Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

The Opportunity

Lesley University seeks a Vice President of Finance/Chief Financial Officer (CFO) with strong business analytic and hands-on modelling skills to work with the President and senior leaders to drive 1) a new profit and loss financial budgeting system for managing a complex academic organization; 2) an accounting function that continues to generate clean audits and update and improve controls; 3) a nimble financial modelling function; and 4) high level customer service to internal and external constituents.

Qualities and Capabilities

Lesley seeks an experienced and collaborative leader who can build upon current efforts to change the way Lesley University thinks about and manages its resources to support strategic imperatives. In addition, Lesley seeks candidates with the following attributes:

• Evidence of strategic leadership experience overseeing financial and business functions, preferably within higher education and/or a comparably complex organizational setting.

• Deep financial expertise coupled with strong technical knowledge, thorough understanding of financial operations, and ability to develop and execute a long-term financial strategy.

• Deep competencies in financial analysis, strategic financial modeling, scenario planning, and hands-on metrics management.

• Business acumen and ability to interpret data and incorporate into business insights and provide strategic guidance.

• Proven track record for visionary leadership during organizational growth and demonstrated success in driving change in complex organizations.

• Excellent interpersonal skills and capacity to engage others in solving problems.

• Crisp, concise communication skills.

• Track record of building, developing and leading strong teams.

• An open, collaborative and engaging management style that builds strong relationships across the campus.

• Significant experience leading financial and accounting functions at a senior level in a complex organization, preferably as a vice president of finance and/or chief financial officer.

• Bachelor’s degree required, advanced degree in finance or related field preferred.

Why Lesley

Located in the heart of Cambridge, Massachusetts, Lesley University is highly regarded for its graduate and undergraduate programs in the human arts of education, the arts, and applied social sciences. Lesley fosters a highly creative environment in which innovative ideas thrive, theory is integrated with practice and its 6,400 students and 90,000 alumni are empowered to improve and enrich communities.

We offer a competitive benefits package that includes health, dental, life, and long-term disability insurance. In addition, we offer significant paid time off, a generous retirement plan, and tuition programs that enable employees and their dependents to expand their knowledge and skills.

Lesley is committed to the ongoing pursuit of strategic diversity initiatives that help to position diversity, equity, and inclusion as fundamental to institutional and academic excellence at Lesley. In doing so, Lesley strives for a campus culture and community that fosters a true sense of belonging for all, provides opportunity for everyone to participate equally and fully in the Lesley experience, and helps to develop each individual's capacity to confidently and competently engage within and across difference. Given an evolving national context and the rapid change in the demographic profile of our country, the University has made a significant commitment to addressing and enhancing its campus climate and diversity capabilities as an institution.

Expressing Interest

A letter of interest, CV/resume, and a statement addressing past and/or potential contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion through teaching, professional activity, and/or service must be included for full consideration.

At Lesley University we strive for a supportive and equitable environment where people -- regardless of race, ethnicity, color, sex, physical ability, religion, national origin or ancestry, age, neurodiversity, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, veteran or military status, membership in uniformed services, and all other categories protected by applicable state and federal laws -- can participate equally and fully as their true selves in all aspects of university life. Accordingly, the University prohibits discrimination based on these protected categories in any education program or activity that it operates, including in admission and in employment. We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the fabric of our institution. Individuals may submit concerns or questions related to discrimination to the University's Director of Equal Opportunity. Please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity's webpage for the University's entire notice of nondiscrimination and for additional information.