Reporting to the Media Lab’s Director, the Head of Finance will oversee financial planning for this large, interdisciplinary research lab with current annual expenditures totaling over $45M. The Head of Finance will actively identify trends, external opportunities, and risks that might affect the financial position of the Lab. The Head of Finance is expected to have complete command of the financial drivers of the organization in order to assist the Director to make strategic decisions. Must understand and help execute on the Director’s initiatives. Will be a key member of the Lab’s senior operations team and provide oversight for the Lab’s finance group.
- Develop and apply deep understanding of the Lab’s financial drivers, the MIT budgeting and accounting systems, and the external financial environment to identify and evaluate financial risks and opportunities for the Lab and enable the Director to make financially sound business decisions and execute vision.
- Oversee development and regular production of a comprehensive set of management reports and dashboards for the Director. Ensure that these customized management reports accord with MIT’s financial accounting system.
- Establish annual budget and manage monthly monitoring process.
- Oversee management of research revenues and expenditures in compliance with sponsor regulations and MIT policy.
- Support the negotiation and structuring of major agreements between MIT and funders on behalf of the Lab, including international agreements.
- Make clear and effective presentations on the Lab’s financial position to external audiences, including Institute leaders and current and potential funders.
- Consult and collaborate with Institute peers and senior leaders as appropriate, including in the offices of the Executive Vice President and the Vice President for Finance, the Office of Sponsored Programs, the Technology Licensing Office, and the Office of the Dean for the School of Architecture and Planning.
- Participate in and lead, as appropriate, activities of senior operations team.
Qualifications
Ten years of strategic business and financial management experience required; operations management experience a plus. MBA and familiarity with sponsored research funding desirable, as is international business experience. Must have significant computer and quantitative expertise, along with exceptional verbal and written communication and presentation skills. Comfort and expertise in dealing with diverse professional community required. Successful candidate will demonstrate excellent judgment, an appreciation for a highly innovative environment, and the ability to adapt easily to new ideas and circumstances and to propose creative solutions.
Interested applicants should submit a resume and cover letter referencing job no. 10388 at http://hrweb.mit.edu/staffing/; keyword is Media Laboratory.
