Position Title: | Vice President for Administration and Finance | |
Location: | Big Rapids (Main Campus) | |
Department: | 50000 - VP Admin Finance | |
Advertised Salary: | $230,000 - $250,000; salary commensurate with education, experiences, and other requirements. Comprehensive benefit package (health care, vacation, etc.) | |
FLSA: | Exempt | |
Temporary/Continuing: | Continuing | |
Part-Time/Full-Time: | Full-Time | |
Union Group: | N/A | |
Term of Position: | 12 Month | |
At Will/Just Cause: | At Will | |
Summary of Position: | Reporting directly to the President, the Vice President of Administration and Finance (VPAF) will serve as the chief financial officer for the University and treasurer of The Ferris Foundation. The VPAF currently oversees campus-wide finance and administrative operating units including: Auxiliary Enterprises (including Dining & Retail Services), Budget, Finance, Human Resources, Information Technology Services, Facilities Management (including planning, design, and construction), and Public Safety.
The ideal candidate will have extensive experience managing financial operations of large, similarly complex organizations, institutions of higher education, government, health care, or similar not-for-profit organizations and work collaboratively and transparently to achieve the University’s financial and strategic goals. In concert with fellow university leaders, deans, faculty, staff, and students, the VPAF will support and inspire a culture of innovation, entrepreneurial thinking, calculated investment, and risk tolerance; strengthen and lead a team in administration and finance to support a complex, multi-faceted institution; cultivate a strategic vision and priorities for finance and administration; and foster a campus culture of shared governance, communication, transparency, and respect. The VPAF will be an effective and innovative leader and communicator, relationship builder and an accomplished manager of people, processes, projects, and systems. The ideal candidate will be well versed in higher education trends, best practices in budget models, governance, risk management, internal controls, debt management/issuance, cash management, and associated operational areas. The VPAF will have strategic and long-term financial planning skills, excellent staff and project management skills, an understanding of accreditation for academic programs and associated resources, and a collegial working style. | |
Position Type: | Staff | |
Required Education: | Master's degree, with a preference for an MBA or other related degree. | |
Required Work Experience: | • At least ten years of experience managing finance and operations in large, similarly complex organizations, institutions of higher education, government, health care, or not-for-profit organization; • Demonstrated strong analytical and technical skills as well as experience with financial analysis, budgeting, and auditing processes; • Strong knowledge and understanding of generally accepted accounting principles, policies, and processes; internal controls; debt management/issuance; cash management; management of financing mechanisms such as leases; management of invested assets; working with banks and other financial institutions; • Knowledge of building construction, plant operations, utilities, and sustainability practices, including recycling, green building practices and energy conservation; • Ability to work closely with diverse internal and external administrative leadership, represent the university both internally and externally in a variety of venues and settings, and interact with the board of trustees and local and state government officials; • Ability to foster an environment promoting strong customer service, organizational growth, and the ability to mentor and develop others; • Excellent communication skills, including written, verbal, presentation, and listening skills; • Proven leadership and interpersonal skills on different levels, including interaction with governing boards and committees; • Management style balancing personal accountability with the delegation of authority necessary for operational efficiency; • Record of building and managing effective teams and providing leadership and professional development support for growth and long-term success. | |
Required Licenses and Certifications: | | |
Physical Demands: | - Office Environment
- Inclement Weather
- Moving
- Reaching
- Sitting
- Twisting
- Repetitive Movement
- Standing
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Additional Education/Experiences to be Considered: | CPA Preferred | |
Essential Duties/Responsibilities: | *Lead the activities of the division, as described under “Summary of Position.” *Serve as the CFO for the organization. *Serve as the chief advisor to the president and executive team on financial and administrative matters. *Serve as the treasurer for the Ferris Foundation. *Manage the budget process for the University. Make recommendations, implement budget plans. *Manage the annual audit process. *Prepare information for and present to the BOT. *Oversee the work of Auxiliary Services, Budget, Finance, Human Resources, Information Technology Services, Facilities Management & Public Safety. *Provide strategic and operational leadership in advancing the mission of the University through the attainment of divisional goals and metrics. *Prepare annual divisional expectations that align with the President’s expectations and University’s strategic priorities. *Develop and maintain strategic partnerships and collaborative relationships with key internal and external stakeholders. *Ensure compliance with university policies and procedures. *Identifies areas of the state budget able to provide funds to specific FSU programs. *Responsible for tracking various pieces of legislation that could have a financial impact on FSU. *Meets with faculty, administrative staff, and students to learn and share information regarding the University’s budget and finances. *Serve on the boards of organizations appropriate for the position. *Develop and implement of the University’s strategy for appropriation requests, including general operating, capital outlay, and all other state and/or federal funds. *Work to secure appropriate legislative and governmental approval and submit reports for all University capital outlay projects. *Participate and assist in coordination of university involvement in the community such as city, county, regional, Chamber of Commerce, and town/gown activities, as it relates to policy. *Work positively and effectively with the academic community, public officials, media representatives and the public. *Be a team builder who is highly motivated, self-starter and a dedicated professional who has demonstrable commitment to service, support of the academic mission and continued advancement of the University. *Any other duties assigned within the position classification area. *Demonstrates an understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion, especially in working relationships with students, faculty, staff and community members. | |
Marginal Duties/Responsibilities: | | |
Skills and Abilities: | Demonstrated commitment, experience and understanding for diversity, equity, and inclusion. | |
Required Documents: | - Cover Letter
- Resume
- Unofficial Transcript 1
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Optional Documents: | | |
Special Instructions to Applicants: | PROCEDURE FOR CANDIDACY: Applications should include a letter of interest and curriculum vitae. Applications and nominations will be accepted until the position is filled. Confidential review of materials and screening of candidates will begin immediately. Harris Search Associates is assisting Ferris State University for this search. Please contact Jeffrey Harris, Managing Partner (jeff@HarrisSearch.com, cell: 614-354-2100) or Eric Christ, Senior Consultant (eric@HarrisSearch.com, cell: 614-800-9974) for further details. Phone: 614-798-8500. | |
Initial Application Review Date:
| May 22nd, 2023 | |
Open Until Position is Filled?: | True | |
Posting Close Date:
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EEO Statement: | Ferris State University, an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, is committed to enhancing equity, inclusion, and diversity within its community. Ferris offers employment opportunities to qualified candidates seeking careers in a student-focused environment that values opportunity, collaboration, diversity and educational excellence. Learn more about the Ferris Mission and community at ferris.edu. The University actively seeks applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and other underrepresented groups. For more information on the University’s Policy on Non-Discrimination, visit: Ferris Non-Discrimination Statement. | |
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