Chief Financial Officer - College of Liberal Arts

The College of Liberal Arts (CLA) at the University of Minnesota is home to the arts, humanities, social sciences, and communication disciplines. With 31 academic departments, more than 1,350 faculty and staff, more than 12,000+ undergraduate students, and 1,400 graduate students, CLA spans 31 buildings on the Twin Cities campus and manages an annual budget of more than $305 million.

CLA's mission is to advance a thoughtful and engaged society through knowledge creation, student education, and community service. It values freedom of thought, diversity, social justice, and excellence. Committed to increasing the enrollment of underrepresented students and diversifying its faculty and staff, CLA promotes a culture of inclusion and respect. Learn more about CLA’s mission and values.

Strategy 

• Lead the development, implementation, and assessment of the college's short- and long-term financial strategies; analyze, interpret, and communicate information on the financial performance of the college; make recommendations concerning the strategic allocation of resources, business processes, and policies; develop strategies to improve financial performance and efficiency; and identify trends and changes in resources and expenditures that may require action.
• Research revenue opportunities and economic trends, conduct financial modeling and assessments, and provide creative and proactive financial guidance and advice to senior leadership.
• Work closely with CLA human resources leadership to align fiscal and HR strategies and resources.
• Identify and develop solutions for complex and systemic fiscal issues. 

Financial Administration 

• Work with the dean and other collegiate leaders on the budget and planning process, including preparing the annual budget, allocating resources to CLA units, and developing CLA strategy and options in the annual campus Compact process. Align resource allocation with the financial strategy, college and University values and priorities, and operating objectives and processes. Develop unit-level relationships.
• Oversee the CLA Financial Service team responsible for the various areas within the fiscal administration unit. Work closely with the fiscal administrative team to oversee both the unit's financial reporting and analysis and the financial services work.
• Develop and implement sound financial management policies and procedures that support day-to-day operations. Maintain effective accounting practices and procedures and the necessary personnel and systems to provide appropriate accountability and timely reporting of financial data, including data, information, and service needed in pre-grant and post-grant processes. 
• Deliver proactive education, development, consultation, and service to department chairs and directors concerning best practices regarding budget management and planning, use of endowment funds, productive use of departmental balances, revenue generation, and related topics.
• Lead annual evaluation and continuous improvement of CLA financial operations and performance.

Fiscal Management and Quality Improvement

• Model college values and engage in transparent, collaborative stewardship and communication across the college. 
• Foster a workplace environment where unit leadership and employees are motivated to advance the unit's goals, respond creatively to change, and maintain sound business practices.
• Collaborate with the senior director of operations and others to implement and oversee a comprehensive model for creating, reporting, and using administrative data for planning, decision-making, and daily operations in the college. 
• Oversee the college’s space and facilities to enable CLA’s mission delivery. Assess current space and facilities and develop plans to address anticipated needs. 
• Create business and financial skills development and growth opportunities across academic and administrative unit leaders. 
• Play a broad leadership role on University-wide committees and task forces. Maintain open and frequent contact with many central administrative offices, including but not limited to the Office of Budget and Finance, Controller's Office, etc.

• Bachelor's degree plus 12 years of fiscal and management experience, including:
  • Leading an organization in the development and implementation of its financial strategies
  • Overseeing an organization's fiscal administration and budget
  • Supervisory experience
• Ability to formulate and implement financial strategies to meet institutional priorities
• Excellent computer skills, including experience working within electronic financial systems
• Innovative thinking with financial strategies, management, resource allocation, and planning
• Experience working with diverse populations and in a large or complex organization
• Knowledge of and commitment to the principles and practice of diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Excellent skills in verbal and written communication, organization, collaboration, supervision, and conflict resolution

• Master’s degree
• Strong background in higher education financial management
• Understanding and supporting the value of liberal arts research, education, and engagement
• Experience with academic program financial planning
• Proficiency in working with diverse revenue sources including tuition and fees, gifts and endowments, and external funding from government (federal and state) agencies, private foundations, and corporations
• Demonstrated experience leading a unit to meet goals while continuing to promote and maintain a motivating work environment

Starting salary range: $160,000-185,000

Work arrangements: The University of Minnesota endorses a Work. With Flexibility. approach, and we offer a flexible work environment that meets the needs of the students, faculty, staff, and partners we serve.

Benefits: As a Professional and Administrative (P&A) employee, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package with low-cost health coverage, professional development opportunities, and retirement plan with 10% employer contribution. (See our benefits page for more information.) 

To be considered for this position, please submit a resume and cover letter. 

Apply here

Priority review of applications will begin September 30, 2024. The position will remain open until filled. For questions or nominations, please contact Jennifer Erickson (jrostami@umn.edu).