Vice President for Finance

Vice President for Finance

Clarkson University in Potsdam, New York, seeks a visionary, collaborative and forward-thinking leader to serve as its next Vice President for Finance (VPF). Reporting to President Marc Christensen and serving as a key member of the University's senior leadership team, the VPF plays a primary role in budget development and management, financial planning for the institution, and strategic planning and implementation as the senior fiscal steward of resources for Clarkson.

Clarkson's main campus is located on 640 wooded acres in Potsdam, New York, adjacent to the 6-million-acre Adirondack Park, with other campuses in the Capital Region of New York (Schenectady) and Beacon, as well as partnerships in Saranac Lake (in partnership with the Trudeau Institute). Its 4,000+ undergraduate and graduate students hail from 42 states and 61 countries, and the University employs ~750 faculty and staff. Clarkson produces remarkably effective and entrepreneurial engineers, scientists, educators, health professionals, businesspeople and creative leaders by creating an exceptionally demanding, boundary-spanning educational experience. Clarkson graduates earn salaries that are among the top 2% in the nation; one in five alumni already leads as a CEO, senior executive or owner of a company.

The VPF oversees a broad portfolio in the University's Business and Financial Affairs Division, including endowment, purchasing, annual and long-term operating and capital budgets, general accounting, accounts payable and fixed assets. The position currently has two professional direct reports: the Director of Budget & Planning and the Controller; and over 20 employees in the division. Clarkson's annual operating budget totaled $112 million, and the University has an endowment of approximately $218 million.

The successful candidate will be an innovative and resourceful leader who will collaborate with the senior leaders and communicate in an honest and direct manner. A proven track record of quality and integrity with expertise in current financial methodology and regulations is essential. The VPF will have strong skills in communications, interpersonal relations and concise report writing, and the ability to build a culture of trust and transparency. In essence, excellent oral, written and presentation skills, along with exceptional listening skills, are essential.

Minimal qualifications for the position are a bachelor's degree in business administration, finance or related discipline, with a preference for an individual with a Master's degree and/or professional certifications. The VPF will also have 10 or more years of progressive responsibilities in financial administration, as well as significant leadership and management experience in business and finance, including complex financial transactions, key performance indicators (KPIs), due diligence, contract negotiations and strategic planning. Preferred qualifications include an understanding of the academic environment, governance and values, along with a state-of-the-art knowledge of information systems, accounting and investments.

The VPF will address a set of key opportunities and challenges to help ensure Clarkson's ongoing success, including leading the University Business and Financial Affairs Division with transparency, stability and open communication; supporting Clarkson's mission and strategic plan; revising the University's budgeting process to ensure participation and communication; implementing state-of-the-art systems and business solutions that promote proactive financial management; advancing diversity, equity and inclusion; and maintaining external relationships with important constituents and other potential partners.

All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume, and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the profile at WittKieffer.com. WittKieffer is assisting Clarkson University in this search, for which application review has begun and will continue until an appointment is made.

Application materials should be submitted using WittKieffer's candidate portal. Nominations and inquiries can be directed to Jen Meyers Pickard, Ph.D., Alejandra Gillette-Teran, and Kim Migoya at ClarksonVPF@wittkieffer.com.

An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, Clarkson actively seeks and encourages applications from minorities, women and people with disabilities. All offers of employment are subject to the applicant successfully passing a background check (including, but not limited to, employment verification, educational and other credential verification and criminal records).

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