Vice President of Finance and Operations

Muskingum University welcomes applications for an experienced, collaborative, and strategic leader to serve as its next Vice President of Finance and Operations.

As a member of the President’s Senior Leadership Team, this position serves as the University’s chief financial, administrative, and operations officer, working closely as a strategic partner with both the President and Provost. This position provides leadership and oversees a complex portfolio of non-financial and administrative resources, while acting with absolute institutional integrity on fiscal and personnel matters. This individual must demonstrate strategic and visionary leadership, strong interpersonal and communication skills, and a commitment to the mission of the University.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Keep President, members of the Board of Trustees, and other appropriate staff members informed on matters relating to financial policy and activity.
• Ensure timely, accurate, and consistent financial reporting to stakeholders, ranging from budget managers to the Board of Trustees.
• Lead the effort to forecast multi-year financial and operational plans.
• Supervise cash management and treasury functions, including capital planning.
• Oversee investment and endowment management and reporting.
• Conduct financial assessment and analysis of potential projects and decisions as needed.
• Serve as staff support for the Board of Trustees’ University Capacity (Finance) Committee, Audit Committee, and the Investment Sub-Committee.
• Represent the University in matters involving its outside professional relationships, including bankers, auditors, attorneys, investment counsel, real estate and investment brokers, and endowment managers. Signatory on all contracts committing significant University resources.
• Oversee operational functions of the institution, including information technology, risk management, human resources, institutional research, campus safety, physical plant and facilities, real estate, purchasing, mailroom, and copy center.
• Oversee auxiliary services, including bookstore, food service, and facility/conference rentals.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Bachelor’s degree required. Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification and master’s degree preferred, or some combination of experience and education resulting in comparable depth and breadth.
• 10 years of progressively responsible strategic leadership in financial planning and management, and related administrative functions.
• Strong business acumen, with demonstrated expertise in financial planning and reporting, budget development, strategic planning, and project management.
• Excellent working knowledge of higher education practices and regulations, as well as a broad range of fiscal compliance issues.
• Exceptional analytical and quantitative skills, including the ability to compile and present complex facilities and financial issues with recommendations and conclusions.
• Experience leading multiple functions within a complex organization.
• Financial acumen, planning ability, and negotiating skills.
• Ability to engage others in the decision-making process in a collegial manner while establishing priorities and making timely, complex decisions.
• Proven ability to collaborate with diverse constituencies and stakeholders.
• Superior interpersonal communication skills with the ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with a variety of both internal and external constituents.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality on sensitive issues.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Must have patience, understanding, and the determination and persistence to evaluate options, generate solutions, and negotiate a final resolution. Highly developed problem-solving skills and a proactive approach are essential to identify issues and develop solutions.
• Excellent computer skills.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications must include a letter of interest, which addresses how the candidate’s experiences match the position requirements, and a current, full CV or resume, which highlights responsibilities and accomplishments. If not included, references will be requested prior to an initial interview. Application materials should be sent in confidence by email to careers@muskingum.edu or faxed to 740-826-6131. Please include the position title in the subject line of your correspondence. This position will remain open until filled, with review of applications to begin February 1, 2024.

Confidential conversations about this opportunity may be arranged by contacting Mr. John Beckvold, Interim Vice President for Finance and Operations, at beckvold@muskingum.edu.

Muskingum University actively seeks out and welcomes administrators and staff who are committed to excellence in student learning, consider the engagement of diverse communities in the University’s educational programs and activities, and are committed to full inclusivity at the University. As an equal opportunity employer, Muskingum welcomes applications from individuals from populations, which have been historically underrepresented in higher education and/or have experience working with students from diverse backgrounds.

Muskingum University does not discriminate in its employment or educational programs or activities.

ABOUT MUSKINGUM

Founded in 1837, Muskingum University is a comprehensive university, grounded in a liberal arts tradition. The University educates “the whole person for the whole world,” having an impact on the lives of its students, its region, the nation, and the world. With its campus located in the rural Ohio Village of New Concord, Muskingum serves 1,300 undergraduate students and more than 1,000 adult learners, offering more than 60 undergraduate majors; the Muskingum Adult Program, offering online degree completion programs; several master’s degree programs; a doctorate degree program; and workforce development partnerships with business and industry. Further information about Muskingum may be found at www.muskingum.edu.