Vice President, Finance and Treasurer

Princeton University

Vice President, Finance and Treasurer

Princeton University seeks an accomplished financial management executive with expertise in both strategy and operations to serve as Vice President, Finance and Treasurer.  The Vice President is the Chief Financial Officer of the University, is a valued participant in strategic conversations about the University’s view, and leads the delivery of financial stewardship, analysis and operations for the University. 

Institution Overview

Princeton University is a vibrant community of scholarship, research, and teaching that seeks to serve the nation and humanity. As a global research university with world-class excellence across the arts and humanities, the social sciences, the natural sciences, and engineering, the University is home to more than 1,200 faculty members who share a commitment to innovation, free inquiry, and the discovery and transmission of knowledge and new ideas. Princeton combines its strengths in research with a distinctive emphasis on undergraduate and doctoral education, preparing its 5,200 undergraduates and 2,800 graduate students for positions of leadership and lives of service.

For more information on Princeton University, visit www.princeton.edu

Position Summary & Responsibilities

The Vice President oversees the Office of Finance and Treasury, whose mission is to efficiently and effectively steward the University’s financial resources, and to provide guidance and support for other administrative and academic departments’ financial management activity. The organization—a team of approximately 140 staff—also has an important role in ensuring compliance with both internal and external financial regulation and policies. To meet these responsibilities, Finance and Treasury focuses on long-term financial planning in support of the University’s academic mission and aspirations, as well as on facilitating efficient and compliant day-to-day financial business.

The Vice President reports directly to the President and collaborates closely with his senior leadership team, including in particular the Provost (the University’s chief academic and budget officer), the Executive Vice President (the University’s chief operating officer), and the President of the Princeton University Investment Company (PRINCO). The Vice President is a key member of the core decision-making group convened by the President to advance the University’s strategic priorities. The Vice President is an engaged, visible leader across campus and serves in a number of leadership roles, including as a member of the President’s Cabinet; the Priorities Committee, the Council of the Princeton University Community (CPUC) Resources Committee; the Facilities Planning Group; and the Fundraising Priorities Committee.

Finally, the Vice President serves as Secretary to the University Trustees’ Finance Committee, and serves as an ex officio member PRINCO Board.

Qualifications & Experience

The successful candidate will be a strategic financial leader with

• A track record of hands-on leadership and success in complex environments;
• An inclination and talent for collaboration and transparency; and
• A genuine connection to the mission of the University.

The Vice President will demonstrate the agility to transition from high-level strategy projects to detailed, financial line items in order to translate the institution’s aspirations into budgets and financial management systems.

The ideal candidate will be a proven, strategic business partner committed to a strict code of ethics and a standard of excellence.

At least ten years of progressively responsible financial management experience required.

Experience in a research-intensive academic institution is an asset, but is not required. An advanced degree is strongly preferred.

Princeton University has retained the services of Heidrick & Struggles to assist in this search. To apply for this position, please send resume or CV to princetoncfo@heidrick.com

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.