Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Chief Financial Officer

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.

Strategic Leadership: Serve as the chief financial advisor 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.

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.