Vice President of Business and Financial Affairs

Savannah State University established in 1890, is the first public historically black college or university in the state of Georgia and the first institution of higher learning in the city of Savannah. The university's students select majors from four colleges — Business Administration, Education, Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, and Sciences and Technology. The campus is by far the most picturesque in the state of Georgia. The moss-laden sweeping oak trees, expansive marsh and historic architecture create a resplendent yet tranquil atmosphere. Beneath the beauty and splendor is a vibrant residential campus bursting at the seams with the vim and vigor of quality collegiate life: relevant academic majors, engaging lectures, cutting-edge research, quality student-faculty engagement and a nurturing environment.

As the University's Chief Business Officer (CBO), the Vice President of Business and Financial Affairs (VPBFA) is a senior leader who advises the President and leadership team on fiscal matters. The incumbent ensures that the University's financial health, safety, and maintenance are conducive to student success. The VPBFA articulates a vision for business operations that aligns with the University's mission and strategic goals. They provide strategic and innovative leadership in areas including budget and finance, facilities management, human resources, information technology, public safety, and auxiliary services, while promoting an environment that fosters student success and supports the well-being of the campus community.

The following are direct reports to this position:

• Administrative Coordinator (shared with Legal Counsel)
• Bursar
• Chief Human Resources Officer
• Chief Information Officer
• Chief of Police
• Comptroller
• Director of Budget, Payroll, and Procurement
• Director of Facilities

NOTE: In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required eligibility verification form upon hire. This position does not offer sponsorship for employment visas.

• Ensure compliance with the policies and procedures of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia (BOR), the Official Code of Georgia (OCGA), and other federal and state laws and regulations.
• Provide financial oversight and administrative services to the University, consistent with Board of Regents (BOR) policies
• Provide strategic leadership in all aspects of the University's financial operations
• Direct and develop financial policies and standards that support the University's mission and goals
• Ensure financial systems meet the highest standards for providing financial information that allows strategic financial analysis and decision making
• Prepare and submit to the President all budgets for the University
• Coordinate the preparation, implementation and monitoring of the annual university budget and provide regular, timely reports to all budget managers
• Exercise fiscal responsibility in management of all allocated resources
• Oversee the receipt of all funds paid to the University and receipts given in the name of the University
• Serve as the University representative on financial, business and facility matters, and work directly with the University System of Georgia (USG) in these areas
• Ensure strong coordination between Bursar and Financial Aid
• Direct and ensure that all annual financial audits are completed
• Ensure all financial records comply with local, state, and federal regulations
• Manage financial security through financial forecasting and risk management
• Oversee and manage the strategic debt management
• Oversee the financial resources and ensure the economic viability of the University, as well as position the University to dedicate resources to achieve its strategic priorities
• Organize and provide administrative direction for all accounting procedures and financial reports
• Delegate effectively and hold direct reports accountable
• Oversee treasury management by ensuring cash flow, managing risk, and making strategic investments of available resources
• Maintain adequate records of all contracts and leases; compile cost analyses
• Supervise the preparation of business and financial reports
• Monitor all accounts, claims, and demands against the University to ensure accuracy
• Promote staff participation in institutional decision making; collaborate and coordinate with all other areas of the University
• Collaboratively advise the President and the Cabinet on formulation of strategic policies, programs, and procedures that support the priorities of the university and best practices in business operations and financial management
• Collaborate with other senior executives to align financial and strategic priorities across the University and collaborate with functional areas, including academic affairs, student affairs, and administration to meet the University's mission, goals, and operational needs
• Provide oversight for the implementation of the Campus Master Plan and related construction, renovation, and infrastructure projects
• Ensure that audits are completed on time and are in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP)
• Serve on the governing boards of the University affiliated foundations as appointed
• Collaborate with the Vice President of University Advancement on the strategic management and oversight of endowed funds.
• May be required to perform job related duties other than those specifically delineated in this position.

• Master's degree in Business, Accounting, or related field from an accredited college or university.
• Minimum of ten (10) years of experience at the senior management level, preferably in an institution of higher education
• Must possess satisfactory credit
• Strong management and interpersonal skills
• Commitment to customer service and understanding of the effects of fiscal policy on all aspects of the University community
• Experience in positive change management
• Excellent communication skills (verbal, written, and presentation)
• Extensive experience with computer applications in financial and management areas

• CPA certification

The salary range for this position is $183,000.00 - $200,000.00 annually.

• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws and regulations
• Knowledge of trends and best practices in fiscal management in higher education
• Skills in managing budgets and resources effectively
• Skills in analyzing financial performance and making informed decisions
• Ability to exhibit qualities of emotional maturity, genuineness, self-confidence, common sense, judgment, fairness, creativity, discretion, decisiveness, political savvy, diplomacy, tact, resiliency, adaptability, and courage of convictions.
• Ability to organize and communicate effectively
• Ability to maintain constructive and cooperative working relationships with others
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with attention to detail and deadlines
• Ability to make decisions with fairness and transparency
• Ability to work with cross-functional teams and to foster teamwork

For best consideration, apply by April 16, 2025. Position will remain open until filled.

For more information or questions about a job posting, please contact the Department of Human Resources at hr@savannahstate.edu. For technical support, please call the USG Service Desk at (877) 251.2644, or email support@usg.edu.

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Savannah State University's Core Values: T.I.G.E.R

• Teamwork is our distinction. Through mutual support, cooperation, encouragement, and shared goals, we at SSU believe that by working together, our university family of students, faculty, staff, alums and community supporters are serving and advancing our institution.
• Integrity as we will act honestly, fairly, impartially, unbiased and ethically, creating a trust that is evident in all University activities and decision-making.
• Greatness in our transformation and wisdom as we maximize the potential in each student through a nurturing environment in which our resources are safeguarded, and we are good stewards of the human, intellectual, physical, and fiscal resources given to our care.
• Excellence is our campus standard. Through the performance of campus duties, a commitment to the greatness of teaching and learning, scholarship, student engagement, stewardship and tradition, SSU will continue to be the catalyst for innovation and discovery.
• Respect through recognizing the inherent dignity and rights of every person. We will do our utmost to fulfill our resulting responsibility to treat each person with fairness, compassion and decency.

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with Savannah State University, as determined by Savannah State University, in its sole discretion, confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Applicants may be subject to a pre-employment drug test. Offers are made expressly subject to the applicable federal and state laws, to the statutes, rules and regulations of this institution and to the Bylaws and Policies of the Board of Regents (BOR) of the University System of Georgia (USG), which are available for your inspection upon request.

Equal opportunity and decisions based on merit are fundamental values of the University System of Georgia (USG). The Board of Regents prohibits discrimination on the basis of an individual's age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status ("protected status"). No individual shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation under, any USG program or activity because of the individual's protected status; nor shall any individual be given preferential treatment because of the individual's protected status, except that preferential treatment may be given on the basis of veteran status when appropriate under federal or state law.

All employment processes and decisions, including but not limited to hiring, promotion, and tenure, shall be free of ideological tests, affirmations, and oaths, including diversity statements. The basis and determining factor for all such decisions should be that the individual possesses the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with the role, and is believed to have the ability to successfully perform the essential functions, responsibilities, and duties associated with the position for which the individual is being considered. At the core of any such decision is ensuring the institution's ability to achieve its mission and strategic priorities in support of student success.

For questions or more detailed information regarding this policy please contact the Savannah State University, Office of Human Resources at hr@savannahstate.edu. Individuals requiring disability related accommodations for participation in any event or to obtain print materials in an alternative format, please contact the Office of Human Resources at hr@savannahstate.edu.

• This position has supervision of the Division of Business and Financial Affairs, its departments, and personnel.
• The work is performed in an office setting while intermittently sitting, standing, walking, or stooping.
• The employee occasionally lifts light objects up to fifteen (15) pounds.
• Periods of overnight travel will be required.

• Applicants must include a list containing the name, e-mail address, and telephone number for three (3) professional references (e.g. supervisor, mentor, colleague).
• Applicants must upload transcript(s) with the application. Unofficial are acceptable. Official transcript(s) required upon hire.