Vice President for Finance / Chief Operating Officer

Wilkes University seeks a strategic financial and business leader to partner with the President, his leadership team and the Board of Trustees in moving forward with the implementation of the University’s strategic plan for both the undergraduate and graduate programs. The individual will have responsibility for setting the high-level direction for all financial and business operations of the University, as well as ensuring effective day to day management of finance, physical plant, information technology, risk/compliance, and other campus support operations.

 

Wilkes University, founded in 1933, is an independent, nondenominational four-year university with undergraduate degrees and programs in six schools and colleges:  the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences; the College of Science and Engineering; the Jay S. Sidhu School of Business and Leadership; the Nesbitt School of Pharmacy; the Passan School of Nursing; and the School of Education. The Wilkes campus is in downtown Wilkes-Barre, a city of 40,000 on the western fringe of the Poconos right on the Susquehanna River. The surrounding region offers considerable natural beauty and recreational opportunities, including numerous ski resorts, concert venues, water parks and state parks, and is a two-hour drive from both Philadelphia and New York City.

 

The ideal candidate be a collaborative leader supporting the strategic analysis and planning process, staffing key board functions, imagining and implementing innovative practices, leading the business and finance team, and demonstrating commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.  The candidate will also possess a master’s degree in finance or related discipline, ten or more years of demonstrated senior level experience in related areas of responsibility, including finance/institutional planning and strategy in higher education or through work in non-profit or for-profit organizations.

 

The Search Profile, with additional information about the University, the opportunities for the VPF/COO, and instructions for application, may be found at: 

https://www.agbsearch.com/searches/vice-president-for-financechief-operating-officer-wilkes-university 

 

The Search Committee will begin a review of applications in early September and continue its work until an appointment is made. To assure full consideration, application materials, as described in the Search Profile, should be received by August 27, 2021. 

 

Applications and nominations should be sent electronically (MS Word preferred) to: WilkesVPF@agbsearch.com

 

Wilkes University is being assisted by:

Dr. Margaret “Peggy” Plympton, margaret.plympton@agbsearch.com / (484) 554-4542

Mr. Larry Ladd, larry.ladd@agbsearch.com / (508) 274-091


 

Wilkes University is committed to providing a welcoming environment for all members of our community and to ensuring that all educational and employment decisions are based on individuals' abilities and qualifications.  Wilkes University prohibits discrimination in its educational programs, employment, admissions, or any activities on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, pregnancy, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, marital or family status, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state or local laws.