Vice President for Business and Finance/Chief Finacial Officer

The Vice President for Business and Finance/Chief Financial Officer will be a collaborative and entrepreneurial leader and a good manager who serves as the steward of the resources of the institution by ensuring the financial health of the University through leadership, direction, and oversight of the University's financial, administrative, and facilities activities. Working in close partnership with 8 the COO and Provost, the VPBF will help lead the integration and optimization of cross-functional operations throughout the University. The VPBF/CFO will collaborate closely with the Vice Presidents for Enrollment Management and Advancement, as well as the broader leadership team, to align financial resources, revenue strategies, and institutional priorities in support of a sustainable and balanced University budget. As a key member of the leadership team and a trusted advisor to the President, the VPBF/CFO will provide clear, timely, and insightful financial analysis, budgetary reporting, scenario modeling, and long-range projections to inform strategic decisions by the President and Board of Trustees.

The successful candidate will bring both financial discipline and a solutions-oriented approach—knowing when to challenge assumptions, when to identify opportunities, and when to say "yes" or "no" in service of the University’s long-term interests. Above all, the VPBF/CFO will foster a culture of transparency, accountability, and collaboration, operating with a "no surprises" philosophy and ensuring that leaders have the information and perspective needed to make informed decisions. The VPBF/CFO will be responsible for finance, facilities, risk management, ancillary operations, accounting, audit, budget forecasting, investment management and the endowment, the Saxon Inn, procurement, and the bookstore. The VP will be responsible for the board finance, building and grounds, audit, and investment committees. The VPBF/CFO will be a creative leader who will identify and develop new partnerships and new sources of revenue for the University and will work closely with the town and the village.

Responsibilities

The VPBF/CFO's responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Development and execution of the University's budget and long-term financial plan
• Creation, development, and identification of new sources of non-tuition revenue
• Development of business partnerships and collaborations that advance the interests of the University
• Oversight of all activities of the Finance Office, including preparation of the annual audit, endowment administration, debt and debt covenant management, and oversight of cash
• Identification and implementation of operational efficiencies throughout the University
• Oversight of risk management
• Management and maintenance of campus facilities
• Oversight of campus renovations and construction
• Management of the Saxon Inn
• Management of procurement
• Management of the bookstore

Leadership Presence and Campus Engagement

The VPBF/CFO is expected to be fully present on campus during the initial period of employment in order to build effective working relationships with fellow members of the leadership team, faculty, staff, and other key stakeholders. Once strong working relationships are established, the University may consider a more flexible work arrangement consistent with institutional needs and the responsibilities of the role.

Leadership Profile

The successful candidate will be a student-centered, positive, collaborative, and forward-thinking leader who demonstrates unquestioned integrity and sound judgment. They will be an outstanding listener and communicator who is open to feedback and input and who possesses strong interpersonal skills that engender trust and cultivate collaboration.

The VPBF/CFO will demonstrate a strong commitment to inclusivity and a leadership style grounded in respect, service, and partnership. They will work effectively across the University to help colleagues achieve institutional goals while maintaining appropriate financial discipline and accountability.

The successful candidate will be an exceptional financial and administrative leader with superior analytical, strategic, and management skills. They will bring an entrepreneurial spirit, a willingness to explore creative opportunities, and the judgment to take prudent risks in support of the University’s long-term financial health.

The VPBF/CFO will be a skilled negotiator who understands the higher education landscape and the challenges facing colleges and universities. They will be able to navigate complex financial transactions, influence outcomes, build consensus, and make difficult decisions when necessary. They will also be able to communicate those decisions clearly and thoughtfully.

Qualifications and Experience

The successful candidate will have:

• At least ten years of progressively responsible experience in finance, administration, or a related area
• Demonstrated experience leading and managing a large staff with diverse responsibilities
• Experience working with boards of trustees or similar governing bodies
• Strong knowledge of the major operational and financial areas within the VPBF/CFO portfolio
• Experience aligning expenses with revenue expectations, organizational restructuring, or financial sustainability initiatives
• A bachelor’s degree

Higher education experience is highly desirable. Experience in business, nonprofit organizations, or other complex organizations will also be considered valuable. A CPA, MBA, or other relevant advanced degree is preferred.

Compensation: $265,000 annually

Physical Demands & Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Personal Protective Equipment must be worn when required. A respiratory function test and the ability to use respirators may be required. Stairs and uneven surfaces may be present; artificial lifts, etc. may or may not be available. The position may require the incumbent to walk outdoors in all types of weather to other buildings or offices located on the campus. The Campus is located in an area that contains numerous hills and slopes and may not always be fully accessible for mobility impaired individuals.

About Alfred University

Lighting the way for students since 1836. “We've always been a place for makers, especially those who make the future. Our commitment to independent thinking, creativity, academic rigor and community have made us a unique kind of leader since 1836."

Alfred University (AU) was founded on principles of social justice in 1836 by liberal, independent thinkers who placed high value on education for all citizens. The University has retained and built upon the strong values of its founders, developing as an institution of national and international renown that is responsive to the needs of contemporary society while remaining consistent with the spirit of its origins. Alfred University is the second oldest coeducational college in the United States as well as one of the earliest nineteenth century colleges to have enrolled African American and Native American students. It has a long-standing history of educating socially conscious students who make a difference in their professions and their communities.

Over the course of the twentieth century, Alfred University evolved into a complex institution offering a full range of programs in the liberal arts and sciences, art and design, engineering, business, education, counseling, and school psychology to its nearly 2,000 undergraduate and graduate students that live, learn, and play on a 232-acre campus located in an idyllic, creative valley in Western New York. To learn more, visit alfred.edu.

Alfred University actively subscribes to a policy of equal employment opportunity, and will not discriminate against any employee, student or applicant because of race, age, sex, color, sexual orientation, gender identification or expression, physical or mental disability, religion, ancestry or national origin, marital status, genetic information, military or veteran status, domestic violence victim status, criminal conviction status, political affiliation or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.