CHIEF FINANCIAL & OPERATIONS OFFICER, WBUR

Boston University - Boston, MA

Full-time - Senior

Boston, MA

Educational Services

About the position

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at WBUR is a senior leadership role focused on stabilizing current operations and transforming the organization into a financially sustainable model. This position oversees the Finance and Business Office, Engineering, Operations, and IT groups, providing financial expertise and leading operational planning, revenue and expense forecasting, and strategic initiatives. The CFO plays a crucial role in ensuring the reliability of broadcasting equipment and facilities while collaborating closely with the CEO on budget planning and organizational objectives.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain financial strategies for budgeting and forecasting in collaboration with all WBUR departments.
• Oversee financial operations including accounting, treasury, accounts payable, accounts receivable, incentive compensation, grants, audits, compliance, and year-end activities.
• Manage relationships with Boston University and other external partners such as banks as needed.
• Identify and mitigate financial risks, ensuring a controlled environment for accurate reporting.
• Review business opportunities to ensure sound decisions and outcomes, including reviewing pertinent contracts.
• Lead and provide updates to the CEO on revenues, forecasts, and expenditures in line with budget commitments.
• Prepare and present financial results and modeling to the Board Committees.
• Support the stability and optimization of broadcasting towers and tools in collaboration with the Director of Engineering, Operations, and IT.
• Manage facilities to ensure a safe, clean, and professional environment.
• Oversee IT needs throughout WBUR and support technology projects as necessary.

Requirements

• Master's degree or equivalent experience with 12+ years of related experience, including 8+ years of demonstrated leadership experience. CPA preferred.
• Proven success in senior financial leadership roles within media, nonprofit, or digital organizations.
• Experience managing IT, IS, and technical operations alongside finance.
• Experience with mergers and acquisitions, guiding strategy, and executing deals.
• Expertise in nonprofit financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.
• Strong operational management skills across IT and technical infrastructure (including radio and audio tools).
• Proven ability to enhance financial closing speed and reporting accuracy.
• Experience building long-term financial models, particularly with recurring revenue streams.
• Ability to create high performing teams.
• Fearlessly provides meaningful input that drives discussions to arrive at the fullest decisions.