Vice President for Finance and Administration at Oberlin College in Oberlin, Ohio

Job Description:

Oberlin College

Founded in 1833, Oberlin College is a nationally recognized liberal arts institution known for its rigorous academics, deep commitment to social engagement, and vibrant artistic culture. Located in Oberlin, Ohio, the college fosters an intellectually curious and inclusive community where students are encouraged to explore bold ideas, engage in critical inquiry, and contribute to the greater good. With a student-to-faculty ratio that ensures close mentorship, Oberlin provides an intimate and collaborative learning environment that empowers students to think independently and lead with purpose. For additional information about Oberlin, please visit www.oberlin.edu.

Leadership Opportunity

The Vice President for Finance and Administration (VPFA) at Oberlin College is a strategic partner and trusted advisor to the president and senior leadership team. Acting as the chief financial and administrative officer, the VPFA is responsible for overseeing all central business functions while ensuring the effective stewardship of the Colleges resources during a time of transformation and significant challenges in the higher education landscape. Leading a team of approximately 150 employees, the VPFA manages key operative units, including finance and budget, investments, human resources, facilities operations and planning, environmental sustainability, and information technology, and auxiliary areas including the Hotel at Oberlin and the Apollo Theater. With an annual operating budget of$219 millionand an endowment valued at$1.27 billion(FY 2024), the VPFA must demonstrate fiscal discipline, providing oversight of the budget and helping to navigate complexities in financial systems, including optimizing an ERP system for better management and scenario planning.

In this highly collaborative role, the VPFA engages closely with the presidents Executive Leadership Team, including the Deans of the College of Arts and Sciences and the Conservatory, Dean of Students, the Chief of Staff, General Counsel, as well as Vice Presidents for Admissions and Financial Aid, Communications, and Development and Alumni Affairs, and the Executive Director of the Center for DEI Innovation and Leadership.

The College has a strong academic foundation, with293 full-time instructional facultysupporting2,880 undergraduate studentsand maintaining a9:1 student-to-faculty ratio. The VPFA serves as the primary financial officer for the College, working with four key committees of the Board of Trustees: Audit & Risk Management, Budget & Finance, Capital Planning, and Investment.

As a prominent member of the College's leadership team, the VPFA plays an essential role in addressing strategic and operational issues while fostering a mission-focused culture among faculty, staff, and students. The position is based on a440-acre campuslocated in Oberlin, Ohio, a vibrant college town approximately35 miles southwest of Cleveland. By supporting initiatives in environmental sustainability, embracing innovative thinking, and maintaining effective communication, the VPFA exemplifies a steadfast commitment to Oberlin College's mission while reinforcing its position as a uniquely branded liberal arts institution in a rapidly evolving higher education landscape.

Ideal Experience

The ideal candidate will be an accomplished finance and operations leader with significant executive experience. They will have had a positive, sustained impact where collaboration, influence management, and change management are critical to success. In addition, they will have a track record that includes:

• 10+ years of experience providing strategic financial and operational leadership in a complex organization.
• Experience managing significant financial resources within higher education is preferred.
• Strong analytical skills, technical capabilities, and in-depth knowledge of a broad range of financial, operational, and risk management principles and practices, including enterprise-wide systems.
• A commitment to collaboration, dialogue, and creative problem-solving with faculty and staff.
• Experience as an effective manager with the confidence to delegate, empower, and mentor a talented team, including best-in-class professional development opportunities for staff.
• Ability to communicate complex financial information clearly to diverse audiences, both orally and in writing.
• Strong academic credentials required; an M.B.A. and/or related graduate degree(s) and a CPA or CFA is preferred.

The Search Process

Oberlin College has retained Spencer Stuart to support the search. If you wish to submit your own application materials or nominate someone to serve as the next Vice President for Finance and Administration of Oberlin College, please send an email message with supporting materials to OberlinVPFA@SpencerStuart.com.

In all of its relationships, Oberlin College is committed to a policy of non-discrimination and equal employment opportunity for all persons without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, creed, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, family relationship to an employee of Oberlin College, disability, or veteran status, except where such a distinction is proved to be a bona fide occupational qualification.

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