Vice President for Finance & Operations/Chief Operating Officer

University of North Dakota•Grand Forks, ND

5d•$280,000 - $335,000

About The Position

The University of North Dakota (UND) seeks a strategic, ambitious, and highly collaborative leader to serve as its next Vice President for Finance & Operations/Chief Operating Officer (VPFO/COO). Reporting directly to President Andrew Armacost and serving as a member of the University’s Executive Council, the VPFO/COO is UND’s chief financial and operating officer and one of the institution’s most influential strategic leaders. The VPFO/COO works closely with the President, Provost, deans, and senior administrators to align financial planning, workforce strategy, facilities, capital investment, public safety, compliance, and operational effectiveness with the University’s strategic priorities. UND operates with annual revenue in excess of $720 million, manages approximately $953 million in capital assets, and has grown into one of the nation’s newest Carnegie R1 universities with annual research expenditures approaching $250 million. The University is currently advancing more than $390 million in active and planned capital projects, including major investments in STEM facilities, research infrastructure, deferred maintenance, and student-centered campus improvements. These initiatives create an exceptional opportunity for a leader energized by institutional growth, operational excellence, and long-term stewardship. The VPFO/COO leads a broad and complex portfolio encompassing Finance, Human Resources, Procurement, Treasury, Resource Planning and Allocation, Facilities and Operations, Capital Planning and Construction, Public Safety, Emergency Management, Risk Management, Civil Rights and Title IX, Disability Resources, Community and Belonging, and the Chester Fritz Performing Arts Center. The division includes eight senior leaders reporting directly to the VPFO/COO and approximately 750 staff across these areas. Through this talented team of leaders and professional staff, the VPFO/COO ensures that the University’s financial, physical, and human resources are aligned to advance UND’s mission and strategic aspirations. A distinguishing aspect of the VPFO/COO role is its visibility and influence both on campus and across North Dakota. The VPFO/ COO serves as a key liaison to the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education, the North Dakota University System (with 11 public institutions), state agencies, legislative leaders, and university-affiliated nonprofits (such as the UND Alumni Association & Foundation, the Center for Innovation and its Foundation, the Ralph Engelstad Arena, and the Energy & Environmental Research Center), and acts as one of the University’s principal advocates for funding, capital investment, research growth, and institutional priorities. North Dakota’s uniquely collaborative environment, across a range of state agencies and partners, provides an unusual opportunity to develop meaningful relationships with policymakers and leaders within the System to help shape the future of higher education throughout the state. UND seeks a leader who embraces partnership and shared governance, understands the intersection of academic priorities and financial strategy, promotes a welcoming and pluralistic campus community, and is committed to by the university’s strategic goals and aspirations. The successful candidate will be a disciplined financial steward, exceptional communicator and public speaker, and trusted relationship builder who can navigate complexity, foster innovation, champion transparency and accountability, and leverage emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, to strengthen institutional effectiveness while preserving the human-centered culture that defines UND. Most importantly, UND seeks a leader who is eager to join a highly collaborative executive team and help shape the future of one of the nation’s fastest-rising public research universities. UND has engaged Isaacson, Miller, a national executive search firm, to assist with this recruitment. Inquiries, nominations, and applications should be directed in confidence to the search firm as indicated at the end of this ad. View the full position profile here [https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:acf3395a-94d6-4342-93f1-77fa682360d9].

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree
Ten years of progressively responsible administrative and leadership experience in a complex and multifaceted institution
Successful completion of a Criminal History Background Check
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the US and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
This position does not support visa sponsorship for continued employment.

Nice To Haves

A master’s degree in accountancy, finance, business administration, or related field; an advanced credential such as a CPA, CMA, or equivalent professional certification; or a terminal degree in a related field such as a PhD in Accounting, Finance, or DBA
10+ years of experience, including four years in senior administrative roles
Demonstrated experience building positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders, governance boards, legislative bodies, or public agencies
Demonstrated experience managing complex financial structures and executing strategic financial modeling and decisions
Demonstrated experience working with budget models and corporate financial planning & analysis
Leadership experience managing, administering, or leading organizational operations such as environmental safety, emergency management, public safety, or police units
Working knowledge of complex compliance, regulatory, or accountability frameworks
Experience with diversified capital assets or facilities planning
Oversight of human capital management or organizational development