Chief Financial Officer - Humphrey School of Public Affairs

The Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota ranks among the country’s top 5 percent professional public policy and planning schools, widely recognized for its success in advancing the common good through a comprehensive, world-class program. The School offers six distinctive master’s degrees, a doctoral degree, and six certificate programs that match students’ passion with the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to solve real-world challenges.

Meet Dean Nisha Botchwey.

Financial Strategy and Leadership Support (30%)

• Serve as the primary financial advisor to the dean and executive leadership team on budgeting, forecasting, and financial health.
• Actively participate in leadership discussions, retreats, and decision-making forums where financial planning, compliance, or budgeting impact strategic goals.
• Collaborate with the dean to develop financial models, multi-year projections, and reports to support institutional initiatives.
• Ensure that financial decisions align with the School’s mission, strategic priorities, and fiscal sustainability.

Budgeting, Forecasting, and Fiscal Oversight (30%)

• Manage the annual budgeting process, including revenue projections, expense planning, and fund allocation.
• Provides financial reporting and analysis to monitor fiscal performance across all funding sources (O&M, state special, grants, endowments, ICR, and tuition revenue).
• Collaborates with the University Budget Office and Central Financial Services to ensure adherence to institutional financial policies.

Financial Compliance and Risk Management (20%)

• Maintain strong internal controls and financial compliance within University and Humphrey School policies.
• Oversees audit preparation, grant financial reporting, and risk assessment processes to ensure compliance with external funding requirements.
• Partners with Sponsored Projects Administration (SPA) to manage post-award grant financials and ensure adherence to regulations.

Supervision and Process Improvement (20%)

• Manage and supervise a team of financial professionals ensuring strong financial operations and compliance.
• Develop and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, financial transparency, and reporting accuracy.
• Ensure that financial transactions and reporting align with best practices and University standards.

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or a related field
• Eight or more years of professional finance experience, preferably in higher education or a complex financial environment
• Experience managing budgets, forecasting, financial analysis, and compliance oversight
• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex financial data and provide strategic recommendations
• Strong leadership and collaboration skills to work effectively across departments

• Status as or willingness to complete coursework to be a Certified Approver
• Master’s degree in finance, business administration, or a related field
• Experience in grant management, post-award financial reporting, and higher education budget models
• Knowledge of University of Minnesota financial systems and policies
• Experience managing a team of financial professionals

Starting salary range: $115,000–122,000

Work environment and expectations: 

• The CFO participates in dean’s leadership team discussions, after-hours meetings, and retreats as required. Some evening and weekend work may also be required during fiscal year-end reporting, budget planning cycles, and audits.
• Hybrid work arrangements are available per University policy. Humphrey School staff members are asked to work onsite at least three days a week, with Wednesdays being a “common day,” where all staff work onsite. 

Benefits: As a Professional and Administrative (P&A) employee, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package. This includes 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 both a cover letter and a resume (or CV). 

Apply here

Priority consideration date: May 2, 2025

The position will remain open until filled. For questions or nominations, please contact Jennifer Erickson (jrostami@umn.edu).