Chief Financial Officer

About Us:
The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF) was founded in 2000 with one clear objective: accelerating meaningful therapeutic advances and, ultimately, a cure for Parkinson’s disease (PD). The Foundation applies extraordinary scientific, business and media assets to this singular focus—thus creating a unique and dynamic organization. Since inception, MJFF has quickly grown into the largest nonprofit funder of Parkinson’s disease research, having funded over $2 billion in research projects in both academic and industry labs worldwide.

Core to our philosophy is how we think of our capital and its risk profile relative to other stakeholders in the drug development pipeline. We work aggressively to de-risk various therapeutic strategies and tools in the hopes of building a robust pipeline of new treatments for patients. In order to achieve our mission of finding a cure for PD it is critical that we engage with, and bring together, members of the PD community including researchers, physicians, health professionals and most important, people with Parkinson's and their families.

We believe that to find a cure for PD as quickly as possible, our capital needs to push research forward today—we therefore deliberately hold no endowment or excessive reserves. We instead seek to deploy funds raised as quickly and wisely as possible. MJFF raises over $100 million annually. Today, the Foundation has approximately 250 full-time employees. We offer a collegial and collaborative environment where optimistic problem-solvers and entrepreneurial, resourceful individuals can thrive and make a tangible difference for millions of people living with Parkinson’s disease.

Position Summary:
The Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF) is seeking top talent for its Chief Financial Officer position.  The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is responsible for overseeing the financial operations of MJFF, guiding its financial strategy and planning while ensuring fiscal responsibility. Reporting directly to the CEO, the CFO collaborates with fellow executive leadership team members and the Board of Directors (BoD) to establish long-range goals, strategies, plans and policies that ensure effective financial stewardship and sustainability to advance MJFF’s mission.  The CFO oversees the Administration Business Unit of MJFF, which includes the Finance, Technology and Facilities functions and is accountable for leading and developing those high-performing teams.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

Team Leadership and Development:

• Lead and mentor high-performing teams within the Administration Business Unit, providing guidance, feedback and professional development opportunities.
• Cultivate a strong team culture by ensuring clarity of accountabilities, transparency and recognizing contributions.

Financial Strategy and Planning:

• Develop and implement MJFF’s financial strategy that aligns with the organization’s mission, vision, values and long-term objectives.
• Provide financial insights and recommendations to the CEO, BoD and executive team to support organizational decision-making.
• Manage the Foundation’s financial operations including budgeting, forecasting 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.
• Lead the annual budgeting and financial planning process working closely with programmatic and operational leaders to ensure the allocation of resources is aligned with strategic priorities.

Financial and Risk Management:

• Oversee MJFF’s cash and investment strategies, ensuring prudent and responsible management to establish investment parameters with the Finance Committee of the BoD, and maximizing returns while mitigating risks.
• Oversee the preparation and communication of monthly and annual financial statements.  Ensure the timely and accurate reporting of key financial data and insights to the CEO, BoD and other key stakeholders while ensuring legal and regulatory compliance, including tax planning, filing and compliance with local, state and federal agencies.
• Develop and implement risk management strategies to identify, assess and mitigate organizational risks that may impact MJFF’s growth or stability.

Strategic Partnership and Collaboration:

• Serve as a strategic partner to the CEO, BoD and leadership across the organization offering financial expertise, guidance and thought partnership.
• Foster strong relationships with relevant external stakeholders, including donors, financial institutions, auditors, etc.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to help identify opportunities for operational improvements, cost efficiencies and revenue optimization.

Technology Solutions:

• Oversee the Technology department and provide strategic vision for how technology will accelerate the mission. Ensure high standards for user experience and cyber-security.
• Evaluate and recommend technology solutions or improvements that enhance operational efficiency.

Facilities Management:

• Manage facilities and physical assets to maintain a safe, functional and cost-effective physical space for MJFF’s hybrid workplace.
• Negotiate and manage high-value contracts including the NYC office lease and associated sub-leases.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business Administration, Accounting, or related field; MBA preferred.
• Extensive experience in progressively more complex and accountable financial leadership roles, including experience as a CFO or other senior financial executive.
• Demonstrated track record of building and developing high-performing teams, fostering a culture of growth, mentorship and coaching to team members.
• Strong understanding of fiscal management, accounting principles and regulatory compliance, preferably within a non-profit organization.
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to present complex financial information to a diverse audience through impactful storytelling.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build relationships and collaborate effectively across all levels of the organization, including the Board of Directors and other key external stakeholders.
• Strong negotiation and deal-structuring skills.
• Experience managing investment portfolios and working with investment managers.
• Proficiency in financial software and systems.
• Strong ethical standards and high level of integrity.

Salary and Benefits:
The salary range for this position is $300,000 - $375,000.  In addition to salary, The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF) offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• 15+ options for medical insurance (with MJFF paying 90 percent of the premiums).
• Competitive dental and vision plans.
• 401(k) plan with 6 percent employer contribution.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• Employer paid life and disability insurance.
• 18 days Paid Time Off (PTO); 12 Well-Being (Sick) Days; 2 Personal Days; summer Fridays (office closure at 2pm) and a summer holiday week over July 4.
• Two ways of working: hybrid-flex, or remote work.  We trust all employees to work closely with their manager and colleagues to determine when, where and how programs and projects get done. 

Employees are also eligible for a discretionary bonus on an annual basis. MJFF provides staff and leadership cultivation through regular training courses and events. 

Vaccine Statement: 
At The Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF), the health and safety of our team and our community is a priority. MJFF has made the decision to require all staff receive the COVID-19 vaccine as a condition of employment. Successful applicants for this position must be fully vaccinated by date of hire and proof of vaccine is required. Full vaccination is defined as two weeks after both doses of two-dose vaccine or two weeks after a single-dose vaccine has been administered. Anyone unable to be vaccinated, because of medical or religious reasons, can request a reasonable accommodation for consideration.

How to Apply:
Interested candidates should submit a resume and thoughtful cover letter describing their specific qualifications and interest in the position.

MJFF is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage applications from individuals who will contribute to our efforts to build and support a diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce. Diversity may refer to characteristics including, but not limited to, race, religion, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic circumstance, geographic background, ability and disability, political ideology and age.