Chief Financial and Operating Officer

New England Conservatory (NEC), a premier incubator for musical excellence, seeks a strategic, collaborative, and mission-driven Chief Financial and Operating Officer (CFO/O) to provide enterprise-wide leadership across its financial and operational functions at a pivotal moment for the institution’s evolution. The CFO/O will join NEC during a period of opportunity, playing a central role in strengthening the institution’s financial and operational foundation in support of artistic excellence, student success, and long-term sustainability.

The CFO/O will oversee and coordinate a broad administrative portfolio that includes finance and accounting, security, information technology, and legal and compliance. In this role, the CFO/O will provide stewardship of NEC’s institution‑wide operating budget, ensuring that financial and capital resources are thoughtfully aligned with NEC’s artistic, educational, and strategic priorities. The CFO/O will play a critical role in advancing NEC’s long‑term vision, serving as a trusted advisor and partner to senior leadership and the Board of Trustees on issues of resource allocation, operational sustainability, and institutional risk in support of NEC’s mission and future aspirations. Bringing disciplined judgment, strategic perspective, and a collaborative approach, they will guide system modernization, strengthen operational effectiveness, and bring financial rigor to both ongoing and emerging initiatives. As a key member of NEC’s executive leadership team, the CFO/O will thoughtfully steward NEC’s legacy while helping to position NEC for innovation and enduring sustainable impact.

To be successful, the CFO/O will address a number of key opportunities and challenges:

• Provide strategic financial and operational leadership at a consequential moment for the institution;

• Serve as an enterprise leader, cohesively aligning finance, operations, risk, technology;

• Advance modernization and integration of financial, academic, and administrative systems;

• Support and evaluate emerging and expanding revenue streams; and

• Operate effectively within a highly engaged leadership and governance context.

The final salary will be commensurate with experience, with an expected range of $300,000 to $325,000. Senior Leadership will determine the selected candidate’s actual compensation based on experience and qualifications. The Chief Financial and Operating Officer is a full-time role based in Boston, Massachusetts. NEC employs a hybrid workforce. The CFO/O is expected to be a visible leader on campus and be available to work on-site.

Isaacson, Miller, a national search firm, is assisting the New England Conservatory in this recruitment. All inquiries, nominations, and applications should be directed in strict confidence to the search firm below.

NEC is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.