California State University, Chico invites applications and nominations for an innovative and transformative leader to serve in the role of Vice President for Business and Finance, enhance our mission and goals, and further the University’s reputation as an exemplary institution. The Vice President for Business and Finance is the chief business officer and chief financial officer managing a $225 million operating budget and reporting directly to the President. 

The Division of Business and Finance operates ten departments in support of the CSU, Chico campus, which serves more than 17,000 students in a residential environment. The division encompasses many areas, from maintenance of the beautiful campus grounds and ensuring safety, to overseeing capital improvements, and providing financial management and transparency. The division has more than 330 staff members and a budget of over $25 million. 

The successful candidate will be a dynamic, innovative, collaborative, and experienced leader with a track record of progressive management success in a university or similarly complex setting; planning, resource development and project management skills; experience dealing with governing boards and municipalities; and experience managing a variety of campus operation functions. In addition, the Vice President will demonstrate the capacity to inspire staff to serve with excellence, to be an effective problem solver within a complex organization, and to lead staff through organizational change, including delivery of the finalized campus master plan which is currently being updated.

The incumbent embraces the mission of Academic Affairs, Students Affairs, and Advancement; approaches tasks with a “people” orientation; demonstrates commitment to inclusivity and diversity; and possesses exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities:  The Vice President for Business and Finance is responsible for providing creative vision, leadership, and management of the financial and business functions in support of the University’s academic mission; maintaining open lines of communication and seeking to thoroughly understand diverse points of view; providing appropriate opportunity for input; and making decisions that align the goals of the University. Responsibilities include:

• Promoting the financial well-being of the University by providing budget management, exercising executive control over University budgets, and safeguarding all financial assets of the University and auxiliaries.
• Overseeing Financial Services, Human Resources, labor relations, University Budget, Audit, University Police, Title IX/Clery, Business Information Technology Systems, Environmental Health and Safety, Facilities Management and Services which includes capital planning, design and construction, Risk Management and Business Services. 
• Minimizing liability to the University by ensuring compliance of governing regulations and addressing risk management issues. 
• Marshalling necessary financial resources to implement mission and vision, utilizing data to assess progress and determine direction.
• Working cooperatively with the President and Cabinet as a productive team.
• Supporting the leadership team by hiring individuals who align with the University mission, providing timely and direct feedback, creating opportunity for personal and professional development, providing incentives for high performance, and ensuring success.
• Articulating, regularly updating, and implementing a strategic plan for Business and Finance which aligns with the University’s strategic plan.
• Participating in shared governance across the University including students, staff, and faculty, and applying University policies and procedures.
• Ensuring the University’s commitment to its values and mission, including diversity and inclusion and sustainability, as evidenced by creative and effective initiatives.
• Programming that models inclusiveness and community involvement both within and outside of the University.
• Fostering an environment of collegiality, support, and mutual trust.
• Collaborating with University Advancement to source new partnerships with public and private entities to create new opportunities for revenue generation.
• Supporting the philanthropic efforts of the University.
• Serving as the campus emergency executive with overall responsibility for campus-wide emergency management planning and executive of the campus plan.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. However, only complete applications received by September 7, can be assured full consideration.  As a condition of employment, persons will have to submit to a confidential background check and submit official, sealed transcripts. All information obtained will be strictly confidential.

Applications/Nominations: Applicants should submit a complete and current curriculum vitae or resume, as well as names, addresses, email addresses, and telephone numbers of up to five references. A cover letter of interest should indicate how the applicant’s qualifications relate to each of the required qualifications, as well as the preferred qualifications of the position. Applicants should succinctly articulate their administrative philosophy and the role of the Division of Business and Finance in public higher education. This search is being assisted by Academic Search and applications should be sent electronically to CHICOVPBF@academic-search.com.  Nominations and requests for confidential conversations may be sent to senior consultant Jessica Kozloff at jsk@academic-search.com .

California State University, Chico employs only individuals lawfully authorized to work in the United States.  California State University, Chico is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, Americans with Disabilities Act employer.

An annual security report disclosing crime statistics for California State University, Chico can be obtained by contacting the California State University Police Department (530) 898-5555 or by accessing the following web site: http://www.csuchico.edu/up/.

Additional information about the University is available at:  http://www.csuchico.edu