Vice President of Finance and Operations - Washington - Attain Talent

Description

Vice President of Finance and Operations

Washington, DC

Position Overview

The Vice President for Finance & Operations and Treasurer serves as the Financial and Operating Officer, a key member of the President's Cabinet, and is responsible for developing the university's financial strategy, ensuring operational excellence, and maintaining institutional sustainability. Reporting directly to the President, the VPFO offers executive leadership and strategic oversight of the university's financial affairs, facilities, human resources, and auxiliary services.

The VPFO collaborates with campus leaders, the Board of Trustees, and senior administrators to develop innovative financial strategies, optimize operations, and ensure fiscal stability while advancing the university's mission to prepare workforce‑ready students. This senior leader will steward the university's resources with integrity and vision, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and strategic investment that supports institutional growth and student success.

Finance and Operations Enterprise

• Finance & Treasury – encompassing budgeting, accounting, audit, investments, purchasing, real estate, insurance, and treasury operations
• Human Resources – led by the Associate Vice President for Human Resources, supporting faculty and staff recruitment, development, benefits, and organizational culture
• Facilities, Planning & Operations – including campus facilities management, planning, public safety, and transportation services
• Auxiliary Services – comprising culinary and retail operations, dining services, and related campus amenities

Direct Reports

Associate Vice President, Finance; Associate Vice President, Human Resources; Associate Vice President, Facilities, Planning and Operations; Assistant Vice President, Culinary and Retail Operations; Executive Assistant.

Candidate Profile

The successful candidate must possess the highest caliber of character, integrity, and trustworthiness, combined with vision, initiative, and energy to promote financial stewardship and operational excellence. Serving as a strategic advisor to the President and a collaborative partner across the institution, the VPFO will help guide the university through a period of significant growth—leading with purpose, innovation, and a steadfast dedication to institutional sustainability and mission fulfillment.

Key Attractors

• Transformational Leadership Opportunity: An influential role to lead, strengthen, and optimize the financial and operational foundation of a top private university in the Washington, D.C., area.
• Strategic Influence & Impact: As the Chief Financial and Operating Officer, the VPFO will shape the future of a dynamic, mission‑driven university.
• Financial Innovation & Sustainability: Lead institutional efforts to assess and enhance revenue streams, identify new sources of revenue, and stabilize finances through strategic debt management.
• Empowered Leadership & Strategic Partnerships: Identify nontraditional financing approaches built on strategic partnerships, including Public‑Private Partnerships (PPP).
• Operational Excellence & Compliance: Oversee treasury, budgeting, audit, investments, accounting, purchasing, real estate, insurance, facilities operations, auxiliary services, and human resources.
• A Community and a Place to Thrive: Offer professional opportunities and quality of life in an inclusive community.

Qualifications / Competencies / Skills

• A minimum of a master's degree or MBA from an accredited institution, and at least 7 years of senior‑level experience in negotiating, finance, and operations. Non‑profit experience preferred. Necessary skills include fund accounting, debt structuring, contract management, internal controls, project management, financial forecasting and planning, financial analysis, change management, negotiations, and operating efficiencies.
• Strong track record in financial administration and extensive knowledge of financial management practices. ERP experience preferred (Workday).
• Current knowledge of emerging higher‑education financial trends, including financial aid leveraging and net‑tuition revenue enhancement.
• Decisive, able to make difficult decisions and execute them effectively.
• Forward‑thinking, entrepreneurial and strategic mindset.
• Demonstrated ability to develop trust and operate with fairness, integrity, and diplomacy.
• Experience supporting governing boards and staffing committees or sub‑groups on financial or capital investment matters.
• Capacity to manage a diverse portfolio and balance the needs of multiple constituencies.
• Ability to synthesize and use data to make informed decisions.
• Experience recruiting, managing, leading, developing, retaining, and empowering a talented and diverse staff.

Additional Information

Qualified candidates are invited to submit a cover letter addressing their qualifications related to the responsibilities and competencies, along with a CV.

Attain Talent is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. Individual base salary for this position ranges from $240,000 – $275,000, commensurate with experience, education, and skills. Benefits include comprehensive health insurance, a tuition remission program, a generous contribution to the University's 403(b) retirement plan, and a generous time‑off plan. Employment is contingent upon successful completion and clearance of a background check and employment verification.

Attain Talent is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.