About this position

Michigan State University Research Foundation (MSU Research Foundation) is part of the Global Epicenter of Mobility’s (GEM) Mobility Funder’s Network and is seeking to engage a Fractional CFO Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) to support the Mobility Funders Network, focusing on mobility-related initiatives.

Core Responsibilities

Build Financial Foundations: Establish accounting systems, bookkeeping workflows, chart of accounts, and monthly reporting packages that provide financial visibility and support startup growth.
Strategic CFO Partnership: Deliver hands-on support in financial modeling, cap table management, budgeting, cash flow forecasting, and scenario planning.
Fundraising Preparation: Create compelling financial narratives, projections, and investor data rooms; coach founders on valuation, term sheets, and investor relations.

Requirements

Experience: 7+ years in finance leadership (CFO, VP Finance, Controller, senior FP&A) with proven track record scaling venture-backed startups through multiple funding rounds (Pre-Seed to Exit).
Industry Knowledge: Strong understanding of automotive/mobility business models, unit economics, and value chains; experience with hardware, deep tech, or capital-intensive models preferred.
Venture Expertise: Deep fluency in cap tables, equity compensation, dilution modeling, SAFE notes, convertible notes, and term sheet provisions.
Skills: Exceptional financial modeling, ability to manage multiple companies simultaneously, strong communication skills to translate complex finance concepts for technical founders.

Commitment

~10 hours/week, hybrid (East Lansing and/or Detroit offices)