Vice President for Finance and Business Services and Chief Financial Officer

Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) seeks an experienced, strategic, collaborative, entrepreneurial, and results-oriented leader and manager to serve as its next vice president for finance and business services and chief financial officer (VPFBS). 

Located in Baltimore, Maryland, MICA is acknowledged nationally as a premier leader in art and design education. The oldest continuously degree-granting college of art and design in the nation, MICA serves approximately 2,100 undergraduate and graduate students and is a top producer of nationally and internationally recognized professional artists and designers. MICA is deliberately cultivating a new generation of artist—one that is capable of seamlessly integrating innovation, entrepreneurship, and creative citizenship with contemporary approaches to art, design, and media. 

As the chief financial officer and strategist, the VPFBS provides leadership of fiscal management and business services at MICA in support of its mission, vision, tenets, and strategic directions. The VPFBS reports to President Samuel Hoi, serves as a key member of his President's Council, and provides advice and counsel on all administrative, business, and financial matters affecting MICA. The vice president will respect shared governance and be an advocate for best practices that promote inclusive decision-making and mutual respect, creating an environment of trust, belonging, and a sense of community across MICA. 

The VPFBS, leading a team of twelve talented staff, is accountable for the College’s fiscal soundness, workplace effectiveness, and mission-centric services, as well as transparent and candid communications to the campus community. The VPFBS embraces MICA’s DEIG (diversity, equity, inclusion, & globalization) values and goals, and environmental sustainability and social justice concerns, in the implementation of fiscal and business policies, practices, and key initiatives. Specific areas of oversight include, but are not limited to the following services: development of annual budgets, accounting and fiscal management, investment of College funds, external annual financial audits and compliance, business practices and contracts, purchasing, and other support services. The position also plays a key role in capital planning, environmental/campus planning, facility design, and construction services. The VPFBS establishes collaborative, authentic, and respectful working relationships with MICA’s multi-constituent leadership. 

The vice president spearheads the development and oversight of both short- and long-range plans for MICA’s finance and business services. The vice president works closely with the President's Council to assist in writing, monitoring, and executing MICA’s general fund and other programmatic budgets. The vice president must also be prepared to perform other business-related responsibilities as assigned by the president and/or board of trustees. Careful adherence to federal, state, and local laws and regulations regarding collegiate business, budgetary, and financial functions will be imperative. 

MICA seeks a highly motivated leader with vision and management capabilities. The ideal candidate possesses a proven record as a strategist with direct oversight experience of a wide range of functions in a similarly complex organization. The VPFBS sets high expectations for performance and accountability in a spirit of partnership and fiscal responsibility. Superb communication skills are essential, as are exceptional change management skills and the ability to lead, support, and strengthen diverse teams. Additional information about this position, including a leadership profile can be found at www.wittkieffer.com

Application materials should be submitted using WittKieffer’s candidate portal.

Nominations and inquiries can be directed to:

Kim Brettschneider and Robert Luke

MICACFO@wittkieffer.com

Maryland Institute College of Art is committed to its policy of providing equal opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, or veteran status (disabled, Vietnam-era, or otherwise). Furthermore, the College does not tolerate any form of sex discrimination, including sexual harassment or sexual violence. This policy applies to all programs, facilities, and activities provided by Maryland Institute College of Art, including but not limited to admission, educational programs, and employment.