrid position requiring 3 days on campus.

Physical Requirements
:
Sitting and using near vision for reading and computer work for extended periods of time.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required.
• Minimum of 10 years’ relevant work experience.
• Supervisory experience.

• Advanced degree (MBA) or professional certification (CPA) desirable.
• Demonstrated experience partnering with senior leaders on financial planning and strategy.
• Strong analytical skills, including budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis.
• Excellent judgment and ability to translate complex financial information for diverse audiences.
• Proven leadership and staff management experience.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

• Standard Hours/Schedule
  : 35 hours per week.
• Visa Sponsorship Information
  :
  Harvard University is unable to provide visa…