Alfred University - VP Business and Finance/CFO

Lapovsky • Village of Alfred, NY

6d • Onsite

About The Position

Alfred University, a private doctoral degree-granting university in Western New York State with 1700 students, is conducting a national search for its next Vice President for Business and Finance/Chief Financial Officer (VPBF). The VPBF reports directly to President Mark Zupan, serves on the President's leadership team, and is integral to institution-wide financial management, planning, and policy development. The university seeks a strategic financial leader to align resources, investments, and revenues to advance its mission and enhance the student experience. This role involves partnering with the President, Provost, and leadership team, offering a forward-looking perspective on institutional decision-making, anticipating opportunities and challenges, and developing sustainable financial models. The ideal candidate will possess strong financial expertise, administrative acumen, and an entrepreneurial mindset to guide academic and administrative leaders in making sound investment choices, improving efficiency, and cultivating new revenue streams. A student-centered approach, commitment to higher education, and a focus on the university's distinctive mission are paramount. The successful candidate will be forward-thinking, entrepreneurial, transparent, collaborative, collegial, an engaged listener, and an exceptional communicator, fostering trust and shared accountability.

Requirements

• At least ten years of progressively increasing experience in finance and administration.
• Experience in managing a large staff with diverse responsibilities.
• A bachelor’s degree is required.
• Demonstrate unquestioned integrity.
• Be an outstanding listener, open to feedback and input.
• Be a good communicator.
• Be a strategic thinker.
• Possess strong and effective interpersonal skills that engender trust and cultivate collaboration.
• Strong commitment to promoting inclusivity.
• Be a servant-leader who is respectful of others and who works to help their colleagues achieve their goals.
• Be an exceptional financial and administrative leader with superior analytical and management skills.
• Willingness to explore new and creative opportunities for ensuring the University’s financial health.
• Maintain financial discipline.
• Have an entrepreneurial spirit and will be willing to think outside the box and take prudent risks.
• Be a skilled negotiator and will work to help the faculty and staff achieve their goals.
• Understand the higher education landscape, and the challenges that higher education is currently facing and provide innovative ideas in approaching the future.
• Be able to understand and negotiate complex financial transactions.
• Ability to achieve goals using influence and negotiation skills.
• Have the fortitude to make difficult choices when necessary and the ability to convey decisions with clarity.
• Knowledgeable about the critical areas in the portfolio.
• Experience working with boards of trustees.

Nice To Haves

• Higher Education experience is highly desirable.
• Experience in business, non-profits and/or other sectors.
• Experience aligning expenses with revenue expectations and restructuring will be valued.
• A CPA, MBA or other advanced degree is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage the areas of finance, facilities, risk, food service (in partnership with the VP of Student Engagement), bookstore, ancillary services, procurement, and investments and endowment.
• Support the Finance, Building and Grounds, Audit, and Investment committees of the board of trustees.
• Move the University to Financial Equilibrium
• Develop New Sources of Revenue and Help Increase Existing Revenue
• Develop a Budget Process and Balanced Budget
• Maintain Efficient, Cost-Effective Operation of the University
• Partner with the Town and the Village
• Provide Leadership to all Direct Reports and Create an Effective Team
• Gain Trust and Communicate Effectively with the Campus

What This Job Offers

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