Description
Vice President of Business and Finance
The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) provides strategic leadership, oversight, and direction for all financial operations of the College. This position is responsible for safeguarding the College’s financial health, ensuring regulatory compliance, supporting mission-driven planning, and providing executive-level guidance on fiscal strategy, budgeting, investments, and long-term sustainability. The CFO serves as a key member of the President’s Cabinet and works collaboratively with the leaders of all administrative offices across the College.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership and Management
Develop and implement the College’s long-term financial strategy in alignment with institutional goals and mission.
Serve as the College’s chief financial strategist, advising the President, Board of Trustees, and senior leadership on financial planning, risk management, and long-term sustainability.
Lead multi-year financial modeling, scenario planning, and resources allocation aligned with institutional priorities.
Provide transparent, data-driven insights to support academic and administrative decision-making.
Lead, develop, manage, and evaluate a team of finance professionals.
Provide executive oversight over the College’s financial aid operations, ensuring compliance with Title IV regulations, state aid programs, College policies, and audit requirements.
Provide financial leadership as a member of inter-disciplinary teams for special projects and initiatives
Financial Management
Oversee all financial functions, including budgeting, accounting, financial aid, endowment management, procurement, and financial reporting.
Implement strong budgeting policies and practices that promote transparency and accountability.
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and accreditation requirements, including Title IV and nonprofit financial regulations.
Strengthen internal controls, financial policies, and audit processes.
Budgeting & Planning
Oversee development, monitoring, and management of the annual operating and capital budgets.
Lead a collaborative, participatory budgeting process that promotes accountability and aligns resources with strategic goals.
Partner with the Admissions & Financial Aid Team to support tuition modeling, financial aid strategy, and enrollment forecasting.
Present financial updates and analyses to the College’s Board of Trustees.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, two references, and a writing sample. Interested candidates may select one of the following three topics for a writing sample: 1) A memo to the Board of Trustees explaining a budget shortfall and the recommended plan of action to address it; 2) A one-page executive summary of a complex financial issue; or 3) A memo to the President providing your recommended plan of action if the budget does not support one of the President’s primary initiatives. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
Requirements
Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in finance, accounting, business, or a related field strongly preferred.
Minimum 7-10 years of significant senior-level financial leadership experience, ideally within higher education or a similarly complex nonprofit organization.
Demonstrated success in strategic planning, budgeting, financial modeling, and organizational leadership.
Strong understanding of higher-education financial dynamics, including tuition revenue, financial aid, endowment management, and regulatory compliance.
Exceptional communication skills and the ability to convey complex financial information to diverse audiences.
Proven ability to lead teams, manage complex projects, and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
A demonstrated commitment to ethical leadership, transparency, and the mission of private higher education.
Demonstrated ability to serve as a strategic thought partner to senior leaders.
Experience working successfully with Boards of Trustees and senior executive leadership.
