Vice President of Finance and Administration

• Work to enhance Gardner-Webb’s financial strength through strategic planning, data analysis, innovative ideas, effective partnerships, efficiencies, high quality budgeting and monitoring, accurate accounting and tax compliance, and useful reporting required to support sound decision-making and sound business practices.
• Responsibility for: funds accounting, timely and accurate financial reporting, budgeting, human resources, endowment management (in conjunction with the Investment Committee of the Board as well as with University Advancement), debt management, receipt and disbursement of funds, risk management, payroll, and cashiering.
• Responsibility for physical plant facilities, which includes: planning, design, construction, renovation, and repair, energy conservation, grounds maintenance, operation and maintenance of buildings, and the rental of facilities when not required to be used by the college community in accomplishing its educational mission.
• Responsibility for technology services and auxiliary services as listed above.
• Lead efforts to improve institutional effectiveness by employing good business practices such as process improvement, continuous quality improvement, benchmarking, and balanced scorecard methods.
• Meet regularly/as necessary with the President, the Board of Trustees, the Cabinet, and other appropriate university leadership to report and/or advise on all matters financial and/or related to the functional areas of responsibility.
• Collaborate with external vendors (auditors, endowment managers, university insurance brokers, etc.) to ensure timely, accurate, and independent reports related to the financial condition of GWU and to manage any risk associated with the University’s endeavors.
• Lead and develop the staff and leadership associated with Accounts Payable, Payroll, Human Resources, Campus Post Office, University Campus Shop, Plant Operations, Student Accounts, and Technology Services to maximize their performance and accountability.

• Related professional financial and/or administrative experience that demonstrates progressive responsibility and evidence of strategic leadership. Applicable higher education senior financial/administrative management experience is highly desirable.
• Passion and enthusiasm for, and commitment to, academically excellent, student-centered, liberal arts education in a Christian environment.
• Ability to think strategically and innovatively, anticipate opportunities, create a shared vision, promote appropriate change, and implement new strategies in a complex environment with a diverse constituency.
• Effective leadership skills combined with a strong work ethic, transparency and an ability to prioritize work, advance multiple projects at once, and adjust plans as circumstances change.
• Collaborative nature and positive outlook that supports the building of teams and effective relationships across organizational lines; an effective conflict resolver along with the ability to mentor and develop staff while promoting a respectful and trust-filled environment and workplace.
• Exemplary communication skills; ability to explain complex financial issues to all constituencies, capacity to establish effective working relationships and communication with all stakeholders including the President, the Cabinet, the Board of Trustees, the Advancement Office, key donors and the Boiling Springs community.
• Energetic, enthusiastic, forward thinking and visible leader who is fully committed to the ideals and mission of Gardner-Webb.
• Technological savvy: ability to evaluate, implement and update state-of-the-art technologies and resources to advance interconnectivity throughout the university.
• Experience with capital projects and bond financing, significant banking relationship experience as well as endowment and asset investment management are a plus.
• A master’s degree in business, accounting, finance, or a closely related field; or a JD, is preferred.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Candidates should complete the application and include a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, and names and contact information for at least three professional references with their submission.

Gardner-Webb University (gardner-webb.edu) is a coeducational, residential, private, historically Baptist, Christian institution, located in Boiling Springs, North Carolina with easy access to Charlotte, Asheville, and Greenville-Spartanburg. The University offers 80 undergraduate and graduate degree programs to approximately 3,000 students. GWU is a Carnegie-classified Doctoral/Professional University. In 2023, Gardner-Webb was home to students from 93 counties in North Carolina, 44 US states, and 43 foreign countries. GWU is a NCAA Division I institution with 22 athletic teams and 460 student-athletes.