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Instructions: Applicants interested in applying for this role must utilize the Isaacson, Miller application link and not apply through the Emerson Career Site.

Position Annoucement and Application Information: To apply for or nominate someone for this role, click here: https://www.imsearch.com/open-searches/emerson-college/cfo

Emerson College seeks a strategic, creative, and experienced financial leader to serve as its Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer (CFO). The Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) will have the opportunity to serve at an institution with a rich and sterling reputation in the fields of arts and communication that seeks to modernize and strengthen its business strategies and operations for a new era in higher education. Emerson is at a unique moment in its history. With a new president, senior leadership team, and a new strategic plan, the institution is infusing new perspectives and energies on serving its students, supporting its faculty and staff, and carrying out its mission. The next Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) will play a critical leadership role in helping to shape the future of Emerson College. 

Emerson was founded in 1880 and is a multifaceted institution that serves about 4,000 undergraduate and 1,500 graduate students. Its main campus is in Boston, MA, and it has locations in Los Angeles, CA, and the Netherlands. Throughout its history, Emerson students, faculty and staff have been at the forefront of advances in the arts and communication. The institution prides itself on excellence in the classroom and professionally and on a commitment to inclusion and belonging. Emerson is also in the final stage of a strategic planning process that has been intentionally inclusive and broad to bring a wide array of viewpoints that will help determine the priorities to which Emerson will devote its attention and resources.  

The College has a stable financial situation, with an operating budget of approximately $275 million and an endowment valued at roughly $265 million. Emerson’s leadership team remains focused on preparing for a constantly evolving external environment and changing market conditions and demands.

The Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) provides leadership and oversight of all financial matters. They have oversight of finance, budget and planning, treasury services and risk management, accounts payable, business intelligence, payroll, contracting and procurement services. The individual reports to the President of Emerson College, Dr. Jay Bernhardt, and is a member of the senior leadership team and staffs relevant board committees pertaining to business and financial matters. In its next Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Emerson seeks an experienced expert and leader who can bring creative and strategic direction to how the institution manages its finances; improve and innovate internal finance practices and operations; partner with the president, other college leadership and the board of trustees; effectively manage the finance team; and communicate proactively about financial matters with the President and the College community. 

Dan Rodas is leading this search with Kahn Lee. 

Emerson College believes diversity enriches every experience by providing the opportunity to learn from individuals who may have different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Engagement with diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of the College enhances the personal and intellectual growth of all members of our campus community. Emerson is committed to strengthening communities, including our workplace, by fostering the development of the intercultural competencies necessary for meaningful citizenship in an increasingly complex, pluralistic society. Emerson College embraces and encourages differences in age, color, disability, ethnicity, family or marital status, gender identity or expression, language, national origin, physical and mental ability, political affiliation, pregnancy, race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, veteran status, and other characteristics that make each of us unique.

Scheduled Weekly Hours: 36.25

In addition to a competitive salary, Emerson College is committed to the health and well-being of our employees and family members. We offer a generous benefits package to regular staff scheduled to work 20+ hours per week. 

Benefits include outstanding health plans with limited out-of-pocket expenses, dental plans, generous time-off programs, and a 403(b) retirement benefit with a 9% employer contribution once eligible. Additional benefits such as life and disability coverage as well as commuter offerings are available.

Please refer to our benefits website for a full list of benefits and eligibility requirements.