For best consideration, complete applications should be received before November 10, 2025.

Complete information is available on the Search Profile.

Pennsylvania Western University (PennWest), with campuses in California, Clarion, Edinboro, and Global Online seeks an experienced professional and proven leader to serve as the Vice President for Finance and Administration and CFO. This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced and accomplished financial and administrative leader with substantial experience to guide, marshal, influence, shape, and advance the mission of the University.

THE OPPORTUNITY

PennWest is seeking a proven leader, problem-solver, and financial executive for the position of Vice President for Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer. The Vice President reports to the University President and requires a combination of strategic leadership and hands-on management. This position supports executing the President’s agenda and strategic vision for the Institution.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manages the offices of Fiscal Affairs (Accounting, Accounts Payable, Financial Planning and Budgets, and Student Accounts), Human Resources, Information Technology Services, and Administration (Facilities, Safety and Risky Management, and Office of General Services).
• Serves as a key member of the President’s Cabinet assisting in the overall financial management of the university.
• Leads the annual budgeting processes to reflect the University Strategic Plan and monitors actual budget and implementation of budget related initiatives.
• Acts as a highly transparent and visible executive leader with regular accountability to stakeholders including governing boards, faculty and administrative labor unions, university affiliates, donors, and legislators.
• Collaborates with PASSHE Office of the Chancellor, working strategically with the Executive Vice-Chancellor and Chief Financial Officer, designing,
and implementing initiatives in achieving sustainability for PennWest University.
• Provides innovative strategies to improve space utilization including the engagement of third parties to drive down costs or increase revenue.
• Provides workforce planning, organizational structure, labor relation interpretations, and collective bargaining agreement guidance to University administrators.
• Provides direction for purchasing services and management of the procurement of materials and services for all University departments based on State System and other applicable policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Represents the University on State System related governance groups including the CFOs and other teams, as necessary.

OPERATIONAL ACTIVITIES

• Creates, implements, and oversees the financial and administration functions, policies and systems needed to support the operations of the University.
• Provides executive leadership and direction to senior division managers to ensure efficient operation of the Finance and Administration Division, which significantly impacts operations of the entire University.
• Manages and oversees accounting and budgeting, compliance, financial reporting and analysis, risk management, and auditing functions and processes for Fiscal Affairs.
• Administers cash management and investment programs and oversees equipment and facility needs through bond financing and other financing mechanisms.
• Ensures collaboration with the Student Accounts and Financial Aid Office operations, which includes resources from federal, state, institutional, and outside sources.
• Manages and oversees billing and collection of University tuition and fees to students and third-party vendors and develop effective billing and payment plan strategies for students and parents, to make the University an affordable option for current and prospective students.
• Directs the overall management of the University’s physical plant, including building and grounds maintenance, utility services, architectural, contracting, and quality assurance services, project management, and facilities financing.
• Develops capital funding requests, manages campus deferred maintenance plan and oversees land acquisition transactions.
• Provides leadership in the continual evaluation of the University’s long-range Campus Master Plan.
• Oversees planning and direction of the University Information Technology Services department.
• Oversees planning and direction of the University’s HR Department.
• Leads university activities related to State System office shared services including procurement and HR.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in business administration, Finance, Management, Accounting, or related discipline is required.
• At least ten (10) years of progressive management experience in financial and administrative affairs within a complex public, nonprofit, or private university environment or other complex organization.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• A demonstrated commitment to establishing and sustaining a culture of excellence and accountability among members of the Division
• A record of accomplishment in developing effective financial strategies that promote principled fiscal strength and sustainability
• The diplomatic skills necessary to navigate the political and legislative processes associated with the role
• Comfort dealing with complexity, competing demands, ambiguity and change while providing balanced, value-based leadership
• Demonstrated commitment to transparency and inclusive decision making
• The capacity to make well-reasoned, tough decisions in a timely manner
• The ability to articulate complex financial and other concepts to non-technical audiences
• An understanding of and respect for the PennWest University tradition, while challenging the University to improve its operating effectiveness
• The poise, presence, and interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with a variety of constituents and stakeholders, and to establish productive working relationships both within and outside the University
• Strong supervisory and leadership skills
• High level of energy and initiative
• Prior experience administratively supervising Facilities, Human Resources, and Information Technology Service is highly preferred

WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA

At PennWest University, students (and the Vice President/CFO) have the opportunity to choose from three distinct campuses, each nestled in a picturesque, vibrant town. Whether one prefers a serene lakeside community or a campus along a sprawling river bend, PennWest offers an amazing backdrop. Each campus is located near Pittsburgh or Erie and the rolling hills of western Pennsylvania.

Long recognized as a powerhouse of American industry, western Pennsylvania is a large geophysical and socio-economic entity. It encompasses that portion of the state to the west of the Appalachian divide and included within the Mississippi drainage system of rivers. Pittsburgh is the region’s principal city, with a metropolitan area population of about 2.4 million people and serves as its economic and cultural center. The three towns of California, Clarion, and Edinboro are primarily known for producing natural gas, oil, lumber, and coal.

While each district is comprised of exceptional public schools, each one also has excellent private schools. Each of the three towns has medical centers, hospitals, and many private physicians as well.

Each of the California, Clarion, and Edinboro boroughs has shops and restaurants that are easily accessible along with various scenic attractions, nature areas, festivals, entertainment, sports, and clubs. Each town is about two hours from the other.