Berklee, a unique, dynamic, and boldly imaginative presence in the global arena of higher education, has engaged Isaacson, Miller to help them find a new CFO. This is an exceptional opportunity for a proven financial leader to make a lasting impact on one of the world’s leading arts institutions.
Comprised of the Berklee College of Music, Boston Conservatory at Berklee, Berklee NYC, Berklee Abu Dhabi, Berklee Valencia, and the Division of Pre-College, Online and Professional Programs, Berklee is a preeminent institution of contemporary music, theater, dance, and related technological and business disciplinary fields. It offers degree-granting programs in Boston, New York City, and Valencia, Spain, and through Berklee Online. Berklee Abu Dhabi offers pre-college and professional educational programs and serves as a key cultural partner for the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism, including through the annual Berklee Abu Dhabi Culture Summit.
Dedicated to nurturing the creative and career potential of the world’s most inspired artists and arts entrepreneurs, Berklee’s commitment to arts education is reflected in the work of its students, faculty, and alumni – who have been recognized with 297 Grammy Awards, 95 Latin Grammy Awards, 25 Emmy Awards, seven Academy Awards, and five Tony Awards. Berklee alumni go on to successful careers in the performing and creative arts, the media and entertainment industries, and other fields of endeavor.
The new CFO will join Berklee at a pivotal moment in its history. In 2021, Berklee welcomed its fourth president, Dr. Erica Muhl, the first woman to serve as Berklee’s president in the institution’s 75-year history. An accomplished composer, conductor, educator, and scholar, Dr. Muhl came to Berklee following a distinguished 30-year career at the University of Southern California. The CFO, who will report to, and serve as a member of President Muhl’s senior leadership team, will play a central role in supporting her bold new vision for Berklee: to become a global institution with an inclusive culture that promotes diversity in all its forms to nurture and grow the world’s most inspired artists in music, theater and dance to enable them to fully their creative and career potential.
The Chief Financial Officer, who serves as Berklee’s treasurer, oversees accounting and finance, investments, budgeting, and forecasting. They support the Board of Trustees, the Audit and Risk, Finance and Budget, and Investment committees, and oversee three direct reports: the Vice President of Finance, a Project Manager, and an Executive Assistant. In addition, the CFO is a member of the Berklee Online Committee and several internal management committees, including operations, risk management, information technology, retirement, and enrollment management. They will manage an annual operating budget of $330 million and are responsible for short and long-term financial decision-making to enable the institution to realize its vision.
For this critical position, Berklee seeks a financial expert with outstanding communication and strategic leadership skills who can partner with President Muhl, the Provost, Board, and committees and constituents across the institution to extend and amplify Berklee’s academic mission and help the institution realize its ambitious goals. They will have a track record as a systems thinker who has overseen complex financial units, implemented best practices, and found innovative ways to use technology to strengthen essential college financial functions. As a vital member of the Berklee community, the new CFO must bring a deep appreciation of the academic mission and uphold Berklee’s culture of integrity.
The successful candidate will bring an inclusive and facilitative leadership style that inspires and empowers staff, encourages open communication and collaboration throughout Berklee, and fosters innovation. Working with talented and dedicated staff within Finance and faculty and administrative leaders across the organization, this leader will create and develop forecasts and long-term financial planning processes and analyses. The CFO will be an innovative change agent who can navigate ambiguity, lead with a growth mindset in a complex environment, and exercise risk tolerance, particularly as they engage with leadership to steward Berklee’s resources. The CFO will also be responsible for a holistic review of all financial systems, procedures, and policies via a process that identifies operational efficiencies and enhances financial operations and systems to support Berklee’s ambitious goals. Experience with international business operations will be a plus.
Berklee has retained the national executive search firm Isaacson, Miller to assist in conducting this important recruitment. All inquiries, nominations/referrals, and applications (including resumes and letters of interest responding to the requirements outlined in the position profile) should be submitted via Isaacson, Miller’s website:
Berklee is committed to providing fair and equitable consideration of all individuals without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, age, national origin, place of birth, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, or status as a member of the armed forces or veteran of the armed forces, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law. Diversity is a source of strength for the institution. Equal employment opportunity (EEO) achieves and sustains our commitment to diversity.
