Chief Financial Officer (CFO) - (Finance Mgr 4)

The Hoover Institution at Stanford University is seeking qualified candidates for the full-time position of an Associate Director of Finance, Chief Financial Officer (CFO). 

A cover letter and resume are required for full consideration.

About Stanford University’s Hoover Institution:  The Hoover Institution on War, Revolution, and Peace is a public policy research center devoted to the advanced study of economics, politics, history, and political economy—both domestic and foreign—as well as international affairs. 

With its eminent scholars and world-renowned library and archives, the Hoover Institution seeks to improve the human condition by advancing ideas that promote economic opportunity and prosperity while securing and safeguarding peace for America and all humanity.

JOB PURPOSE:

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at the Hoover Institution is entrusted with the critical responsibility of leading the institution's financial strategy and management. This role involves the comprehensive oversight of financial operations, including the strategic planning, allocation, and efficient utilization of financial resources across various complex portfolios that encompass internal and external organizations, international engagements, and significant financial transactions. The CFO is tasked with steering the finance department, comprising eight professionals, towards achieving the institution's financial goals while ensuring compliance and mitigating risks associated with large-scale financial activities.

Beyond financial stewardship, the CFO's role is inherently collaborative and requires exceptional leadership to build coalitions and inter-functional teams. This is essential for fostering a culture of innovation and problem-solving, where diverse groups come together to devise and implement effective solutions. The ability to communicate effectively, negotiate skillfully, and drive consensus among different stakeholders is pivotal for the CFO to harmonize financial strategies with the broader organizational objectives, ensuring the Hoover Institution's sustained success and impact.

CORE DUTIES*:

•    Direct the development of and manage the budget and financial operations, including the development and implementation of strategies for: budgeting; forecasting, modeling & projecting; identifying & explaining variances; financial reporting; internal controls; expense reductions; cost containment; and revenue enhancements.
•    Design, establish, and maintain an organizational structure and staffing to effectively accomplish the organization's goals and objectives; oversee recruitment, training, supervision, and evaluation of staff.
•    Direct efforts to manage, forecast, monitor, analyze, and report on school/unit finances, including strategies for use of capital and restricted/non-restrict funds.
•    Prepare the annual budget(s) in accordance with university procedures and timetables.
•    Develop and maintain forecasting model for capital and operating budgets, develop long-range financial forecast, and develop capital and operating performance targets.
•    Develop, interpret, document and implement local financial and internal control policies, procedures and processes on finance, accounting, budgeting, financial/accounting systems, internal controls and auditing related to and consistent with those of the university.
•    Develop and maintain tools for financial analyses of strategic initiatives; develop and maintain financial reports and tools for operating departments.
•    Identify and resolve strategic problems that affect the overall functioning beyond Hoover that have university wide impact.
•    Perform quantitative work including: developing revenue and cost projections; budgeting; cash flow projection, performance monitoring, reporting, and projection; preparation of various key performance indicator reports; and other reports as required.
•    Evaluate economic and social forces and government influences; interpret their effects upon the organization’s financial performance.
•    Collaborate with university senior business services managers to formulate, review and/or amend policies; work with external regulatory agencies on issues of mutual interest.

*The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities.  Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility.  Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education & Experience:

Master’s degree and ten years relevant experience or combination of education and relevant experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

•    Demonstrated ability to apply financial and analytical skills based on a firm understanding of the mission, strategy and operating principles of the Hoover Institution.
•    Broad and deep subject matter expertise in all aspects of CFO-type responsibilities including financial acumen, services and controls.
•    Demonstrated ability to work and interact effectively with individuals representing a broad range of skills and experiences, and the ability to build coalitions and inter-functional teams to leverage synergistic relationships.
•    Proven strategic and innovative thinker who plans and makes decisions within the framework of the Hoover Institution and university’s strategic intent.
•    Advanced user of standard business computer systems and software including Microsoft Excel, Power Point, Word and other business support resources. Knowledge of software to quantify and illustrate complex financial reports, comparisons, impacts, and/or projections.
•    Skill in examining and re-engineering operations and procedures, formulating policy, and developing and implementing new strategies and procedures.
•    Successful experience with organizational development and staff development, and a proven ability to create and manage change.
•    Strong interpersonal skills, leadership and the ability to bring people together to create solutions and to forge a successful conclusion.
•    Ability to clearly and effectively present information to internal and external audiences, client groups and all levels of management and serve as an advisor to senior and university leadership.
•    Advanced oral and written communication skills.
•    Previous experience in strategic management and leading large multi-functional teams.

Certifications and Licenses: 

•    None

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS*:
•    Constantly sitting.
•    Frequently perform desk-based computer tasks, use telephone, writing by hand, sort/file paperwork.
•    Occasionally stand/walk, lift/carry objects weighing 11-20 pounds.
•    Rarely reach/work above shoulder.
* - Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Routine extended working hours during peak cycles; travel to school/unit sites across university.

The expected pay range for this position is $250,000-$283,000 per annum. Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

WORK STANDARDS:

•    Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients as well as with external organizations.
•    Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
•    Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu .

The Hoover Institution at Stanford University is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.