Vice President for Finance and Facilities/Chief Financial Officer

$190,000 - $220,000/Yr

State of Massachusetts - Salem, MA

Full-time

Salem, MA

Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support

About the position

Salem State University (SSU), a public regional comprehensive university, located on Massachusetts' North Shore region, seeks an innovative, collaborative, and strategic leader to serve as its next Vice President for Finance and Facilities/Chief Financial Officer (VPFF/CFO). Located just 15 miles north of Boston, Salem State is one of the largest and most diverse state universities in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and is an important partner in the economic, cultural and intellectual vitality of the greater north-of-Boston region. As a comprehensive university, Salem State prepares students of diverse backgrounds and interests to achieve their educational and career goals and to contribute to a global society as ethical and engaged community members. As a public university, Salem State also makes critical contributions to civic life, environmental sustainability, and the cultural, social, and economic vitality of the North Shore region. Reporting directly to the President, the VPFF/CFO is responsible for a broad portfolio which includes the business office, facilities and capital planning, as well as auxiliary sites, services, and contracts. The VPFF/CFO is SSU's chief financial officer and oversees an annual operating budget of $183 million. In addition to serving as a key member of the President's Executive Council (PEC), they will also be a primary liaison to the University's Board of Trustees Finance and Facilities Committee and serves as co-liaison as staff to the Board's Risk Management and Audit Committee. Lastly, as part of the University's Budget Advisory Committee, the VPFF/CFO receives guidance and advice from the Committee in planning the annual operating budget. The VPFF/CFO will be a collegial and collaborative campus partner, providing strategic leadership for all short- and long-term financial decision-making. They will be a motivating change agent with an investment mindset, working across the institution to move forward the University's enrollment plan, identify strategic investment and revenue generating opportunities, and implement sustainable business plans. Overseeing complex operational units, they will implement best practices and innovative uses of technology to strengthen administrative functions and advance strategies for campus maintenance, improvement, and space utilization. The next VPFF/CFO will be a vital member of the SSU community and the wider North Shore region. While the position is hybrid in nature, the VPFF/CFO will have a significant presence on campus, including in-person meetings with the PEC, All University Committee (AUC), and other events as determined by the President. Presently, the Finance Department is one of our departments that has been primarily remote. They will possess the interpersonal skills to genuinely connect and partner with a wide range of highly dedicated stakeholders. They will bring a deep appreciation of SSU's mission as a public regional comprehensive university and uphold SSU's culture of transparency, caring, integrity, and inclusivity. Finally, as the leader of a large team, the VPFF/CFO will be a strong and supportive manager, modeling a culture of accountability, openness, and high-quality service while establishing processes and structures that utilize the expertise of their strong team.

Responsibilities

• Develop and oversee the university's financial strategy, including budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning.
• Ensure compliance with state and federal regulations, financial audits, and reporting requirements.
• Oversee accounting, treasury, procurement, and payroll operations.
• Optimize resource allocation to support institutional priorities.
• Oversee the planning, maintenance, and development of campus facilities to ensure a safe, functional, and sustainable environment.
• Manage capital projects, including construction, renovation, and deferred maintenance initiatives.
• Implement strategies to enhance campus sustainability and energy efficiency.
• Work closely with university leadership, including deans and department heads, to align financial and facilities strategies with academic goals.
• Engage with external stakeholders, including state agencies, donors, and community partners, to secure funding and support for university initiatives.
• Provide direction and mentorship to staff across the Finance and Facilities departments.
• Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or a related field.
• A CPA, CFA, or advanced degree (e.g., MBA, MPA) is required.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in financial management, preferably within higher education or a similarly complex organization.
• Demonstrated experience overseeing finance and facilities functions.
• Proven track record of managing multimillion-dollar budgets and leading large teams.
• Strong understanding of higher education financial models, state funding processes, and regulatory compliance.
• Proficiency in financial planning systems, ERP software, and other enterprise-level tools.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.

Benefits

• Anticipated salary range for this position is $190,000-$220,000 annually.