Vice President of Finance

ANNOUNCEMENT OF SENIOR LEADERSHIP POSITION

Vice President of Finance

Eastern Mennonite University (EMU) is pleased to launch a search for an experienced and highly qualified financial leader to assume the role of VP of Finance. We seek an exceptional candidate who demonstrates financial acumen, strong hands-on financial analysis, administrative leadership, and entrepreneurial vision. The new VP of Finance will report directly to the Chief Operating Officer (COO), serve as a key member of the President’s Cabinet, and work closely with the Board of Trustees regarding budget, audit, and investment matters.

The VP of Finance will join EMU at a pivotal moment as the university reimagines its future to address common challenges faced by private higher educational institutions. This role provides an opportunity to help shape the financial strategies that will support EMU’s mission and ensure long-term sustainability. The VP of Finance will be instrumental in guiding resource allocation, financial planning, and innovative revenue strategies in alignment with EMU’s values and strategic priorities.

Primary Responsibilities

Act as the principal financial advisor to the COO, President, and Board of Trustees, offering financial reports, analyses, and long-term financial planning recommendations.

Develop and manage the University’s annual budget and multi-year financial plans, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities and fiscal responsibility.

Oversee accounting, financial reporting, audits, and compliance with applicable regulations and standards.

Ensure effective cash flow management, debt service, and investment strategies to optimize financial performance.

Collaborate with the Executive Leadership Team on strategic planning, capital projects, and resource allocation.

Monitor and report on key financial metrics to ensure transparency and informed decision-making.

Lead and mentor staff in the business office, fostering a culture of teamwork, innovation, and excellence.

Identify and pursue opportunities to diversify revenue streams and improve cost efficiencies.

Oversee institutional risk management, ensuring compliance with insurance requirements and effective mitigation strategies.

Qualifications

Required :

MBA, CPA, or equivalent certification in financial management.

At least 6 years of experience in finance, with a preference for leadership experience.

Demonstrated expertise in financial planning, budget development, and compliance.

Preferred :

Experience in higher education finance.

Proven ability to develop multi-year strategies that optimize an organization’s financial position.

Strong analytical and technical proficiency with financial systems and tools.

Experience in fostering financial literacy and stakeholder engagement across a diverse community.

Professional Competencies and Personal Qualities :

Exceptional integrity, work ethic, and collaboration skills.

Strong communication abilities, both oral and written, with a track record of building trust across stakeholders.

Demonstrated ability to lead and develop people in a diverse environment.

Alignment with the Anabaptist-Mennonite faith tradition and EMU’s mission to prepare students to serve and lead in a global context and with its values of academic excellence, justice and peacebuilding, and active faith.

About EMU

Founded in 1917, Eastern Mennonite University ( http : / / www.emu.edu ) is a private, faith-based, liberal arts university in Harrisonburg, Virginia known for academic excellence and affordability with a focus on service, social justice, and global engagement. With more than 1500 students studying at our main campus in Harrisonburg, Virginia; at our Lancaster, Pennsylvania instructional site; and online, EMU offers rigorous academic study at the undergraduate and graduate level.

EMU is committed to an inclusive and equitable campus community where everyone is treated with dignity and respect and can be their authentic self. Our goal is to remove the barriers that underrepresented and marginalized groups have frequently encountered in our society. We commit to address the structures that produce discrimination, racial injustice, gender inequities and other forms of oppression, and to fully include LGBTQ individuals, people with disabilities, and other members of historically minoritized communities.

EMU encourages students, faculty and staff to live their faith and values through service to others, peacemaking, cross-cultural engagement and sustainability. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, EMU is committed to enhancing our community and encourages applications from qualified individuals with varied backgrounds, experiences, and ideas who would deepen the diversity of the University.

Applications and Nominations

Applications may be submitted electronically through ADP by clicking apply.  Application materials should include the following : a current curriculum vitae or résumé and a letter of intent addressing how the candidate’s experiences align with the position requirements.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and the position will remain open until filled.