Executive Vice President and Chief Operating & Financial Officer

Executive Vice President and Chief Operating & Financial Officer
The University of Memphis

The University of Memphis seeks an innovative leader to serve as its next Executive Vice President and Chief Operating and Financial Officer.

Job Summary

Reporting to the President, the Executive Vice President for Business & Finance, Chief Operating / Chief Financial Officer (EVP/COO/CFO) works collaboratively with the University’s Executive Vice President/Provost and other senior leaders at the institution to provide strategic and operational leadership in support of the University’s strategic goals. The EVP/COO-CFO serves as a member of the executive leadership team and has a primary responsibility for the University’s operating and capital budget/finances and oversees all operational aspects of institution. The EVP/COO/CFO also provides support for committees of the Board of Trustees (BOT) on matters requiring BOT attention/action.

Provides strategic guidance, management and leadership oversight related to finance, business services, human resources, campus safety, facilities, information technology, institutional equity, policy, long term planning, strategic budgeting and other university operations.

Major Duties & Responsibilities

Serves as principal aide to the President; supports the President in dealing with a range of faculty, staff, student, and public affairs issues; directly handles matters of institutional importance on behalf of the President, as appropriate.

Oversight & Leadership (30%):

• Maintains and advocates the highest level of compliance, integrity, and transparency in all areas.
• Oversees the Division of Business and Finance which includes the following areas and functions: Auxiliary Services & Operations (includes parking & transportation, conference & event services, university bookstore, print and mail services), Business Continuity & Risk Management (to include Environmental Health & Safety and Police Services), Office of Information Technology, Campus Planning & Design, Financial Accounting & Reporting (to include Accounting, Payroll, Shared Services Center, and University & Student Business Services), the Office of Financial Planning (Budget Office), Office of Human Resources, Lambuth Business Services, Physical Plant (Facilities), Procurement & Contract Services, Office for Institutional Equity, the UofM and Auxiliary Services Foundations and the Herff Trust. EVP/COO/CFO also provides indirect oversight of Athletics financial operations through indirect supervision of the Athletics CFO.

Strategic Management (25%):

• Provides financial leadership, Develops and continually assesses policies, systems and operations.
• Interprets overall enterprise operational results as they affect financial performance and institutional objectives and makes specific recommendations that will result in improved efficiency, cost reduction and effectiveness.
• Develops and oversees the management of fiscal policies, systems that protect University’s assets, direct long-term budgetary planning and cost management in alignment with University’s strategic plan.
• Prepares and maintains dynamic short and long-term financial models that incorporate the University's strategic objectives and goals.
• Works with the University community to build an academic, physical and economic infrastructure and campus climate that both differentiates the University and contributes materially to student success.
• Develops and periodically updates the University’s capital master plan and presents and obtains approval of such at required intervals from the BOT, the Tennessee Higher Education Commission and other State offices.

Financial and Operational Management (20%):

• Oversees the financial well-being of the institution.
• Develops short- and long-term financial plans, directs the preparation of the annual budget, internal audit, accounting, treasury, and financial analysis/reporting to include preparation of financial statements, tax returns, and reports for both government regulatory agencies and the Board of Trustees.
• Maintains and enhances financial reporting systems for assessing financial performance and provides for the ongoing development of controls and standards necessary to safeguard university’s assets and comply with all regulatory requirements.
• Offers direction and analysis on long-range economic trends and participates in identifying and evaluating revenue growth opportunities and possibilities for expansion into new areas.
• Represents the institution at various state and local meetings (State Building Commission, the Tennessee School Bond Authority, etc.) and presents as needed to obtain approvals of institutional projects and initiatives.

Policy Guidance (15%):

• Participates in developing university-wide policy governing all administrative matters through consultation with the president.
• Participates in policy development for specific interest areas of the university by memberships on university committees and community foundations/boards. Serves on the boards of the University’s Foundations and the Herff Trust and develops and presents related institutional budgets supported by the Foundations/Trust.
• Works with the State Building Commission, the Tennessee Higher Education Commission and other local and State offices on financial and capital policy issues and supports staff of appropriate State agencies on related inquiries.
• Ensures policy compliance through subordinates’ departments.

Other duties and projects as assigned from time to time by the President (5%)

Minimum Position Qualifications:

Master’s degree in business, accounting, finance, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience; plus, significant (10+ years) financial leadership experience in institutions of higher education, and/or experience in the corporate world in a business of relevant scale and complexity.

Special Conditions:

The department is especially interested in candidates with:

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
• Other professional certification and designations
• Exposure to research activity and/or research-oriented enterprises

KSAs:

• Ethical and trustworthy
• Strategic and analytical thinker
• Strong Leadership and change management skills
• Process redesign experience 
• Collaborative approach and strong interpersonal skills 
• Strong financial acumen including finance, account, and risk management 
• Innovative problem solver 
• Successful working in a multicultural and multiethnic environment 
• Promotes diversity and inclusion 
• Communication skills: verbal, written and presentation 
• Ability to establish credibility with the Board, University leadership, faculty, staff and throughout the organization

Application Process

The UofM invites letters of nomination, applications (letter of interest, complete CV, and references) or expressions of interest to be submitted to the search firm assisting the University. Confidential review of materials will begin immediately and continue until the appointment is made. It is preferred, however, that all nominations and applications be submitted prior to Monday, October 23, 2023.

Porsha L. Williams, Vice President
Jacob C. Anderson, Senior Principal
Jack McGrew, Executive Recruiting Coordinator
Parker Executive Search Five Concourse Parkway, Suite 2875 Atlanta, GA 30328
pwilliams@parkersearch.com || janderson@parkersearch.com || jmcgrew@parkersearch.com
Phone: (770) 804-1996 x 109 or 111

Equal Employment & Institutional Equity
The University of Memphis does not discriminate against students, employees, or applicants for admission or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, age, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or any other legally protected class with respect to all employment, programs and activities sponsored by the University of Memphis.