Vice President for Finance and Administration

About Western New England University:

Western New England University (WNE) is a private co-educational comprehensive university with a tradition of excellence in teaching, research, and scholarship and a commitment to provide innovative liberal and professional educational opportunities. One of only a few U.S. comprehensive institutions enrolling under 5,000 students recognized with national and international accreditations at the highest levels in law, business, engineering, pharmacy, occupational therapy, and social work, WNE serves students from the northeastern U.S., but enrolls students from across the country and around the world.

The hallmark of the Western New England University (WNE) experience is an unwavering focus on and attention to each student’s academic and personal development. Faculty, dedicated to excellence in teaching and research, foster an environment of warmth and personal concern in which small classes predominate. Administrative and support staff work collaboratively with faculty in attending to student development so that each student’s academic and personal potential can be realized and appreciated. It is a vibrant, inclusive institution dedicated to providing a transformative education. We are committed to fostering a diverse community of scholars and professionals who are passionate about advancing knowledge and innovation.

Position Overview:
Western New England University (WNE) is seeking a proven leader, strategic thinker, problem-solver and financial executive for the position of Vice President for Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer.

Reporting to the president, the Vice President for Finance and Administration is a key member of the President’s Cabinet, working collaboratively and transparently with senior leaders and the board of trustees toward achieving the university's financial and strategic goals. In collaboration with other university leaders, deans, faculty, staff and students, the vice president will support and inspire a culture of innovation, entrepreneurial thinking, calculated investment and risk tolerance; strengthen and lead a team in Finance & Administration to support an institution of higher learning; cultivate a strategic vision and priorities for finance and administration; contribute to long-term financial sustainability of WNE; advance an institutional culture of diversity, equity and inclusion; and foster a campus culture of shared governance, communication, transparency, and respect.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in change management and be a natural collaborator and communicator, a relationship builder, and an accomplished manager of people, processes, projects, and systems.

The vice president has several direct reports and oversight of many operational units, including finance, budgeting, internal audit, facilities management (including construction), campus police, risk management, and auxiliary services. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Ensure operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness in all administrative functions.
• Ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the university through effective resource management .
• Lead all financial operations, including budgeting, accounting, financial planning, and forecasting.
• Develop and manage the university’s annual operating and capital budgets.
• Ensures compliance with the University’s institutional mission by establishing goals and objectives, reviewing and approving departmental plans, designing systems of effective control to achieve expected outcomes, and evaluating progress towards goal accomplishment in the Finance and Administration Division.
• Advise the President, cabinet, and members of the Board of Trustees on issues relating to administration and finance by presenting reports and recommendations during the Board meetings and preparing reports, proposals, findings, and other correspondence as required.
• Promote a positive image and maintain harmonious external relations for the University by communicating and interfacing with city, state, and other governmental officials in matters relating to administrative and financial services and representing the President and the University in various community, state and regional activities designed to promote Western New England University in particular, and higher education in general.
• Oversee long-term capital planning, including campus facilities management and infrastructure investment.
• Encourage delivery of quality, customer-focused information and services by the departments, units and employees of the Administration and Finance Division by employing a leadership style that motivates employees to accomplish established goals and objectives in a collegial, self-motivating manner.
• Maintain compliance with laws, regulations, and standards applicable to division activities.
• Facilitate a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds.
• Contribute to the overall success of the University by performing other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the University President.