Chief Financial Officer (CFO) (Saint Paul)

Title: Chief Financial Officer

VP Area: VP - CFO

Department: VP - CFO

Position Compensation: $160,000 - $175,000

Location: University Campus - St. Paul, Minnesota

Who We Are: Northwestern is a faith-driven community, unwavering in our Christ-centered principles and identity as those who profess faith in Jesus. Rooted in the unshakable foundation of God’s Word and our calling to impact His world, our mission and vision flow from these core values, expressed through Christ-centered higher education at the University of Northwestern – St. Paul and through gospel outreach and faithfulness with Northwestern Media.

Position Summary: The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is a strategic, executive leader responsible for safeguarding and propelling both the mission and financial future of Northwestern. The CFO reports directly to the President/CEO and serves as a member on the President’s Cabinet. Partnering with executive leadership and the Board of Trustees, this position shapes bold financial strategies, ensures integrity and compliance, and provides insight that drives decision-making, risk management and long-term growth. In this role, the CFO also exercises a high standard of fiduciary responsibility, acting in the best interest of the organization and its stakeholders to protect its assets and uphold its mission.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership:
  • Serve as the chief financial adviser to the President, Cabinet, and Board of Trustees, offering insight into budgeting, forecasting, investment, risk management, and fiscal policy.
  • Lead the development of multi-year financial strategies aligned with Northwestern’s mission and strategic goals.
  • Foster a culture of financial stewardship, integrity, and excellence across all operations.
  • Drive the financial evaluation of potential mergers and acquisitions, ensuring strategic alignment with the company's mission, values, and long-term objectives.
  • Provide financial leadership for Northwestern by guiding resource allocation to advance the mission while ensuring long-term sustainability. In partnership with the President, lead the development of multi-year financial strategy, aligning budgets, capital allocation, and risk management with organizational priorities, and evaluate the financial feasibility of new programs, expansions, and investments in alignment with mission and strategic goals.
  • Act as Treasurer of the Corporation and liaison to the Board’s Finance and Investment Committee.
• Financial Oversight:
  • Direct all accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting functions, exercising a high standard of fiduciary responsibility to ensure compliance with GAAP and all federal/state regulations.
  • Oversee the preparation and execution of audits and ensure robust internal controls and financial policies are in place.
  • Lead the annual budgeting process and monitor adherence to established financial parameters.
  • Produce accurate and timely financial reports, forecasts, and scenario models to inform strategic decisions.
  • Oversee the development of integration strategies that ensure the seamless incorporation of acquired entities into the existing business model and culture, fostering continuity with the company's mission.
• Investment & Risk Management:
  • Collaborate with the Investment Committee to manage cash flow, endowment, and long-term financial assets.
  • Oversee risk management strategies, insurance programs, and contractual negotiations, including leases and property transactions.
• Organizational Representation & Culture:
  • Develop and maintain healthy internal and external relationships. Represent Northwestern in financial matters with external stakeholders such as auditors, financial institutions, consultants, and donors. When appropriate, educate and inform internal constituencies in financial literacy and best practices.
  • Promote a high-performance, collaborative work environment that values continuous improvement, professional development and employee well-being.
  • Actively model and integrate Christian faith and a ministry mindset with financial leadership.
• Leadership & Team Management:
  • Supervise and mentor a team of direct reports, as assigned.
  • Cultivate a culture of collaboration, accountability, and Christ-centered leadership.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Because our community is a significant part of our mission and the development of our students, all employees act as a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ by actively partnering with the University to disciple students in growing intellectually and spiritually, and with Northwestern Media to lead people to Christ and nurture believers to mature in their faith.

Qualifications:

• Required:
  • Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field
  • Minimum of 10 years of progressive financial leadership
  • Proven expertise in strategic planning, budgeting, financial analysis, and capital planning
  • Demonstrated success in managing organizational change and leading and mentoring high-performing teams
  • Maintain a growing, personal relationship with Jesus Christ, reflect His character in all interactions, and faithfully uphold and embrace Northwestern’s mission, Doctrinal Statement and Declaration of Christian Community
• Nice to Have:
  • CPA or MBA
  • Experience in higher education

Key Skills:

• Stakeholder Engagement: Develop and maintain healthy internal and external relationships. Capable of working both independently and collaboratively.
• Confidentiality: Maintains discretion and handles sensitive information appropriately.
• Organizational Skills: Strong time management and problem-solving abilities; able to prioritize and meet deadlines with attention to detail.
• Technical Proficiency: Intermediate to advanced computer skills, including Microsoft Office and related software.
• Written & Verbal Communication: Strong writing, editing, proofreading, and verbal communication skills. Ability to communicate complex financial concepts clearly to diverse, non-financial audiences.
• Flexibility: Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends as needed as well as necessary travel
• Financial Oversight: Knowledge of business regulations, financial compliance, and best practices. Experience managing budgets and financial resources within assigned responsibilities.
• Driver’s License: Valid driver's license and access to reliable transportation.
• Background Check: Must pass initial and ongoing background checks as a condition of employment.

Work Environment:

The work environment involves working for a suburban, Christian university or Christian owned and operated radio station alongside those with a demonstrated commitment and personal relationship with Jesus Christ, a commitment to the mission and values of Northwestern, and an agreement to abide by all Northwestern policies.

All applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States as we are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa.