Chief Financial Officer And Vice President Of Business Affairs

Leadership Profile

Chief Financial Officer & Vice President for Business Affairs

The Opportunity

The Chief Financial Officer & Vice President for Business Affairs (CFO & VPBA) leads the Division of Business Affairs, comprised of three areas: Business Services, Controller, and Facilities Management & Planning. The role supervises 7 direct reports and manages a total team of over 50 staff. The CFO & VPBA reports to the President and is a key member of the University's leadership team and officer of the University, contributing to the overall University strategy and operations. This institutional leader will collaborate with the President and leadership to direct and oversee financial activities and controls of the University. They will offer strategic thinking, vision, innovative ideas, and approaches to the team they manage and to senior leaders. They will lead and direct the planning process of all major capital projects and meet all reporting requirements.

The CFO & VPBA will lead the oversight of the Controller's Office, Budget Office, Business Services, Risk Management, Facilities Management & Planning, Office of Human Resources, Information Technology Services (outsourced), and Bookstore (outsourced). The CFO & VPBA will be responsible for a budget of $68 million and assets of approximately $250 million.

The CFO & VPBA serves the Otterbein University governing board by staffing its Audit and Risk Management Committee and Financial Resources Committee to enable the Board of Trustee's management of its fiduciary duties. The CFO & VPBA will partner with other institutional leaders to produce multiyear projections for revenue and expenses to support institutional long-term planning and budget development and will facilitate a culture of data-informed decision making and best practices in all areas of their work.Leadership priorities for the Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Business Affairs include:

• Continue traditional undergraduate growth through need-based aid allowing more underserved populations to attend college, a focus on experiential learning and career preparation.

• Partner with the Institutional Advancement team to support all areas of fundraising and the execution of major capital and comprehensive fundraising campaigns.

• Enhance campus buildings and grounds, with a special focus on student life facilities, through an upcoming comprehensive campaign and other funding mechanisms.

• Create a multi-year planning model allowing the University and its Board to make strategic decisions beyond the current fiscal year.

• Work with the Board and institutional partners on investment portfolio management.

• Contribute to a culture of innovation and accountability, including a grass-roots process for launching new curricular and co-curricular programs, performance-based pay for all employees, and data-driven decisions about unit performance and resource allocation.

• Create and execute campus master planning, with a focus on space efficiency.

• Engage with local and state leaders, community organizations, and corporations in ways that expand the University's reach and connection.

• In partnership with University leaders at Otterbein and Antioch Universities, bring appropriate expertise as Otterbein executes the goals and priorities of the new Coalition for the Common Good (CCG), including decision making related to shared services of some functions.

• Communicate with the full campus community on all matters of business affairs in transparent ways that build understanding, trust, accountability, and buy-in.

Applicants must have an advanced degree (or equivalent combination of education and experience) in business administration, public administration, accounting, finance, or related field. Certified Public Accountant designation preferred but not required.

Applicants should have a significant and progressive record of successful leadership experience in a supervisory role within Business Affairs; a proven track record of financial planning with a proactive, decisive style that correlates with long term goals and mission; strong financial analytical and reporting skills; experience in managing debt; significant line-management experience in a variety of financial areas, preferably including experience in supervising the physical plant and human resources; the ability to establish external relationships and negotiate with financial entities (i.e., line of credit, rating agencies, bond holders, etc.); experience with risk management strategies.

Applicants should be highly motivated and self-directed with the capacity to integrate diverse constituencies (students, faculty, staff, facilities, services) within an overarching financial plan; have experience with the development or modification of enterprise resource planning systems; have excellent working knowledge and experience in higher education practices and regulations. Active engagement in NACUBO and one or more regional affiliates is preferred.

How to Apply

Otterbein University is being assisted by Academic Search. Prospective candidates may arrange a confidential discussion by contacting Dr. Dan DiBiasio at Dan.DiBiasio@academicsearch.org or Andrea Cowsert at Andrea.Cowsert@academicsearch.org.

Applications and nominations should be submitted electronically to OtterbeinCFO@academicsearch.org. Applications must include a cover letter that addresses the priorities and qualifications described in this leadership profile; a curriculum vitae; and a list of at least three professional references with contact information, including telephone and email, and a note indicating the candidate's working relationship with each. References will not be contacted without the explicit permission of the candidate.

This position is open until filled, but only applications received by April 28, 2024, can be assured full consideration. Anticipated start date: June/July 2024.

Upon acceptance of a contingent job offer, Otterbein University, with the assistance of a third-party firm, conducts a background check and credit screening in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act. All information obtained is held in strict confidence.For more information about Otterbein University please visithttps://www.otterbein.edu/cfo

Otterbein University is an Equal Opportunity Educator and Employer.

Beyond this, Otterbein University is committed to increasing the diversity of its faculty and staff to reflect its student body and the communities it serves. Candidates with diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Visit https://www.otterbein.edu/about/careers/ to learn more about employee benefits.