Director of Financial Management and Planning

The Director of Financial Management and Planning oversees the financial administration of the Ash Center and all its affiliated programs and initiatives, whose activities are supported by a large portfolio of current use gift funds, federal and non-federal sponsored awards, and endowment funds. Candidates must demonstrate high-level experience in financial strategy and administration, exceptional judgment, and willingness to approach problems with creativity and collegiality. The Ash Center is a global community committed to rigor, curiosity, and integrity that believes diverse perspectives and lived experiences are essential to understanding real-world problems. We actively seek candidates who share our commitment and values.
Reporting to the Ash Center Executive Director, the Director of Financial Management and Planning is a key member of the Ash Center leadership team. They work closely with the Center Faculty Director as well as key faculty and senior program staff to ensure the long-term financial health and growth of the Ash Center as it becomes the University hub for faculty, scholars, and students committed to strengthening democracy and self-determination.
The Director supervises the Center’s financial team to provide guidance and oversight of all financial functions—including financial analysis and reporting, financial operations, and research administration. Specific responsibilities include:
Provide strategic financial guidance to the Faculty Director and Executive Director to ensure resource allocation enables Center goals and objectives.
Develop and maintain a 5-year financial plan for the Center’s three foundational endowment funds.
Oversee the work of the Center’s finance team including the Assistant Director of Finance and Research Administration, Financial Associate, Financial and Administrative Associate, and part-time Financial Assistant. Work closely with the Assistant Director of Finance and Research Administration to oversee proper administration of sponsored grants and contracts.
Lead annual budgeting process for all funds in conjunction with Center Executive Director.
Direct financial operations including updating the Center’s chart of accounts, record keeping systems, training opportunities, and appropriate practices and control mechanisms to ensure sound fiscal management and proper stewardship of funds.
Provide regular financial reporting to PIs, senior managers, and Center leadership.
Develop deep working understanding of the financial plans for multiple programs; work with faculty PIs and senior managers to proactively address deviations from approved budgets.
Analyze complex financial data—Including variance and trend analyses—and develop financial analysis and projections.
Develop and strengthen key relationships with internal administrative offices and departments across HKS and the University to promote collaboration and efficiency.
Work with the Executive Director and HKS’ Office of Human Resources to implement and enforce personnel policies and procedures specifically related to hiring (domestic, international, temporary staff; contractors).
Work with the finance team to ensure appropriate implementation of HKS financial policies across all faculty, programs, and initiatives at the Center.
Working Conditions:
Work is performed in an office setting
Basic Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required
Minimum of 8 years’ relevant work experience
Supervisory experience
Additional Qualifications and Skills:
Senior financial management experience, and an understanding of higher education systems, governance, and decision-making
Experience providing strategic financial guidance and forecasting to senior leadership within a large, decentralized organization, preferably in higher education or another mission-driven environment
Record in developing and leading inclusive, high-performing teams—from hiring and onboarding to coaching and performance management—that bring out the best in all members
Experience managing gift, endowment, and/or sponsored-fund portfolios, including compliance with donor restrictions and multi-year financial planning
Strong customer service orientation with excellent communication and people skills, delivering on commitments and operating with speed, accuracy, and judgment

Employment type
Full-time

Work arrangement
Hybrid