INVITING APPLICATIONS AND NOMINATIONS FOR
Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
Clark Atlanta University, a leading research institution of higher education and one of the nation’s most distinguished HBCUs, seeks a dynamic and proven financial administrator to serve as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Reporting directly to the President, the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer is responsible for implementing policies and procedures that strengthen the overall fiscal operations and effectiveness of the University.
For complete information, see the Search Profile at https://myersmcrae.com/skins/userfiles/files/CAU-CFO.pdf
THE OPPORTUNITY
Clark Atlanta University (CAU) is a comprehensive, private, urban, coeducational institution of higher education with a predominantly African American heritage. Located in Atlanta, Ga., CAU offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees, as well as certificate programs, to students of diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. George T. French, Jr. became the fifth president of Clark Atlanta University in 2019.
The University produces graduates who have met standards of excellence in contemporary higher education and who are educated to be creative and to have a perspective on the world and its peoples. CAU graduates are leaders and innovators who are committed to leading Lifted Lives of Success.
CAU was formed with the consolidation of Atlanta University and Clark College, both of which hold unique places in the annals of African American history. Atlanta University, established in 1865 by the American Missionary Association, was the nation’s first institution to award graduate degrees to African Americans. Clark College, established four years later in 1869, was the nation’s first four-year liberal arts college to serve a primarily African American student population. The main campus, which spans over 126 acres of land, is located about 1.5 miles southwest from the heart of downtown Atlanta.
Today, with nearly 4,000 students, CAU is the largest of the four institutions (CAU, Morehouse College, Spelman College, and Morehouse School of Medicine) that comprise the Atlanta University Center Consortium. It is also the largest of the 37-member UNCF institutions.
CAU is classified by Carnegie as R2: Doctoral Universities—Higher Research Activity and is the only private, independent graduate research institution in the HBCU community, and the only HBCU member of the Georgia Research Alliance. The University is a United Methodist Church-affiliated University, approved by the University Senate General Board of Higher Education and Ministry of the United Methodist Church.
Forty major areas of study are offered across four schools—Arts and Sciences, Business Administration, Education, and Social Work. It awards bachelor’s, master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees. Highest enrolled undergraduate fields include Biology, Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Mass Media Arts, and Psychology. There are 177 full-time faculty, of whom 91 percent hold terminal degrees and 68 percent have tenure status.
Retention of first-year students returning for a second year is 63 percent. CAU graduates are deeply employed in the growing economic sectors, such as business, film and media, medical and healthcare, and government.
Georgia students constitute 41 percent of the total enrollment, with 57 percent of the students from out-of-state, 2 percent from the Caribbean Islands, and more than 15 foreign countries. Female students constitute 75 percent of the total enrollment.
In addition to its regional accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate, master’s, educational specialist, and doctoral degrees, CAU also is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International); the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) now under Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GPSC); the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP); the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE); the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA); and the National Collegiate Athletic Association, Division II. CAU is authorized by the Georgia State Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission (NPEC) to operate in the state of Georgia.
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
The Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) serves as the chief fiscal officer for the University and directs major functions in areas that include capital improvement financial planning; annual planning and budget development; investments management, cash, risk, and endowment management; internal audit functions; and procurement operations and auxiliary enterprises. This officer also shares responsibility for the information technology services.
The CFO works collaboratively to further the University’s educational, research, and service missions by serving as a member of the Executive Cabinet and providing financial reports to the Board of Trustees. This senior executive leader also serves as financial advisor to the President and is involved in policy development.
Other responsibilities of the CFO include insurance and risk management, strategic planning and long-range financial projections, cost-benefit analysis of programs and services, and grant development and management.
KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Leadership and Management:
- Advise the President and senior leadership regarding financial management budget administration including the University’s operating budget, capital budget, and the budget for the Division of Finance and Administration.
- Provide for long-range and strategic planning.
- Support the goals of the University’s mission, vision, and strategic plan.
- Collaborate with colleagues from other universities regarding financial management and resource allocation trends and developments nationwide.
Policy and Procedures:
- Develop institutional fiscal goals, strategies, and plans for implementation.
- Develop and promote a process of review, assessment, and continuous improvement of existing financial and administrative policies and procedures.
- Consult with appropriate committees of the Board of Trustees regarding fiscal planning and management, budget development, etc.
Financial Management:
- Provide strategic financial leadership in the development of a financial and capital plan which reflect institutional priorities and future directions.
- Is responsible for developing and overseeing the university budget, revenues, and expenditures.
- Develop financial plans and financial analysis models for the campus, which includes innovative solutions, strategies, and procedures.
- Collaborate with other university divisions regarding philanthropy, endowment management, and real estate.
Compliance:
- Maintain knowledge of applicable Board of Trustees and university policies, federal, and state laws including employment laws and related university personnel policies and institutional reporting requirements.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- A master’s degree in business or a closely related field
- Minimum of 10 years of experience leading financial and administrative functions in a large, complex organization, preferably in a research university environment
- At least 10 years of accounting, finance, or business management experience in a leadership role, with five of those years being in a supervisory capacity, preferably in higher education business and financial management
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
- A collaborative, effective, and proven leader, with a track record of leading the fiscal functions of a complex institution, preferably a research university
- An excellent record of leadership in policy formation, including planning, assessment, project accounting, grant, and general administration
- Demonstrated expertise in the development and implementation of strategic financial plans
- Comfortable and effective in dealing with ambiguity, complexity, competing demands, and change while providing balanced leadership
- Extensive current knowledge of financial and business practices and information technologies
- Data-driven in making sound financial and strategic decisions
- Effective communication, excellent supervisory and management skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment and with internal and external constituencies
- A track record of creating a culture of excellence and accountability and the ability to thrive in a complex, dynamic, multi-faceted organization
- An aspiration for excellence with values that aligned with those of Clark Atlanta University
- Experience with contract review
ATLANTA, GEORGIA
Atlanta is a dynamic, energetic city that is continually transforming itself. Offering authentic Southern hospitality, the city’s metropolitan area is home to 5.8 million residents. Its economy continues to grow as it attracts a broad range of industries and many Fortune 500 corporations. The city has become the home of major film and television production and high-tech companies.
APPLICATION & NOMINATION PROCESS
Confidential applications/inquiries are welcomed, and nominations are invited.
Applications
Application packet must include: a) A letter of interest that addresses the responsibilities and qualifications of the position, b) Current resume, and c) At least four references with full contact information including e-mails (References will not be contacted without consent from applicant.)
Submit application packet (preferably as PDFs) to CAU-CFO@myersmcrae.com. Additional information will be requested upon receipt of application.
Review of applications will begin November 18, 2021. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Nominations
Submit nominations to CAU-CFO-nominate@myersmcrae.com with complete contact and e-mail information for the individual being nominated.
Kenny Daugherty, President of Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting, is assisting Clark Atlanta University with this search. Request a conversation at kennydaugherty@myersmcrae.com.
Clark Atlanta University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. The University provides equal employment opportunities to all faculty and staff without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, domestic relationship status, disability, gender identity, parental status, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law (referred to as “protected status”).
Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting
478-330-6222 | www.myersmcrae.com
