Vice President for Finance and Administration

Vice President for Finance and Administration

Oregon Institute of Technology (Oregon Tech) invites applications and nominations for the position of Vice President for Finance and Administration. Founded in Klamath Falls in 1947, Oregon Tech is the premier public polytechnic university in the Pacific Northwest. With a combined enrollment of about 5,300 students, Oregon Tech’s philosophy of hands-on education for real-world achievement provides students with a rigorous, professional practice university experience.

 

Position

The Vice President for Finance and Administration (VPFA) is the chief financial and administrative officer of Oregon Tech and participates as a strategic partner in the design of programs and policies to meet the institution’s goals in support of the institution’s mission, vision, and strategic plan.

 

The VPFA reports directly to the President and is a member of the Senior Leadership Team. The VPFA is responsible to the President and Board of Trustees for the fiscal operations of Oregon Tech, including the main campus in Klamath Falls, the Portland-Metro campus in Wilsonville, other satellite teaching sites in Salem, Oregon and Everett, Washington, and the Oregon Manufacturing and Innovation Center, Research & Development (OMIC R&D) in Scappoose, Oregon. Currently, the Finance and Administration (F&A) division has a staff roster of about 78 FTE (26 unclassified and 52 classified). This includes overseeing operations including but not limited to: fiscal planning, financial statement preparation in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) in the USA, contracts and procurement, risk management, collections, scheduling auditors both internal and external, Student Success and Completion Funding Model (SSCM) and capital project requests to Higher Education Coordinating Committee (HECC), investing, payroll, Facilities Master Plan.

 

The VPFA is responsible for the integrity of the financial records and the safeguarding of the university’s assets in accordance with GAAP, Government Accounting Standard Board pronouncements, as well as in compliance with federal, state, and local tax codes. The incumbent under the guidance of the President and Board of Trustees, plans, directs, and executes the fiscal operations of the university.

 

Under the guidance of the President, the VPFA advises members of the senior leadership and executive staff on issues relating to the financial status of the university. The VPFA analyzes, interprets, and explains accounting and financial information that aids the Senior Leadership Team in understanding the current operating results and risks as well as the future implications of the results and communicates to faculty and staff an understanding of how their role impacts finances and why the overall financial picture matters to them and their respective roles at the university.

 

The VPFA helps to ensure achievement of the goals and objectives of the university by overseeing the preparation of an annual appropriations request to the HECC and overseeing the preparation of an internal budget using budget models to project future expenditures and following the established policies for expenditures.

 

The VPFA is responsible to oversee the Information Technology Services (ITS) department of the university and provide appropriate guidance and direction to enable the efficient and effective function of the ITS department and its important role in all aspects of the university operations.

 

The VPFA is also responsible for the coordinating the planning and completion of the university’s capital projects and the operation of the Facilities Services department of the Klamath Falls and Portland-Metro Campuses.

 

In addition, the VPFA coordinates the procurement, risk management, and contract functions of the university which includes reviewing contracts and ensuring compliance with insurance requirements; analyzing and identifying risks, providing policy development to maximize safety, and managing claims.

 

The VPFA prepares and communicates written, graphical, and oral reports to internal and external stakeholders to include but not limited to the Board of Trustees, President and other administrators, faculty, staff, students, local agencies, and communities. The VPFA also interacts with leadership from regional governing bodies, state and federal agencies in planning and operation of the university’s campuses. The VPFA is expected to provide entrepreneurial and effective leadership in promoting Oregon Tech interests with local, regional, and state entities and partner organizations.

 

Responsibilities and Duties

Plan, develop, analyze, and implement financial strategies and resources

  • Plan, develop, analyze, and implement the coordination of all financial resources of the university as well as leading Oregon Tech in transparent resource planning.
  • Develop, build, and be responsible for the university’s budgets by providing strategic analysis and counsel on all aspects of the university’s business operations, supporting multi-year business planning.
  • Work closely with other divisions as appropriate in preserving the fiscal integrity and reputation of the university in all endeavors including intercollegiate athletics, externally funded projects, grants, gifts, scholarships and student aid, travel, entertainment, purchasing, and personnel processes.
  • Advise the President and the Senior Leadership Team on the impact of long range financial and organizational planning and oversee the development of annual and long-range operating and capital plans.
  • Identify and implement continuous process improvement initiatives in a collaborative manner to increase the efficiency/effectiveness of the university operations and business processes.
  • Provide stewardship of resources by applying strong ethical business principles.
  • Ensure alignment to Oregon Tech’s strategic initiatives and find innovative ways to leverage resources in support of the university’s mission.
  • Work with internal and external auditors to ensure compliance with financial reporting standards, policies, and procedures.
  • Develop and implement policies and procedures relating to the financial and operational activities of the university.
  • Maintain a regular and positive relationship with Student Governments in the Klamath Falls and Portland-Metro Campuses. In partnership with the Vice President of Student Affairs, interact with Student Governments regarding tuition and fee structure changes and other operational needs impacting students.
  • Provide leadership and coordination to capital and HECC project planning and prioritization, submission of capital projects and legislative requests to assist facility organization, operation, and management.

 

Provide administrative management for the university including contracts and procurement, risk management, and compliance

  • Serve as the university tax exempt bond compliance officer by ensuring compliance with Federal and State tax codes, maintaining open channels of communication with appropriate tax officials and bond counsel, and implementing all relevant policies regarding bond compliance, bond reporting and bond reimbursement expenses.
  • Coordinate the risk management and contract functions of the university which includes reviewing contracts and ensuring compliance with insurance requirements; analyzing and identifying risks; providing policy development to maximize safety and mitigate potential risk and liability; and managing claims.
  • Hire, promote, discipline, coach and evaluate leaders responsible for budget planning, development and monitoring services, finance and accounting services, purchasing services, information technology, facilities planning, construction services, and custodial services.
  • Direct and oversee buildings and grounds university-wide, in a multi-campus setting.
  • Direct the development, approval and implementation of the facilities master plan and provide leadership in planning and implementation of the university’s construction and remodeling projects.
  • Responsible for ensuring all university capital projects are in compliance with ADA and OSHA regulations as well as local and state building codes.

 

Provide leadership and direction for the university’s technology infrastructure

  • Provide leadership and direction for the Chief Information Officer (CIO) in development of the technology infrastructure of the university to include student and administrative networks, cyber security, synchronous learning, and telecommunication services.
  • Review and approve the university technology plan developed by the CIO.
  • Ensure collaboration with the Provost regarding technology implementation affecting academic programming and student learning.

 

Liaison to HECC and related agency conversations regarding funding models and capital improvements

  • Represent the President on all matters concerning the HECC Funding Model and university allocations and capital projects and in related conversations with other universities and educational institutions.

 

Provide leadership to appropriate committees for development of policies, procedures, and guidelines consistent with the mission of the university

  • Serve as a staff liaison to the Board of Trustees, and a member of the President’s Senior Leadership Team, executive staff, and other committees as appointed.
  • Act as a strategic resource for university committees for fiscal and facility related issues including participating in program reviews and in the accreditation process, as appropriate.
  • Interact and collaborate with university partners, and city and regional workforce partners to further the university’s mission
  • Actively engage with state and national profession organizations, as well as other universities to remain current with fiscal responsibilities, educational development, research, and programming.

 

Other duties as assigned

  • Perform other duties as assigned by the President to ensure the smooth functioning of the division and to maintain the reputation of the university.

 

Position Requirements

Minimum Requirements

  • Earned educational credentials in accounting, finance, economics, business administration, public administration, or other appropriate discipline.
  • A bachelor’s degree in the above field(s) with 15 years of work experience or master’s degree in the above field(s) with 10 years of work experience in higher education and/or government and a thorough working knowledge of financial management practices and experience in computerized fiscal and business operations.
  • Five years of progressively responsible management experience related to the VPFA portfolio.
  • Direct experience in the areas of strategic planning and capital budgeting.
  • Outstanding organizational, interpersonal, and advocacy skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with internal and external groups.
  • Ability to foster an environment that promotes strong customer service, organizational growth and the ability to mentor and develop others.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with attention to details, timelines, deadlines, and the university-wide context of decisions.

 

Preferred Qualifications

  • A master’s or doctoral degree in business administration, accounting, finance, public administration, or other appropriate discipline.
  • Knowledge of critical issues in higher education (preferably in a public university) including diversity, shared governance, collective bargaining, and accreditation.
  • Higher education experience, preferably in a public university.
  • Experience with regional economic development initiatives.
  • Experience in working with legislature or congress.

 

Application Process

The Search Committee invites nominations, applications (a letter of interest, comprehensive curriculum vitae or resume, and the names and contact information of five or more references) to be submitted to the search firm assisting Oregon Tech. Confidential review of materials will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. The Search Committee prefers that all nominations and applications be submitted to the search firm prior to November 1, 2020.

 

Jacob C. Anderson, Principal

Parker Executive Search

Five Concourse Parkway, Suite 2875

Atlanta, GA 30328

Phone: (770) 804-1996 X 111

janderson@parkersearch.com

 

Oregon Tech holds that the presence and sharing of diverse backgrounds and experiences results in a stronger and more complete educational and work experience, enriching all members of the campus community. Higher education is incomplete without real understanding and appreciation of the human differences that make individuals and groups unique. The Oregon Tech administration strongly recognizes and believes that a diverse academic environment fosters mutual understanding, interpersonal and individual respect, cultural awareness, harmony, and creativity, while providing necessary role models for all students.

 

It is the policy of Oregon Tech that all persons shall be treated equally and fairly, and an environment free of illegal discrimination and harassment shall be maintained. The University expressly prohibits discrimination based on race, color, gender, marital status, national origin, age, disability, religion, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other consideration not directly and substantively related to effective performance; and in compliance with all relevant federal, state and local laws and regulations. This commitment includes taking affirmative action in employment decisions and practices; promoting discourse and activity which seek to enhance campus diversity and which mirrors the pluralism of our society; ensuring prompt and impartial consideration of any discrimination complaint; and equitably resolving any such complaint found to have merit.

 

More information can be found at: https://www.oit.edu/human-resources/diversity-inclusion