Vice President of Business and Finance

Qualifications

• Terminal degree or Masters of Business Administration from an accredited university with eight (8) years of progressively responsible financial management experience and a minimum of five (5) years of experience in a financial leadership role within higher education/government.

• A proven track record of leading teams, managing financial operations, and driving performance.
• Experience with higher education SIS and ERP systems (e.g., Anthology).
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

Equivalency: Any equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience as approved by the Human Resources Department.

FLSA Status: Exempt

Level: Fifteen (15)

Salary: $150,000 - $170,000 annually DOE

Start Date: July 1, 2026

Located in Carlsbad, New Mexico, Southeast New Mexico College (SENMC) is a newly independent public community college accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. A proud Hispanic Serving Institution, it awards certificates and associate degrees that serve the needs of its region and prepare students to transfer to programs at other colleges or universities. SENMC offers Early College and Dual Credit programs in collaboration with local high schools.

Southeast New Mexico College enjoys the strong support of its community, and has been awarded many grants, which include $11.7 million from the U.S. Department of Energy and several multimillion-dollar grants from the U.S. Department of Education for student support.

The college’s diverse employee pool includes 40 full-time faculty, 48 adjunct faculty, and 102 staff members. SENMC offers a generous benefits package which includes medical, dental, retirement, and college tuition reimbursement. More information on SENMC can be obtained from its website at (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

Reporting directly to the President and serving on the President's cabinet, the Vice President of Business and Finance will serve as the Chief Financial Officer for SENMC and is responsible for the direction of all financial functions and oversees revenues, costs, capital expenditures, investments, and debt. This position also oversees staff in the following departments:
Bookstore, Business Office, Facilities, and the Health Clinic. The Vice President also demonstrates familiarity with major construction, renovation, and maintenance programs, as well as an understanding of facilities management, capital construction, real estate development, campus master planning, local regulations, and business operations.

The Vice President of Business and Finance will work collaboratively with all SENMC constituencies, providing ongoing communication, education, and knowledge of the college's financial objectives, conditions, and strategies while promoting a strong culture of service. The Vice President sets the overall vision for SENMC’s financial landscape in support of its research and education mission.

SENMC seeks an established leader who is prepared to develop and execute a financial strategy that drives continuous improvement and propels the institution forward in enhancing student experience and effectively supporting the academic, research, and administrative functions. The ideal candidate for this pivotal role will have already served in a similar role and be charged with the following duties:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive financial strategy aligned with the college's strategic plan, mission, and vision. This includes setting priorities, projects, and future directions for the college's financial functions.
• Oversees the college's financials and related functions including and planning, accounting, procurement, budgeting, auditing, financial aid, application of internal controls, and investment management.
• Manages the college's investments, endowment, and spending practices with an emphasis on strong stewardship of funds. Directs the budgeting process effectively to establish sound operating and capital budgets and develops and maintains a five-year financial planning model for use by administration and the Board of Trustees.
• Works closely with schools, colleges, universities, businesses, community groups, and the Board of Trustees to provide relevant information, consultation, and recommendations on financial related matters.
• Provides regular and timely support to the President and ensures that the President is prepared to communicate accurately about all business-related and financial matters.
• Serves as a primary financial communicator to the Board of Trustees, employees, students, alums, parents, donors, and other appropriate contacts.
• Presents and serves as a liaison to audits related to business and finance, risk management, and investments.
• Ensures that business and financial policies, procedures, and controls serve the needs of the college and are understood.
• Obtains long and short-term financing as may be necessary to meet the financial requirements of the college.
• Establishes procedures for…