Vice President of Operations and Finance

This position description outlines the essential and non-essential duties and responsibilities of the role. It contains the functions necessary to describe and clarify the position. Additionally, management reserves the right to add to, delete from, or modify the duties and responsibilities outlined in this position description. POSITION SUMMARY The Vice President of Operations and Finance (VP - Operations and Finance) reports directly to the President and serves as a key member of Ralston College’s senior leadership team. The VP - Operations and Finance plays a critical role in advancing the institution's operational and financial health and will, when appropriate, accompany the President to fundraising or donor-relations meetings to represent the College’s financial models, operational readiness, and strategic priorities. The VP - Operations and Finance is responsible for the effective management of the College’s major operational and financial functions, supporting institutional planning, implementation, and tracking of strategic priorities; implementing policy and offering recommendations for improvement; stewarding the operating budget and governance structures; and ensuring that administrative units operate efficiently and in service to the academic mission. The VP - Operations and Finance works in close partnership with the College’s fractional Chief Financial Officer and President. The role requires demonstrated experience managing outsourced bookkeeping and accounting teams, as well as the ability to recruit, build, and develop these functions in-house as the College grows. Direct reporting lines include the Head of Campus Operations, the Head of Technical Operations, and Human Resources, among others. The VP - Operations and Finance leads administrative units—including operations, facilities, technology, HR, regulatory, and finance‑adjacent functions—while supporting the work of academic and other student‑facing units through operational alignment and resource stewardship. Because Ralston College is a small and entrepreneurial institution, the VP - Operations and Finance must move fluidly between strategic leadership and hands‑on engagement. The role requires strong financial acumen, operational discipline, excellent project management skills, and the ability to work collaboratively across the College to develop and execute tactical plans aligned with broader strategic objectives. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Strategic Leadership & Operations Management Manage daily operations in furtherance of revenue, academic, and mission‑aligned objectives. Implement an annual operating plan to advance Ralston College’s strategic and operational priorities. Review operational and financial performance using KPIs to monitor progress, identify risks, and guide data‑informed decision‑making. Partner with senior leadership to translate operating and business results into actionable operational and financial strategies. Establish clearly defined goals and expectations for administrative units, communicating them through regular meetings and performance management processes. Support the President in ensuring seamless operation during periods when the President is externally engaged. Financial Leadership & Business Administration Serve as a senior partner to the fractional Chief Financial Officer, supporting the College’s financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, analysis, and strategic financial planning. Project manage the annual budget process, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and long‑term financial sustainability. Oversee accounts payable and receivable, reconciliations, audits, financial reporting cycles, and compliance in partnership with outsourced bookkeeping teams. Design and implement financial procedures that ensure transparent, timely, and accurate reporting. Monitor financial performance against budget, analyze variances, and recommend adjustments when necessary. Support the development of multi‑year financial models and stewardship of institutional financial resources. Work collaboratively with fundraising staff and the President to prepare financial materials for donor meetings as needed. Support the Treasurer in preparing monthly financial strategy analysis and presentations at quarterly board meetings. Partnerships and Relationship Building Develop and maintain a comprehensive understanding of all operational units at Ralston College. Contribute meaningfully to strategic planning regarding operations, staffing, finance, technology, and administrative structure. Build strong collaborative relationships with internal stakeholders, community partners, vendors, consultants, and regulatory entities. Represent operational and financial perspectives in conversations with external partners. Human Resources Provide oversight of human resources, encompassing hiring, onboarding, evaluation, professional development, and staff retention. Support recruitment and workforce planning aligned with the mission, values, and growth objectives of the College. Ensure HR policies comply with legal and accreditation requirements and contribute to a healthy, productive workplace culture. Facilities Management & Technical Operations Accountable for campus facilities operations, including maintenance, logistics, space planning, and capital project support. Work closely with the existing Head of Campus Operations, who manages the day‑to‑day facilities operations of the College. Ensure strong procedures related to physical security, safety, emergency preparedness, and business continuity. Accountable for campus technology needs and ensure that technology planning aligns with institutional growth and academic needs. Work closely with the existing Head of Technical Operations, who manages the day‑to‑day technical needs of the College. Maintain strong working relationships with key vendors. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE Master’s degree required, along with a strong intellectual orientation compatible with the mission and ethos of Ralston College. Ten plus years of experience in business, higher education, nonprofit management, finance, operations, or a related field. Demonstrated leadership experience overseeing both operational and financial functions. Strong organizational, analytical, and project management skills; demonstrated ability to use data to inform decision‑making. Demonstrated mastery in budget development, financial modeling, and long‑and short‑term financial planning. Demonstrated experience working with outsourced bookkeeping and accounting firms, with the ability to recruit and grow in‑house capacity. Familiarity with higher education organizational structures, accreditation considerations, and regulatory frameworks. Understanding of nonprofit financial management, compliance, and labor and employment law. Experience with talent acquisition, leadership development, management training, and best practices. Ability to conduct effective meetings, communicate results clearly, and inspire action. Resourcefulness and problem‑solving ability with the capacity to anticipate and address challenges. PERSONAL QUALITIES AND COMPETENCIES Commitment to the mission of Ralston College and its fundamental commitments: truth, freedom, beauty, and fellowship. Understanding of academic and collegiate culture and appreciation for Ralston College’s ethos. Excellent strategic thinking and project management skills. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate across various cultures, teams, and constituencies. Receptiveness to feedback, with the ability to incorporate constructive input productively. A self‑starter with initiative, sound judgment, adaptability, and the ability to work in a dynamic academic environment. High energy, positive attitude, strong work ethic, and resilience in a demanding setting. Unimpeachable integrity, maturity, and discretion in handling sensitive and confidential information. EEOC STATEMENT It is the policy of Ralston College to provide equal employment opportunities to all without regard to protected characteristics under applicable law. #J-18808-Ljbffr