Vice President of Finance and Administration and Treasurer

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Job description

Job Number: R0007303

At Wellesley, our mission is to deliver an outstanding liberal arts education to women who will make a difference in the world. Our collaborative community, comprising of faculty, students, staff, and alumnae, is guided by our shared commitment to educational excellence. Join us in this transformative journey!

Job Description

Wellesley College has partnered with Spencer Stuart for the recruitment of this role. We invite interested candidates to review the comprehensive job details and email your application directly to [email protected].The Vice President of Finance and Administration and Treasurer (VPFA) reports into President Paula Johnson and oversees the College’s financial, administrative, logistical, operational, and professional sectors. As a key member of President Johnson’s senior team, the VPFA will play a critical role in supporting the strategic vision of the College. The successful candidate will be a forward-thinking financial and operational leader, and a highly collaborative leader and relationship builder. Partnering closely with the President, Provost, Board of Trustees, and the leadership team, the VPFA will help steward the College’s resources and support Wellesley’s continued excellence. The successful candidate will have a deep appreciation for liberal arts and women’s education and have an unwavering commitment to fulfilling the College’s mission and supporting faculty and students in their pursuits. The VPFA has fiduciary responsibility for all College resources and will partner with the faculty and all departments of the College to ensure strong stewardship of those resources. They will continually assess economic, demographic, competitive, and other trends to inform strategic decision-making.

The VPFA will provide input on financial impacts and other implications for the future strategic and economic health of the College. The VPFA will partner closely with and support the Board of Trustees and several key committees, including finance, audit, investment and campus planning committees. Direct reports to the VPFA include the AVP for Facilities Management, the AVP for Finance, Controller and Assistant Treasurer, the AVP for Financial Planning and Budget, and the Director of Campus Safety and Chief of Police.

The VPFA will oversee a team across the following areas:

  • Auxiliary Services
  • Bookstore
  • Budget Office
  • Controller’s Office
  • Dining Services
  • Environmental Health and Safety
  • Emergency Preparedness
  • Facilities
  • Financial Planning
  • Public Safety & Police Department
  • Treasury
  • Student Mail Services
  • Transportation

IDEAL EXPERIENCE

Senior Finance and Administrative Experience

Ten-plus years of experience in financial, administrative, and operational leadership roles in a mission-driven institution with deep knowledge of finance, accounting and financial management, facilities and auxiliary services.

Strategic Partner

A strong strategic orientation with the ability to serve as a strategic partner and advisor to the President and collaborate closely with other leaders on the senior team and members of the Board of Trustees.

Leading a Talented Team

A strong manager with experience providing operational leadership and mentorship to a talented team.

Faculty and Staff Collaboration

In addition to contributing as a member of the senior leadership team, a commitment to collaboration, communication, and creative problem solving with faculty and staff leaders and partners. Experience working with unions is a plus.

Partnership with Board

Demonstrated ability to collaborate closely with the Board of Trustees, serving as a trusted strategic partner and advisor on financial stewardship, risk, and longterm institutional priorities.

Academic Credentials

Strong academic credentials, including a preference for an M.B.A. and/or related graduate degree(s).

CRITICAL LEADERSHIP CAPABILITIES

Strategic Leadership

In an organization with a commitment to excellence on all dimensions, this individual will partner closely with the President and Provost and work collaboratively with the leadership team to develop and optimize the financial and administrative assets to support the strategic priorities of the College

by:

  • Leading and developing the existing team within the functional areas that report directly to them.
  • Serving as a strategic partner and demonstrating sound judgement, balancing mission objectives with long-term financial and operational sustainability.
  • Partnering and effectively leveraging an engaged Board of Trustees.
  • Applying leadership and strategic thinking to innovative investments and solutions that support and positively impact the College, including investments in academic programming, capital projects, deferred maintenance, financial aid, benefits, etc.
  • Providing oversight of the campus safety and police, ensuring alignment with institutional values, regulatory requirements, priorities, and the effective stewardship of resources.
  • Communicating complex information to a range of audiences, including faculty, staff, and students, and ensuring that there is clarity around financial and programmatic tradeoffs.

Operational and Financial Acumen

The VPFA will bring a demonstrated depth of financial expertise, with a proven ability to lead complex accounting, budgeting, treasury, capital planning, and financial reporting functions, ensuring rigorous controls, sound judgment, and the highest standards of fiscal stewardship by:

  • Hiring, developing, and mentoring a talented team of finance and operations leaders, setting high standards, delegating effectively, and modeling a culture of service.
  • Acting as a strong conceptual thinker, both analytically and financially astute, with the ability to evaluate performance and progress against long-term goals.
  • Providing forward-thinking leadership, vision, and direction regarding long-term capital improvement plans to the Wellesley campus.
  • Building trust and driving changes in a consensus-driven, faculty-governance environment, with the ability to understand relational as well as financial dynamics.
  • Partnering with the Information Technology team to develop and improve operational systems with a focus on efficiency, effectiveness, compliance, and continuous improvement to ensure that financial systems, process improvement, best practice, and polices are in place to support decision-making and planning throughout the College.

Collaborating and Influencing

  • Forge a strong partnership with the President, Provost, senior leadership team, and others across the College and within the community that are essential to effective leadership by:
  • Listening and being a visible and accessible leader who builds trust, solicits a diverse set of views, and then implements strategies that clearly support the priorities of the College.
  • Promoting, fostering, and helping advance a community of inclusive excellence.
  • Nurturing productive and collaborative relationships with a wide range of internal and external constituencies. Engaging constructively with a focus on identifying solutions and clearing obstacles.
  • Bringing exceptional interpersonal, presentation, and communication skills. Displaying a demonstrated ability to engage openly and transparently across a diverse community and clearly communicating complicated information.

THE SEARCH PROCESS

The committee has retained Spencer Stuart to support the search. If you wish to submit your own application materials or nominate someone to serve as the next Vice President of Finance and Administration and Treasurer for Wellesley College, please send an e-mail message with supporting materials to [email protected].

At Wellesley, we embrace and honor difference and diversity. We believe the best ideas-the best solutions-draw on a range of voices, perspectives, and experiences. As a college, and as a community, we are dedicated to assuring that all members of the Wellesley community have an equal opportunity to flourish.

Wellesley College is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals in hiring and advancement based on any legally protected status. Candidates who believe they can contribute to the College community are encouraged to apply.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Company Description and Benefits

Wellesley’s mission is to provide an excellent liberal arts education to women who will make a difference in the world. We advance our mission by working together as a community-faculty, students, staff, and alumnae.

Embark on a fulfilling career journey at Wellesley College, where we prioritize your well-being and professional growth. As a valued member of our team, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive array of benefits and resources designed to enhance both your work-life balance and long-term success.

  • Competitive Compensation: Experience competitive wages ensuring your dedication is recognized and rewarded.
  • Exceptional Benefits Package: Access a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision and pre-tax saving benefits, life insurance, disability coverage, and more to safeguard your health and that of your loved ones.
  • Commuting and Transportation: Enjoy the convenience of free parking on our picturesque campus, easily accessible from major roadways. We are also accessible via the MBTA commuter rail.
  • Paid Time Off: Take advantage of paid vacations, personal days, sick time, and holidays to recharge and maintain a healthy work-life harmony.
  • Retirement Savings: Plan for the future with our retirement savings plan. Wellesley College contributes up to 10.5% towards your 403(b) plan for eligible employees
  • Work/Life and Wellness: A hybrid work environment for select positions (additional details will be provided during the interview process), caregiving support through Wellthy, legal plan insurance, pet insurance discount and a variety of other resources including retirement planning, and access to cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.
  • Professional Development: Enhance your skills and explore growth opportunities through continuing training and pathways for growth within our supportive environment.
  • Tuition and Education Benefits: Invest in your education with tuition benefits, and access resources to navigate student loan forgiveness, reinforcing our commitment to your ongoing learning.
  • Campus Privileges: Enjoy free use of our state-of-the-art athletic and fitness facilities with onsite fitness classes, Library resources, and seize opportunities to attend diverse campus events that contribute to a vibrant community.

How to apply

Apply today and take your first step toward a rewarding career with Wellesley College – where your unique strengths and success are celebrated as part of our shared commitment to inclusivity!

Wellesley College is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals in hiring and advancement based on any legally protected status. Candidates who believe they can contribute to the College community are encouraged to apply.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

When submitting your application, please adhere to the following requirements:

  • Carefully review all job details prior to applying.
  • Enter your legal name exactly as it appears on your government-issued identification.
  • Upload a comprehensive resume/CV and cover letter in either PDF (.pdf) or Word (.doc) format.

Current Wellesley College employees must submit applications through the internal Workday portal by searching “browse jobs.”