Vice President, Chief Operating and Financial Officer

Cornell College invites applications to assume the role of Chief Operating and Financial Officer. This leader is responsible for implementing Cornell’s strategic plan, overseeing the College’s financial condition, and managing shared services supporting all activities of the College. This role brings together critical administrative activities under one leader with the intention of further increasing the strategic and operational effectiveness, efficiency, and speed of these functions—all with the ultimate goal of fostering a service mindset and increasing employee satisfaction as Cornell educates, recruits, and retains students.

This leader will oversee several functional areas including Business and Financial Services, Facilities, Information Technology, Marketing and Communications, and Talent & Engagement/Human Resources. They will also be a core member of the President’s Council which sets policy and strategic direction and will chair and oversee activities of the Planning, Budget, and Evaluation Committee which is responsible for developing strategic plans as well as implementing and measuring the success of those plans. This leader will be successful by accelerating the College’s ability to respond to changes in the market and deliver needed organizational programs and initiatives. This leader will lead operational change to build seamless and efficient business processes that ensure projects are completed in an accurate and timely manner and reduce administrative burden across the College.

About Cornell College
Cornell College is a selective liberal arts college distinguished by our Ingenuity curriculum that builds on the strengths of our One Course at A Time schedule. This combination encourages the qualities of being thoughtful, original, and inventive, using the strengths of a liberal arts education to apply ideas to solve problems and meet challenges through hands-on experience in learning. Academic immersion, real world experience requirements through Ingenuity in Action, 19 division III NCAA athletic teams, and unparalleled flexibility attract an ambitious student body from 45 states and 13 foreign countries.

External endorsements include selection as one of the original Colleges That Change Lives, a U.S. News Top 100 liberal arts college, a Kiplinger’s best value in liberal arts colleges, and one of only 290 U.S. colleges with a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa. Founded in 1853, Cornell's picturesque hilltop campus contains a mix of historic and modern facilities, ranging from the majestic King Chapel to the newly constructed Russell Science Center. We are located in Mount Vernon, Iowa, an urban fringe community recognized by Frommer's as one of "America's Coolest Small Towns" and located in the heart of the ICR Iowa region.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
Cornell College is committed to fostering a faculty and staff community that reflects its diverse student body. We encourage applications from candidates who share our vision for a campus that embraces differing backgrounds, viewpoints, and identities. We believe in the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion that serve to enrich and strengthen our campus community.

Qualifications
Ten plus years of financial management experience required. Additional experience overseeing Facilities, IT, and HR is a strong plus. Other desirable qualifications include:

• Higher Education experience is desirable but not required. Experience with financial and operational experience from other industry sectors include Healthcare Services, Hospitality, Professional Services, and possibly Military Operations (within its Healthcare and Supply Chain operations).
• Bachelors (Required) or Masters (preferred) in financial management fields including, economics, accounting, finance, business administration, public administration/management. A CPA is a plus.
• Demonstrated sensitivity to the College’s business model as an enrollment driven institution and its implications for student (customer) retention and how every office, department, and functional area’s policies must support their success.
• Experience leading or supporting a shared services operational model is a plus
• Experience leading process development and improvement initiatives.
• Strong analytical skills to solve complex problems and situations.
• A high degree of sophistication in managing projects and major change initiatives.
• Experience developing strategic plans that realize organizational goals and initiatives.
• History of setting and meeting ambitious targets and taking calculated risks aimed at delivering added value.
• Track record of establishing a high-performing culture.
• Team player with a track record of building, motivating, facilitating, and engaging teams; establishing accountability; and developing leaders.

While we have many questions about you, maybe you want to get to know us? Let us sell more on why you should choose Cornell.

Application Process
This position will remain open until filled, and applications will be reviewed as received. To apply, submit a cover letter and resume through Cornell's online application system.

Cornell is an AA/EO employer and encourages applications from underrepresented groups. Cornell complies with Iowa's Smoke-free Air Act, participates in e-verify for verification of employment eligibility, and conducts background checks.