Vice President, Finance & Operations

Vice President, Finance & Operations
Chicago, IL

Adler University, an institution that is a fierce champion of social justice, seeks a vice president, finance & operations (VPFO) to provide strategic direction of financial management and operations for the University. 

Adler University educates students to engage the world and create a more just society. Established in 1952, it enrolls more than 1,800 students in master’s and doctoral programs for social change through its campuses in downtown Chicago and Vancouver, as well as an online campus. Adler University’s mission is to continue the pioneering work of Alfred Adler, the first community psychologist, by graduating socially responsible practitioners, engaging communities and advancing social justice.

Under the direction of President Raymond E. Crossman, Ph.D., the VPFO serves as a key member of the senior management team and the President’s Cabinet. The VPFO provides thought leadership to the university and partners with the senior management team of the University to realize its vision of advancing socially responsible practice, healthy communities and a more just society.

Adler is searching for a strategic problem solver who takes a values-based approach to leading finance and operations. The successful candidate will be a confident and innovative leader with strong knowledge of strategic planning, process improvement, fund accounting and project management. The new leader will also understand and respect shared governance and promote an environment that encourages teamwork, inclusive decision-making and a sense of community.

Candidates should have a track record of successful senior leadership in business management, operations, finance or a related area. Candidates should also be able to demonstrate accomplishments developing and attaining strategic goals and objectives, preferably in higher education or a similar complex organizational setting. The ideal candidate should also show strong demonstration of alignment with Adler’s social justice mission and vision. While successful leadership experience in higher education is preferred, analogous experience outside higher education will be considered. A master's degree in Higher Education Leadership/Administration, Business Administration, Operations Management, Accounting, Finance or relevant discipline is required.

WittKieffer is assisting Adler University in this recruitment. A comprehensive leadership profile for the position can be found at www.wittkieffer.com. Application materials should include a letter of interest addressing how the candidate’s experiences match the position requirements and a current CV or resume. For fullest consideration, applicant materials should be received by June 11, 2021.

Application materials can be submitted using WittKieffer’s candidate portal. Confidential nominations and inquiries can be directed to the university’s consultants, Christine Pendleton and Lauren Bruce-Stets at AdlerVPFO@wittkieffer.com.    

Adler University offers equal employment opportunities to all persons without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, parental status, housing status, genetic information, arrest or criminal record, source of income, or military status, in accordance with applicable federal, provincial, state, and law equal employment opportunity laws.