Job Details

VICE PRESIDENT FOR FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION

Wittenberg University invites nominations and applications for its Vice President for Finance and Administration ("VPFA"). Reporting to the President, the VPFA provides executive leadership for all financial and business-related matters. Overseeing the University's endowment of about $73 million and an annual operating budget of $47 million (2024 - 2025), the Vice President is responsible for financial planning, budgeting, accounting, investments, debt management, insurance, real estate management, risk management, contract management, and providing senior staff support to the Committee on Finance & Investments, the Committee on Audit & Compliance, the Real Estate Subcommittee, the Endowment Management Subcommittee, and the Information Technology Subcommittee of the Board of Directors. The scope of the overall supervisory responsibilities includes the business office, human resources, physical plant, police/security and the scheduling/event planning office.

The VPFA will report to the President and will serve as a member of the president's Senior Staff, setting priorities and strategies for university-wide objectives, internally and externally. The VPFA will develop partnerships across Wittenberg's faculty, staff and board to further operational excellence and fiscal stewardship. They will provide financial advisement in the process of identifying and implementing enrollment management strategies and academic programs that are responsive to the needs of this and the next generation of students. The VPFA must address issues of cost reduction, internal reallocation of resources, and revenue generation, including weighing aspirations against resources and linking financial data with academic offerings; identifying new and existing resources for program and infrastructure investment; maintaining strong internal controls; and ensuring balanced operating budgets. Finally, the VPFA will possess a deep understanding of the structures and techniques of debt management and will exhibit strong financial planning and management skills with a record of effectively and accurately managing the accounting responsibilities of an institution.

The ideal candidate will bring proven experience leading organizational transformation or recovery and demonstrated ability to stabilize and revitalize underperforming operations in challenging environments. Wittenberg's next VPFA must possess knowledge of higher education compliance, accounting, and reporting. The next VPFA will possess an understanding of and dedication to servant leadership and an ability to demonstrate its principles in interactions on campus and in the community. In addition to working and forming relationships with internal stakeholders, they must also have the ability to communicate effectively and to work with banks, insurers, rating agencies, and underwriters.

Candidates must possess a bachelor's degree. Additionally, 5 to 8 years of translatable, professional experience in a related field is required. Preference will be given to candidates with a master's degree and/or a CPA and experience in higher education; however, candidates from other areas of financial management with experience in a comparably complex environment and a deep appreciation and commitment to the academic enterprise are encouraged to apply.

Nominations and inquiries should be submitted electronically as soon as possible to the email address below. The search committee will begin to evaluate applications in November 2025. Applications should include a resume and a letter of candidacy that responds to the required experience and the desired qualities and qualifications for the Vice President for Finance and Administration of Wittenberg University. All application materials will be considered in full confidence and should be submitted via the Talent Profile.

Susan Van Gilder, Managing Director
Danielle Mebert, Managing Associate
WittenbergFinance@dsgco.com