Job Description

Reporting to the Media Lab Director, the Director of Finance will provide financial leadership, strategic direction, and decision support to advance the Lab’s vision and mission. This role is responsible for aligning the Lab's financial strategy with both short- and long-term goals, establishing key metrics, and implementing control systems to ensure accurate and reliable financial reporting. The Director will oversee all financial operations, including pre- and post- award management, budgeting, financial reporting, planning, and forecasting. As a key member of the Lab’s leadership team, the Director of Finance will play a critical role in shaping the Lab’s financial future.

This is a hybrid position, with 3 days a week, or as needed, required onsite in Cambridge, MA.

Responsibilities

• Financial Strategy & Planning: Develop, implement, and monitor financial strategies aligned with the Lab’s strategic goals. Use a deep understanding of MIT budgeting, financial systems, and external factors to guide financially sound decisions for the Lab Director.
• Financial Modeling & Forecasting: Provide financial models and forecasts to drive business planning, revenue growth, and cost control. Oversee annual budget creation, multi-year forecasting, and monthly financial monitoring.
• Financial Reporting & Stakeholder Communication: Prepare and manage financial reporting to Lab leadership, MIT’s central administration, and other stakeholders. Provide clear presentations of complex financial data to meet diverse audience needs. 
• Financial Oversight & Compliance: Monitor all financial operations, including pre-and-post-award activities, reporting, accounting, and analysis, ensuring alignment with sponsor regulations, MIT policy, and audit standards. Implement best practices and control systems to mitigate risk, enhance compliance, and provide exceptional service to Media Lab PIs and other partners. Collaborate with internal and external auditors as needed. 
• Team Leadership & Development: Lead the finance team, overseeing daily operations, workforce planning, performance management, contracts and IP administration, and fostering a culture of transparency, innovation, and operational excellence. 
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including MAS faculty and program staff, MIT’s central financial groups, and the Dean’s Office.
• Additional Responsibilities: Handle other duties and resolve complex issues related to budget management and policy interpretation as assigned.

Qualifications

REQUIRED: 

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in a quantitative field; 
• Mminimum of eight years of financial management experience, with significant experience in an academic or research setting highly desirable;
• Possess strong organizational, leadership, collaboration, and communication skills;
• Advanced quantitative skills, including proficiency in Excel and financial reporting. 
• Proven track record in managing individuals and teams, as well as the ability to work effectively within a diverse academic and professional community, is essential.

PREFERRED: 

• Familiarity with MIT financial systems .

Employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background check.

To Apply, please visit MIT Careers at https://hr.mit.edu/careers  reference number #24637