Vice President for Administration and Finance and Chief Financial Officer

Cal Poly Pomona • Pomona, CA

4d • $325,000 - $350,004 • Onsite

About The Position

The Vice President for Administration and Finance and Chief Financial Officer (VPAF/CFO) provides strategic leadership for the university’s financial, administrative, and operational functions. This role leads the Division of Administrative Affairs to support student success and faculty excellence, ensuring compliance with Cal State University policy. As a member of the President’s Cabinet, the VPAF/CFO is central to advancing Cal Poly Pomona’s mission by ensuring long-term financial sustainability. The VPAF/CFO oversees a broad portfolio including financial planning and analysis, budgeting, accounting, procurement, facilities management, capital planning, design and construction, risk management, internal audit, public safety, and administrative services. The position also collaborates closely with CPP’s auxiliary organizations: Cal Poly Pomona Enterprises (housing, dining, transportation, parking, real estate), Associated Students, Incorporated (student government, recreation, Bronco Student Center), and the Cal Poly Pomona Philanthropic Foundation (fundraising, alumni engagement). In these entities, the VPAF/CFO provides leadership and advisory support to ensure alignment with the university, effective governance, and resource stewardship. The VPAF/CFO partners with the President and Cabinet to develop and execute the university’s financial strategy, aligning resources with academic priorities and institutional goals. This includes leadership in long-range financial planning, capital investment, and real estate development, supporting the campus’s polytechnic mission and “learn by doing” philosophy. The role is also key in identifying innovation opportunities, enhancing operational effectiveness, and advancing sustainable revenue strategies. The VPAF/CFO fosters a culture of transparency and accountability, communicating financial information clearly to faculty, staff, students, and external partners. The position interacts with the CSU Chancellor’s Office and represents the university to external agencies and stakeholders. The university operates under a FY25-26 operating budget of approximately $430 million, funded by state appropriations (53%) and student tuition and fees (47%). This budget reflects a 3% base reduction in state appropriation. The budget excludes self-support operations and auxiliary organizations. The VPAF/CFO will also shape the Lanterman Development Project, a significant initiative to transform a 300-acre site into a "Live, Learn, Work, Play" village supporting academic mission, housing needs, applied research, innovation, and workforce development.

Requirements

• Master’s degree from an accredited institution
• 5 to 7 years of senior leadership experience in financial and administrative management within a complex organization
• Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning
• Knowledge of accounting principles and financial reporting standards
• Experience in capital planning, facilities management, and infrastructure development
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, manage change, and influence across a large organization
• Strong communication and collaboration skills across diverse constituencies
• The ability to lead through influence as well as through positional authority in a complex, decentralized organization.

Nice To Haves

• Substantial experience in higher education, including within public university systems
• Demonstrated effectiveness in a shared governance environment
• Experience working with auxiliary organizations and affiliated entities
• Commitment to student success, equity, and inclusive excellence
• Experience with strategic revenue generation and partnership development
• Professional certifications such as CPA, CFA, CMA, or related credentials

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for all financial and administrative services in alignment with university priorities.
• Lead comprehensive budget development, financial forecasting, and resource allocation processes.
• Oversee capital planning, facilities management, and major infrastructure initiatives, developing a capital program that addresses deferred maintenance and advances new opportunities.
• Provide strategic leadership and direction for advancing the Lanterman Development project.
• Strengthen partnerships with CPP’s auxiliary organizations to support innovation and revenue generation and to provide appropriate transparency to campus constituents.
• Advance operational excellence through process improvement, technology investment, and organizational effectiveness.
• Communicate and advance financial strategies clearly within a shared governance environment.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing organizational culture.
• Represent the university with the CSU Chancellor’s Office, external agencies, and community stakeholders.

Benefits

• The salary for this position will be $325,000 to $350,004.
• More information is available at: https://www.calstate.edu/csu-system/careers/benefits/Documents/employee-benefits-summary.pdf

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive