Chief Financial Officer

New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), a distinctive institution in global higher education, seeks a sophisticated, strategic, and innovative financial leader to serve as its next Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Since welcoming its first students in 2010, NYUAD has become one of the most selective and dynamic institutions in the world, combining the academic rigor of a leading American research university with the ambition and forward-looking vision of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). From its inception, NYUAD has attracted exceptional students in pursuit of its ambition to be the “World’s Honors College,” while evolving into a center for graduate education, research, and innovation. Situated on a purpose-built 40-acre campus in Abu Dhabi’s attractive cultural district on Saadiyat Island, NYUAD serves as a key driver of discovery, education, and economic development in the region and an integral part of New York University’s global network.

Within this context, the CFO serves as the University’s senior executive responsible for ensuring financial sustainability, operational effectiveness, and alignment of business and financial resources with NYUAD’s academic mission. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer (COO), the CFO leads a team of 46 professionals, including six direct reports, and provides strategic oversight of financial planning and analysis, budgeting, accounting and reporting, treasury and investments, procurement, risk management, and business partnerships. As a member of the University leadership team, the CFO advises the Vice Chancellor, Provost, and COO, shaping fiscal strategy, strengthening financial infrastructure, and enabling informed, data-driven decision-making.

NYU Abu Dhabi brings together a liberal arts education and a growing research enterprise within a diverse, global community. With more than 2,500 undergraduate and graduate students representing over 120 countries, 400 faculty, and a curriculum grounded in global intellectual traditions, NYUAD leverages the range of perspectives on campus to address complex challenges. The CFO will support this mission by promoting transparency and accountability in financial operations and strengthening the systems and processes that underpin academic and administrative excellence.

The Emirate of Abu Dhabi and the broader UAE have made foundational investments in world-class science, technology, and the knowledge economy. NYUAD also plays a leading role in advancing research and innovation across disciplines—from artificial intelligence and neuroscience to the arts and humanities. As the UAE builds leadership in fields such as AI, quantum science, renewable energy, biotechnology, and fintech, NYUAD is positioned to make a leading contribution to the national agenda. The CFO will help align financial planning with these priorities, overseeing multi-year budgeting and capital planning while partnering with Tamkeen, the Abu Dhabi Government partner, to steward and optimize the University’s funding model.

As the first international research university established in the UAE, NYUAD plays a distinctive convening role, building a network of national and international institutions within a growing academic ecosystem. Through NYU’s Global Network University—including campuses in New York and Shanghai and academic centers worldwide—NYUAD is part of a highly connected institution. The CFO will represent NYUAD in financial matters with NYU New York, NYU’s Abu Dhabi Government partner, and external stakeholders, ensuring alignment with global standards and partnership agreements.

Established in partnership with the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and working closely with it as its primary government funding partner, NYUAD has built a strong undergraduate foundation while expanding into graduate and executive education. Recent developments include the launch of NYU Stern’s MBA and EMBA programs in the MENA region. The University operates with generous funding from its Abu Dhabi Government partner and also generates income from other sources such as philanthropy, external research grants, executive and professional education, retail and F&B operations and other commercial enterprise operations. As the University continues to grow, the CFO will play a critical role in stewarding resources, managing capital and liquidity, strengthening enterprise risk management, and advancing operational efficiency through modernized systems and processes.

This is a defining moment for NYUAD and the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The CFO will guide and strengthen the University’s financial framework through its next phase of growth, ensuring fiscal stability, operational efficiency, and alignment with NYU’s global governance. The CFO will shape financial and business policy to support long-term sustainability, institutional development, and alignment with national priorities.

New York University Abu Dhabi has engaged the executive search firm Isaacson, Miller to assist in the recruitment of the Chief Financial Officer. Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process. Inquiries, nominations, referrals, and CVs with cover letters should be sent below.

Sean Farrell and Dan Rodas are leading this search with Steph Simon and Nicole Sancilio.

NYU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to a policy of equal treatment and opportunity in every aspect of its recruitment and hiring process. 

This Position Description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee in this position. It does not limit the assignment of related duties not mentioned.

All employees are expected to carry out their responsibilities in a manner consistent with NYU and NYUAD’s values, principles, policies and strong commitment to diversity, inclusion, equity, and belonging

All employees are required to comply with NYUAD’s Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Policy, procedures and programs. This includes but is not limited to taking reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others, completing the required health and safety training, reporting unsafe acts, unsafe conditions, accidents, and incidents to their supervisor without the fear of retaliation, and participate in OSH activities and make recommendations for continual improvement as required.

Employees supervising staff are required to implement and enforce NYUAD’s OSH Policy, procedures and programs within their areas of responsibility. This includes ensuring that hazards are risk assessed, controlled and communicated, and that employees have the required supervision, training and competency to perform their duties safely.