Vice President for Business and Finance
St. Norbert College, in partnership with Core Educational Services, invites applications and nominations for a visionary, strategic, and entrepreneurial leader to serve as its next Vice President for Business and Finance (VPBF)/CFO.
Reporting to the President, the VPBF/CFO is the chief financial officer and oversees all business and finance operations: budget matters, investments and endowments, auxiliary services (including dining services, hotel, and conferencing activities), operation of the physical plant (including maintenance, campus master planning, and construction), risk and property management (including the college’s insurance programs), and human resources.
The VPBF/CFO serves as an integral member of the president’s leadership team; works closely with the Board of Trustees, including its Finance and Audit Committees; chairs the college’s Master Planning and Benefits Advisory committees; serves as liaison to financial, governmental, and business organizations; and collaborates with the college’s attorneys.
The successful candidate will not only understand cutting-edge financial functions but also have the capacity to envision creative and innovative solutions to the dynamic transitions occurring in higher education funding models. Candidates should hold a Master’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting, or Finance. Certified Public Accountant designation preferred. An understanding of and appreciation for the Catholic, Norbertine, and liberal arts mission of St. Norbert College is required.
Essential responsibilities:
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Oversee all financial aspects of the college, including financial analysis, accounting systems, and audits. Oversee the management of institutional investments, endowment, and similar funds.
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Development and management of institutional budget. Track and report on all strategic initiatives against financial goals.
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Oversee operation of the physical plant department and its maintenance including planning, designing and construction issues.
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Oversee human resources and payroll functions along with auxiliary enterprises, service departments, and risk and property management.
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Review and manage contracts.
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Drive strategic thinking and master planning.
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Serve as liaison to financial institutions, governmental and business organizations.
Qualifications:
The successful candidate will possess the following qualifications:
Required:
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Master’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting, or Finance
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Minimum of 7-10 years of financial management experience
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Demonstrated strategic thinking and success executing priorities that drive improved operating performance
Preferred:
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Certified Public Accountant designation
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Significant experience in financial management
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Recent leadership experience with financial management, preferably in higher education
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A clear and respectful communicator both in writing and orally
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A proven record of accomplishment and leadership in financial operations, budgeting and forecasting, risk management, fund accounting, investments, and administrative systems
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A demonstrated ability to develop and oversee multiple capital and construction projects
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Significant financial and operational management experience, people management experience, and a high propensity for innovation and agility
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Proven success using data to inform the development of innovative approaches to financial management and operations
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Superior presentation and interpersonal skills are essential; this includes the capacity to effectively translate complex technical language and issues into terms that are easily understood and actionable, and the ability to build effective relationships
About St. Norbert College:
St. Norbert College is among the nation’s most highly regarded Catholic liberal arts colleges. According to the most recent U.S. News and World Report rankings, SNC is among the top-rated liberal arts colleges identifying as Catholic and ranks 93rd among all national liberal arts colleges. In addition, the college was ranked as one of the top 40 colleges for social mobility and top 70 best-value colleges. With approximately 1,750 students, St. Norbert has successfully recruited incoming classes that are more diverse and academically talented each year. St. Norbert continues to build on its foundation of excellence developed over more than a century, while responding to 21st century student needs. Celebrating its 125th anniversary last year, St. Norbert is the only college in the world sponsored by the Norbertines, a Catholic order devoted to community, reflection and serving the needs of others.
St. Norbert College’s idyllic campus sits along a bend of the Fox River in De Pere, Wis., a suburb of Green Bay. The college is known for its academic excellence; winning athletic tradition; committed students; creative partnerships (including housing the northeast Wisconsin campus of the Medical College of Wisconsin); dedicated staff; extraordinary faculty who are both excellent teachers and scholars; and its array of research, leadership and service opportunities for students.
The college has experienced remarkable development in the last decade, resulting in one of the most beautiful and modern campuses in the upper Midwest. More than $150 million in new construction and renovation has produced such state-of-the-art facilities as the Gehl-Mulva Science Center; the Cassandra Voss Center; the Miriam B. and James J. Mulva Library; Dudley Birder Hall; Michels Commons; Schneider Stadium; and the Mulva Family Fitness & Sports Center. Additionally, the college broke ground in May 2024 on its new Donald & Patricia Schneider Family Hall, with a lead gift from the Schneider family. The 45,000-square foot, multi-use facility will be home to the college’s undergraduate and graduate business and economics programs, including data analytics and a new sports management program.
Position Profile:
The position profile can be viewed here, and includes the leadership agenda and additional information.
Application and Nomination Process:
Confidential conversations are encouraged and may be arranged directly with the senior consultant, Megan Alpaugh (malpaugh@core.edu). The search committee will begin reviewing applications in July as they are received. Though applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled, only those materials received by July 29 are assured full consideration.
Applications, nominations, and expressions of interest can be submitted in confidence. Applications should consist of a detailed letter of interest that describes the candidate’s interest and alignment with the agenda for leadership, a current resume, and a list of five professional references with current contact information. References will not be contacted without the permission of the candidate.
St. Norbert College (SNC), a Catholic, Norbertine and liberal arts college, provides an educational environment that fosters intellectual, spiritual and personal development. As the only Norbertine institution of higher learning in the world, our roots, traditions, and commitments create a unique and enriching educational experience for our students.
At SNC, our commitment to communio — the Norbertine ideal of a community united as one — is grounded in the principles of dignity, truth and justice. Consistent with these principles, St. Norbert is proud to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment.
We seek those who will embrace our mission and commitment to building a vibrant, diverse and spiritually engaged community (https://www.snc.edu/mission/gettingtoknow.html). Applications from members of underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply (snc.edu/diversityaffairs).