Chief Financial Officer, CZI and Biohub Network
Chan Zuckerberg Initiative
The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative was founded by Priscilla Chan and Mark Zuckerberg in 2015 to help solve some of society’s toughest challenges — from eradicating disease and improving education to addressing the needs of our local communities. Our mission is to build a more inclusive, just, and healthy future for everyone.
The Team
Across our work in Science, Education, and within our communities, we pair technology with grantmaking, impact investing, and collaboration to help accelerate the pace of progress toward our mission. Our Central Operations & Partners team provides the support needed to push this work forward.
Central Operations & Partners consists of our Brand & Communications, Community, Facilities, Finance, Infrastructure/IT Operations/Business Systems, Initiative Operations, People, Real Estate/Workplace/Facilities/Security, Research & Learning, and Ventures teams. These teams provide the essential operations, services, and strategies needed to support CZI’s progress toward achieving its mission to build a better future for everyone.
The Opportunity
The Chief Financial Officer will oversee financial operations, strategy, and reporting across the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI) and the Chan Zuckerberg Biohub Network. As a strategic partner to the CEO, the COO, the CIO (Chief Investment Officer), and the executive leadership teams of both organizations. The CFO will drive the integration and optimization of financial data and systems across both organizations to enhance reporting, analysis, and decision-making.
The CFO will lead financial activities across CZI and the Biohub Network, encompassing accounting, budgeting, cost allocations, financial modeling, cash management, tax, audits, and risk management. This role requires a visionary leader who can balance financial oversight with the need for innovation and support for scientific research and other philanthropic initiatives.
What You'll Do
Financial Strategy & Leadership:
- Develop and execute an overarching financial strategy across both CZI and the Biohub Network, ensuring alignment with their respective missions and long-term goals.
- Serve as a key advisor to the executive teams on financial planning, cash flow management, capital allocation, and policy matters.
- Working closely with the Chief Investment Officer (CIO), ensure the organization’s short- and long-term financial plans are aligned with its funding sources and provide flexibility to respond to evolving organizational priorities and market conditions.
- Ensure financial transparency and stewardship in support of the scientific, philanthropic, and operational goals of both CZI and the Biohub Network.
Financial Operations & Reporting:
- Manage all aspects of the organization’s financial operations, including but not limited to budgeting, forecasting, payroll, procurement, and auditing. Ensure that the financial transactions, policies, and procedures meet the organization’s short and long-term business objectives and are conducted in accordance with regulations, accounting principles, and standards.
- Oversee the preparation and communication of monthly and annual financial statements. Ensure the timely reporting of key financial data and updates to the CEO and COO of CZI, the Board of Directors of the Biohub Network, and other key stakeholders.
Risk Management & Compliance:
- Maintain strong internal financial controls and governance across both organizations, ensuring compliance with accounting standards.
- Identify and manage financial risks and operational risks across both CZI and the Biohub Network.
- Ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and international financial standards.
- Lead the development of comprehensive risk management strategies and insurance coverage tailored to the needs of both organizations.
Budgeting & Forecasting:
- Lead the annual budgeting processes for both CZI and the Biohub Network, providing detailed monthly and quarterly performance reports.
- Offer financial insights that support decision-making across critical areas, such as research funding, product development, operations, and strategic growth initiatives.
- Ensure financial planning supports the distinct missions of CZI’s philanthropic work and the Biohub’s scientific research agenda.
Team Leadership & Development:
- Build and lead high-performing finance teams across both organizations, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and innovation and driven by our philanthropic missions.
- Mentor and develop finance staff, ensuring that both CZI and the Biohub Network have the financial leadership needed to support their diverse initiatives.
- Lead work allocation, performance evaluations, and continuous improvement efforts across the finance teams at both organizations.
What You'll Bring
Education & Experience:
- Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field; MBA or CPA preferred.
- Minimum of 15 years of experience in senior financial leadership roles, with experience overseeing finance for complex, mission-driven organizations.
- Proven track record in financial management, strategic planning, and financial reporting, ideally with experience in both philanthropic and research-driven environments.
Skills & Competencies:
- Deep understanding of financial, accounting, and tax regulations, with experience in both nonprofit and research funding contexts. Experience in a multi-organizational environment and with a shared services model is strongly preferred.
- Exceptional leadership skills, with the ability to communicate and collaborate effectively (excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills) across a diverse range of audiences and large, multi-disciplinary teams within both philanthropic and scientific settings.
- Strategic thinker with experience in financial forecasting and business strategy for organizations with complex budgets.
- Expertise in financial software and systems (e.g., ERP, accounting systems) and the ability to implement and integrate these systems effectively across multiple organizations and provide a unified financial picture.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a focus on data-driven decision-making.
- Experience managing finance in the context of and at the intersection of research institutions and philanthropy is strongly preferred.
Compensation
The Redwood City, CA base pay range for this role is $357,000 - $571,000. New hires are typically hired into the lower portion of the range, enabling employee growth in the range over time. Actual placement in range is based on job-related skills and experience, as evaluated throughout the interview process. Pay ranges outside Redwood City are adjusted based on cost of labor in each respective geographical market. Your recruiter can share more about the specific pay range for your location during the hiring process.
Benefits for the Whole You
We’re thankful to have an incredible team behind our work. To honor their commitment, we offer a wide range of benefits to support the people who make all we do possible.
- CZI provides a generous employer match on employee 401(k) contributions to support planning for the future.
- Annual benefit for employees that can be used most meaningfully for them and their families, such as housing, student loan repayment, childcare, commuter costs, or other life needs.
- CZI Life of Service Gifts are awarded to employees to “live the mission” and support the causes closest to them.
- Paid time off to volunteer at an organization of your choice.
- Funding for select family-forming benefits.
- Relocation support for employees who need assistance moving to the Bay Area
- And more!
Commitment to Diversity
We believe that the strongest teams and best thinking are defined by the diversity of voices at the table. We are committed to fair treatment and equal access to opportunity for all CZI team members and to maintaining a workplace where everyone feels welcomed, respected, supported, and valued. Learn about our diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.
If you’re interested in a role but your previous experience doesn’t perfectly align with each qualification in the job description, we still encourage you to apply as you may be the perfect fit for this or another role.
Explore our work modes, benefits, and interview process at www.chanzuckerberg.com/careers.
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