Vice President of Finance & Administration

The College of Our Lady of the Elms, often referred to as Elms College (www.elms.edu), invites applications for the position of Vice President of Finance and Administration (VPFA). The VPFA serves as the chief financial officer and is responsible to the President for all fiscal and business affairs of the College. Reporting to the President, the VPFA oversees the College’s financial and administrative functions, guiding the President in setting long-term and short-term financial strategies, creating analysis tools, and coordinating efforts to determine funding priorities, while also ensuring effective decision-making and analysis support.

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILTIES

• Supervise the Finance team in:
• Developing, executing, monitoring, and reporting on the college’s annual operating and capital budgets.
• Developing and updating the College’s multi-year financial plan that is tied to the enrollment, strategic, and fundraising plans.
• Establishing internal control procedures (especially related to payroll, accounts payable, procurement, cash management, and GL maintenance), maintaining the College’s financial records according to GAAP, and providing all financial reports.
• Managing the College’s long-term investment and short-term liquidity.
• Issuing and managing the College’s long-term debt.
• Managing appropriate access and use of the College’s financial systems.
• Working in collaboration with the VP of Enrollment Management and Marketing who oversees Financial Aid to oversee the College’s financial aid budget and financial aid processes.
  • Participating in the setting of financial aid strategy in conjunction with outside consulting firm and the tracking and review of financial aid results during the recruiting cycle.
  • Coordinating with Institutional Advancement to ensure the proper awarding of restricted and endowed scholarships.
  • Monitoring the discount rate and recommending ways to control it.
  • Ensuring compliance with Uniformed Guidance Financial Aid requirements.
• Supervise the Facilities and Capital Project team in:
• Developing, refreshing and executing the list of campus project priorities.
• Managing all capital projects according to best practices.
• Maintaining the campus buildings and grounds and reducing deferred maintenance to an acceptable level.
• Managing the College’s space.
• Managing all real estate and properties owned by the College.
• Supervise the Human Resources team in:
• Overseeing all employment functions including hiring, employee relations, employee development, and the annual performance appraisal system.
• Overseeing the management of the employee benefit program.
• Ensuring that the employee handbook is kept current and reflects best practices.
• Providing Title IX compliance, support and professional development.
• Supervise the Information Technology team in:
• Meeting the academic and student life needs of faculty, students and staff.
• Providing for a secure technology environment.
• Ensuring that there is appropriate provision made for business continuity and disaster recovery.
• Preparing capital budgets and monitoring results.
• Overseeing a highly self-directed and independent team in the deployment of a campus enterprise resource planning system.
• Supervise the Public Safety team in:
• Ensuring that there is an appropriate level of public safety officer presence and visibility on campus.
• Providing public safety training and support to students and the student affairs staff.
• Assessing and improving the level of campus life safety measures (campus lighting, security cameras, etc.).
• Oversee resource allocation and monitor the achievement of stated goals and objectives for all finance and administration functions.
• Oversee the identification and management of college-wide risks.
• Serve as a resource for several Board committees including Finance, Buildings and Grounds, and Audit.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in finance, business, management, accounting or related field; CPA or equivalent proof of accounting expertise preferred.
• Minimum of seven years of responsible senior level fiscal management with significant experience in strategic planning, finance, budget, and fiscal operations.
• Proven record of success in senior management and leadership experience, either in higher education or a non-profit organization.
• Has worked collaboratively and entrepreneurially with faculty leadership to plan, develop, and launch new academic initiatives that drive the growth of undergraduate and graduate programs that serve the adult learner market.
• Understands the complexity of the revenue picture in an institution with a student body that ranges from traditional undergraduates to adult learners and the challenges that result from the current enrollment environment for small colleges.
• Demonstrates a commitment to and plan for the development and enhancement of services and financing in support of the institution’s vision, mission, and strategic initiatives.
• Demonstrates a willingness to work collaboratively with the President’s Cabinet as a strategic thinker, assisting the President in the implementation of the College’s Strategic Plan.
• Demonstrates the ability to work creatively and collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, trustees, auditors, donors, and alumni.
• Possesses good judgment, integrity, and the highest professional and personal ethics, including a satisfactory comprehensive background check.
• A commitment to maintain strong relationships with the business community, municipal government, and professional organizations.
• Ability to effectively represent the College and negotiate with financial institutions and other related outside parties regarding investments, borrowing, and capital improvements/projects.

Elms College, a private, Catholic, coeducational liberal arts institution in Chicopee, Massachusetts, was founded in 1928 by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Springfield. The institution offers Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctor of Nursing practice degrees. Dedicated to non-discriminatory educational practices, the College aims to eliminate barriers to equal access and treatment for its community. Elms College provides rigorous academic challenges and fosters a supportive community for students to thrive. Graduates leave Elms College richer, rooted in faith, educated, compassionate, responsive to civic and social obligations, and capable of adjusting to change without compromising principle.

Elms College is being assisted by Hyatt – Fennell, Executive Search. Applications will be reviewed as they are received and should be submitted via email to ElmsVPFA@hyatt-fennell.com. Applications include a letter of interest, a current résumé/cv, and contact information for five professional references, submitted in separate documents. The position will remain open until filled. All applications and nominations will be considered highly confidential.

Elms College’s diversity statement embodies the charism of the founders, the Sisters of St. Joseph, including embracing “the love of neighbor without distinction” and whose Catholic heritage guides our intellectual, social, educational, and community endeavors.