Assistant VP, Financial & Administrative Affairs & Assistant Treasurer (Extended Deadline)

Assistant Vice President For Financial & Administrative Affairs And Assistant Treasurer

The Assistant Vice President (AVP) for Financial & Administrative Affairs and Assistant Treasurer provides strategic leadership and operational oversight across all treasury functions for Southern Illinois University and its campuses. Reporting directly to the Vice President for Financial & Administrative Affairs and Board Treasurer, the AVP is responsible for the integrity, efficiency, and long-term soundness of the University's treasury operations, including cash and liquidity management, investment of University funds, banking relationships, debt issuance, debt portfolio oversight, post-issuance compliance, capital finance activities and oversight of the Universities tax compliance program.

The AVP leads a team of treasury and tax professionals responsible for the day-to-day execution of these functions and serves as a key advisor to the CFO, senior leadership, and the Board of Trustees on matters of University financial strategy. This role requires a sophisticated understanding of public higher education finance, strong relationships with financial institutions and rating agencies, and the ability to communicate complex financial matters clearly to executive and governing board audiences.

This position offers a competitive salary, commensurate with University and SIU Foundation guidelines, and provides an opportunity for professional growth within a dynamic advancement and alumni engagement environment.

Examples Of Duties

Treasury & Cash Management

• Directs the investment of available University funds in accordance with Board policy, State and Federal law, and sound fiduciary principles; oversees cash flow forecasting and liquidity strategy across the System.
• Oversees daily cash management operations, including wire transfers, banking transaction activity, and short-term liquidity positioning.
• Maintains and develops the University's banking relationships; evaluates banking services, negotiates terms, and ensures the University receives optimal service and value.
• Monitors working capital and ensures adequate liquidity is maintained across all University funds and operating accounts.

Debt Management & Capital Finance

• Manages the University's debt portfolio, including revenue bonds, financing agreements, and other debt instruments; oversees compliance with bond covenants, arbitrage requirements, and all related reporting obligations.
• Coordinates the issuance of University revenue bonds and other financing vehicles, including engagement with underwriters, bond counsel, financial advisors, and rating agencies.
• Assists in the coordination and issuance of the annual University financial reports.
• Assist with the development of the University's capital funding plan, including resource allocation analysis and recommendations to senior leadership.

Tax Compliance

• Supervise the Director of Tax Compliance
• Work with the Director of Tax Compliance to set priorities for the tax compliance program

Compliance, Policy & External Relations

• Provides staff assistance to the Board of Trustees Finance and Architecture and Design Committees; prepares materials, analyses, and recommendations for Board consideration on treasury and financial matters.
• Develops, implements, and maintains treasury-related policies and procedures designed to ensure compliance with all applicable State and Federal laws and regulations, Board policies, and University guidelines.
• Assists in the preparation of periodic financial reports for presentation to the Board of Trustees and other governing bodies.
• Represents the University in external financial relationships, including with banks, rating agencies, and investment counterparties.
• Monitors trends and best practices in higher education treasury and finance; provides strategic recommendations to the VP on emerging opportunities and risks.

Leadership & Administration

• Leads, mentors, and develops a team of treasury professionals; establishes clear expectations, fosters a culture of accuracy and accountability, and ensures effective cross-coverage of all treasury functions.
• Provides broad staff support to the Vice President for Financial & Administrative Affairs and Board Treasurer in the conduct of University financial affairs.
• Identifies and implements process improvements, technology enhancements, and operational efficiencies within the treasury function.
• Exercise sound judgment, professionalism, and discretion in all interactions, maintain confidentiality while representing the SIU Foundation, Board Members, Leadership Team and Southern Illinois University with integrity and credibility.
• Participate in travel to support off-site events and Foundation engagement activities.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in treasury management, public finance, or a closely related financial discipline.
• Demonstrated experience managing debt portfolios, investment programs, or capital finance activities in a complex institutional environment.
• Proven leadership experience, including supervision and development of professional staff.
• Strong working knowledge of applicable State and Federal laws and regulations governing public sector or higher education finance.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience presenting to senior leadership and governing boards.

Preferred:

• Master's degree in Finance, Business Administration (MBA), Public Administration, or a related field.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Treasury Professional (CTP) or equivalent professional credential.
• Experience in public higher education finance at a system or multi-campus level.
• Familiarity with Illinois public finance law, the Illinois Board of Higher Education, and State budgetary processes.
• Experience with revenue bond issuance, arbitrage compliance, and bondholders' reporting.
• Established relationships with financial institutions, rating agencies, and bond market counterparties.
• Experience with tax research, public accounting, or income tax preparation.

Job Contact: Stephanie Palmer, View email address on click.appcast.io

Supplemental Information

Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a Carnegie Doctoral Research University offering 200+ undergraduate degrees, minors and specializations, 79 master's degrees, and 40 doctoral degrees. Our main campus is 1,136 acres, with additional acreage in University Farms, Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center, and other facilities. The university is an essential part of the city of Carbondale and an important contributor to the culture of the entire region. While Carbondale includes many of the amenities of urban life, it retains its small-town flavor. Cost of living is considerably lower in the region than similar areas elsewhere, and many employees commute from nearby counties. The Southern Illinois region is distinct from the rest of the state, boasting considerable natural beauty including the Shawnee National Forest, many state parks, national wildlife areas, and several lakes beloved for recreation. Local foods are readily available in the area, with a variety of eateries and a growing specialized food truck presence. The area is home to the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, an official wine appellation designation. The wineries extend the cultural reach of the community, hosting live music and continual art exhibits. The campus itself is a microcosm of the area, with a lake and forest on campus, as well as traditional collegiate architecture, quad, and residential halls. Students enjoy outdoor study areas as well as specialized computer labs scattered across campus, including in the three million volume Morris Library. To learn about employee benefits and find resources about Carbondale and the Southern Illinois region, visit:

Benefits

University employees may be eligible for a variety of State of Illinois benefits. These benefits are administered through the Illinois Department of Central Management Service (CMS). These benefits include: Health Insurance plans (HMOs, OAPs, QCHP and CDHP), Dental Insurance, Vision Plan, Life Insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D), Supplemental Long Term Disability (LTD), Flex Spending Accounts, MCAP and DCAP, and 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan.

Eligible employees are required to participate in the State Universities Retirement System (SURS). SURS is the retirement administrator for employees in public higher education in the State of Illinois.

Other benefits available to eligible employees include: Generous paid time-off, 403(b) Supplemental Retirement Plans, and Employee Assistance Program.

SIUC also provides extensive tuition benefits for its employees and their families such as: tuition waiver/application fee waiver for the employee and their dependents , a Legacy tuition rate for children of SIU Alumni , and Civil Service Employee Counsel (CSEC) Education Assistance Program (EAP) . For more information please visit: