Chief Financial Officer (Saint Paul)

Chief Financial Officer

Division: Finance & Administration

Department/Office: Finance & Administration

St. Catherine University invites applications for the role of Chief Financial Officer (CFO). The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is St. Catherine University's chief financial officer and reports directly to the President. The CFO is responsible for the strategic leadership and oversight of key financial functions and partners closely with the President, trustees, senior administrators, faculty, department directors, vendors, and external partners to shape institutional strategy, drive revenue growth, forecast the financial impact of business and operating decisions, optimize performance, and build long-term sustainability.

The CFO directs the timely and accurate gathering, analysis, and reporting of financial and operational information for key constituents, including the President, University trustees, senior administrators, external funders, appropriate committees, and the University community at large. In addition to core financial management, the CFO directly supports the Board of Trustees and its committees of Finance, Infrastructure, Resources and Investment, Audit and Strategic Planning & Priorities.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Financial Leadership (25%)

• Set strategic direction and lead development and execution of multi‑year strategic and financial plans across the University to build a sustainable institution.

Revenue Growth & Business Development (15%)

• Identify, develop, and execute strategies to grow and diversify the University's revenue base, including new business lines, partnerships, and enterprise opportunities that strengthen long‑term financial sustainability.

Team Leadership & Development (15%)

• Direct supervision and development of divisional functional leaders; ensure effective and efficient operation of the division and provide staff with development and career pathways.

Capital & Facilities Stewardship (15%)

• Oversee the effective deployment of the University's capital to ensure sustainability, including management of deferred maintenance, campus integration, and development of a Master Campus Plan.

Internal Controls & Audit Oversight (10%)

• Maintain a strong system of internal controls over financial reporting to safeguard institutional assets and prevent and detect fraud; oversee the annual external financial statement audit and ensure timely, accurate financial reporting to all constituents.

Board & Governance Support (10%)

• Support the operation of the University's Board of Trustees, including its committees of Finance, Infrastructure, Resources and Investment, Audit and Strategic Planning & Priorities.

Strategic Initiatives & Collaboration (10%)

• Work collaboratively with the Senior Leadership Team and Faculty/Department leadership to support the University's strategic plan, providing creative problem‑solving for a wide range of business issues.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must value diversity in all its forms and organize people around their individual strengths and potential; ability to coach staff to pursue stretch goals and resolve challenges; ability to empower staff to make large as well as small decisions needed in an able, transformative environment; ability to celebrate individual and team successes.
• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field required.
• Minimum of ten years of significant, successful, and progressive experience in financial leadership and/or as a CFO, managing complex financial affairs, preferably in higher education or another complex, enterprise‑scale organization.
• A minimum of three years’ experience working with Boards and external partners.
• Strategic orientation with a track record of driving revenue growth, strategic budget development, debt and investment portfolio management, financial analysis, and cost containment.
• Experience overseeing capital construction financing, including the financial planning, funding strategy, and debt management associated with major capital projects.
• Proven competency in external financial reporting, including financial tax and ERISA filings.
• A minimum of ten years of successfully analyzing and determining the strategic implications of financial data, communicating information effectively and making appropriate recommendations for action.

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA and/or MBA preferred.
• Demonstrated experience managing institutional investment portfolios or endowments, including working with outside investment advisors, consultants, and asset managers.
• Proven track record of driving measurable revenue growth through new business lines, strategic partnerships, or diversified funding strategies.
• Experience structuring and executing public‑private partnerships or alternative capital financing arrangements, including bond issuance and debt structuring, to support capital construction and campus investment.
• Commitment to the core elements of the University's mission: Catholic, women, and liberal arts.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with the president, leadership team, and other university constituents.
• Works collaboratively in multi‑leveled decision‑making processes within a complex organization.
• Demonstrated capacity to understand the complex issues facing higher education.
• Works effectively on a collaborative basis with a wide range of constituencies and stakeholders in a diverse community.
• Excellent organizational, written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
• A strong understanding of university‑wide governance and faculty roles within that structure.
• Ability to develop financial strategies that support revenue growth and the student experience.
• Systems thinking and best‑practice orientation to identify strategic opportunities to build support for change and innovation.

Compensation

The salary for this position is $170,000 - $220,000 depending on qualifications and experience. The salary range listed reflects a good‑faith estimate of what we reasonably anticipate to pay for this position, based on market data and internal equity, at the time of posting. Actual compensation will be determined based on qualifications, experience, skills, and other relevant factors. St. Catherine reserves the right to modify or adjust compensation depending on University needs.

Equal Opportunity Statement

St. Catherine University is an equal opportunity employer. Our commitment to inclusion reflects the central value of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet to love of neighbor without distinction and provides a learning and working environment that is enriched by the diversity of all our members. Individuals of all religious, racial, ethnic, gender identity, nation of origin, or disability groups are encouraged to apply. Should you need an interview accommodation please contact us at View email address on apply.placed-app.com or View phone number on apply.placed-app.com.