Academic Career & Executive Search is pleased to assist Muskingum University in its search for Vice President for Finance and Operations. 

For full consideration, please apply by May 31, 2024.

This is an exceptional time for a visionary leader to assume the role of the next Vice President for Finance and Operations (VPFO) at Muskingum University. As a key member of the President’s Senior Leadership team, the VPFO will play a pivotal role in guiding the university as it navigates change and embraces new opportunities. Muskingum University’s IMPACT 2025 Action plan focuses on cutting edge approaches to learning and innovation, transformational growth, a thriving future, and visibility and distinction. The action plan has been the guidepost for launching new programs, infrastructure improvements, ensuring affordability and access, and increasing visibility and partnerships. Joining an exceptionally strong and supportive team, the VPFO will manage a complex portfolio of both financial and administrative resources. The VPFO serves as the University’s chief financial, administrative, and operations officer, working closely as a strategic thought partner with both the President and Provost to position the university for continued growth.

The VPFO possesses a strong business acumen, a deep understanding of operations and extensive financial expertise. The VPFO optimizes the university’s assets to promote student access and success, with a focus on inclusion, innovation and effectiveness and is a partner who embraces collaboration and working across departments toward a shared goal. The VPFO provides vision, oversight, and stewardship for financial services, information technology, physical plant and facilities, campus safety, institutional research, and human resources and risk management. In addition, the Vice President provides support to the Board of Trustees’ University Capacity and Audit Committees. 

This position reports to the President. Remote flexibility is available during start-up transition period.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Keep President, members of the Board of Trustees, and other appropriate staff members informed on matters relating to financial policy and activity.
• Ensure timely, accurate, and consistent financial reporting to stakeholders, ranging from budget managers to the Board of Trustees.
• Lead the effort to forecast multi-year financial and operational plans.
• Supervise cash management and treasury functions, including capital planning.
• Oversee investment and endowment management and reporting.
• Conduct financial assessment and analysis of potential projects and decisions as needed.
• Serve as staff support for the Board of Trustees’ University Capacity (Finance) Committee, Audit Committee, and the Investment Sub-Committee.
• Represent the University in matters involving its outside professional relationships, including bankers, auditors, attorneys, investment counsel, real estate and investment brokers, and endowment managers. Signatory on all contracts committing significant University resources.
• Oversee operational functions of the institution, including information technology, risk management, human resources, institutional research, campus safety, physical plant and facilities, real estate, purchasing, mailroom, and copy center.
• Oversee auxiliary services, including bookstore, food service, and facility/conference rentals.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES 

• Exceptional analytical and quantitative skills, including the ability to compile and present complex facilities and financial issues with recommendations and conclusions.
• Experience leading multiple functions within a complex organization.
• Financial acumen, planning ability, and negotiating skills.
• Ability to engage others in the decision-making process in a collegial manner while establishing priorities and making timely, complex decisions.
• Proven ability to collaborate with diverse constituencies and stakeholders.
• Superior interpersonal communication skills with the ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with a variety of both internal and external constituents.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality on sensitive issues.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Must have patience, understanding, and the determination and persistence to evaluate options, generate solutions, and negotiate a final resolution. Highly developed problem-solving skills and a proactive approach are essential to identify issues and develop solutions.
• Excellent computer skills.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• A bachelor’s degree in business management, finance or other related field.
• 10+ years of progressively responsible strategic leadership in financial planning and management, and related administrative functions.
• Strong business acumen, with demonstrated expertise in financial planning and reporting, budget development, strategic planning, and project management.
• Excellent working knowledge of higher education practices and regulations, as well as a broad range of fiscal compliance issues.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• A master’s degree
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification

About the Institution

Founded in 1837, Muskingum University is a comprehensive university, grounded in a liberal arts tradition. The University educates “the whole person for the whole world,” having an impact on the lives of its students, its region, the nation, and the world. With its campus in the rural Ohio Village of New Concord, on top of 225 acres of rolling hills, Muskingum serves 1,300 undergraduate students and more than 1,000 adult learners. The university offers 68 undergraduate academic majors and programs and 10 pre-professional programs, including pre-medicine and pre-law. In addition, the university offers Graduate & Continuing Studies Programs & Services including the Muskingum Adult Program, offering online degree completion programs, several master’s degree programs, a doctorate degree program, and workforce development partnerships with business and industry. Muskingum University was ranked 1st among Ohio universities in Best Value Schools and Social Mobility for the Regional Midwest by the U.S. News & World Report in its 2023 Best College’s Guide.  Muskingum's full-time undergraduate tuition is among the lowest of comparable Ohio private colleges in Ohio and 99% of students receive financial aid assistance and scholarships.

While the University is located within New Concord, its reach and impact extend far beyond through partnerships with community leaders, foundations, business, organizations, and state and federal agencies. These partnerships have yielded significant funding used to enhance the universities' programs and infrastructure including the construction of The Henry D. Bullock Health and Wellness Complex, a state-of-the-art complex containing spaces for academics, athletics, recreation, health, and wellbeing for the campus community.

Living in the Area

New Concord is in eastern Ohio, approximately 70 miles east of the state capital, Columbus, one of the nation’s strongest and fastest growing metropolitan areas. It is also within regional proximity to Cleveland and Pittsburgh. With a population of about 2,500, New Concord has a quaint small-town atmosphere and unique charm. Known for its natural beauty in the Appalachian foothills, the region provides wonderful outdoor recreational opportunities including hiking, camping, fishing, and boating. Nearby attractions include Blue Rock State Park, Dillon State Park, and the Muskingum River. New Concord has a rich history, dating back to its founding in the early 19th century. The village has several historic landmarks and buildings, including the John and Annie Glenn Museum, dedicated to the astronaut and former U.S. Senator John Glenn, who was born in New Concord and was a graduate of Muskingum University.

New Concord, OH is an affordable place to live with the cost of living and housing at 24.1% and 40.3% below the national average, respectively. The town has several highly rated schools that offer a wide range of educational opportunities. While New Concord does not have large corporations in its immediate vicinity, the broader region has a significant corporate presence, particularly in nearby cities like Columbus, Zanesville, and Cambridge. Some notable corporations are Nationwide Insurance, American Electric Power, Cardinal Health and Colgate-Palmolive.

To Apply

For full consideration, please apply by May 31, 2024.

Please apply through the application link and do not email applications. 

Applications will be reviewed as they are received and should include a cover letter, not to exceed two pages, and curriculum vita. All applications are treated confidentially.

Inquiries, referrals, and nominations are also treated confidentially.

Inquiries and questions: Please send to MuskingumVPFO@acesrch.com.
Nominations and referrals: Please send the nominee’s name, title, and contact information if available to nominations@acesrch.com.

Institution’s EEO Statement
Muskingum University does not discriminate in its employment or educational programs or activities based on age, ancestry, color, disability, genetic information, gender identity or expression, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status.