Vice President Finance & Administration

Overview

Ohio Wesleyan University seeks a collaborative, strategic, and forward-thinking leader to serve as its next Vice President for Finance & Administration (Vice President). Reporting to the President and serving as a key member of the President's Cabinet, the Vice President will provide focused leadership in financial management, strategy, analysis, and long-term planning while helping guide the University through a period of significant institutional momentum.

Under President Matt vanden

Berg's leadership, Ohio Wesleyan has achieved notable progress in strengthening enrollment, improving retention, reducing the institution's discount rate, and increasing net tuition revenue per student, positioning the University favorably among its peer institutions. President vanden

Berg has engrained an entrepreneurial, high-velocity approach to institutional strategy and innovation, advancing multiple initiatives and partnerships in a fast-moving, boldly strategic environment designed to strengthen OWU's academic distinction and long-term financial sustainability. At the same time, OWU is preparing to launch an ambitious strategic plan centered on establishing its market position as "America's University for Ambitious Self-Discovery." The institution has also secured transformational philanthropic support for key initiatives and is preparing for a major fundraising campaign to advance its strategic priorities.

In this context, the Vice President will serve as a trusted advisor and thought partner to the President, providing disciplined financial leadership while helping translate institutional ambition into sustainable financial strategy. The role will maintain oversight of key administrative areas, including finance, budgeting, human resources, procurement, facilities and campus operations, while maintaining a clear focus on fiscal leadership and long-term financial planning.

The successful candidate will be comfortable operating in a strategically ambitious environment, bringing a positive, solutions-oriented leadership style, strong communication skills, and the ability to operate effectively within a shared governance environment, building trust and alignment across faculty, staff, senior leadership, and the Board of Trustees.

"We need a strategic, creative, entrepreneurially minded leader who executes with the same intensity she or he thinks - someone who will drive our innovative strategies to completion, build the operational infrastructure to sustain them, and bring fresh thinking of her or his own."

- President Matt vandenBerg

Strategic Financial Leadership

Serve as the University's chief financial strategist, partnering with the President and Cabinet to develop, refine, and monitor the University's long-term financial strategy while identifying innovative approaches to strengthening OWU's financial sustainability. Lead the development of multi-year financial models and planning frameworks that align institutional priorities with sustainable fiscal pathways. Provide rigorous analysis, creative financial thinking, and strategic insight to guide major institutional investments, initiatives, and long-term planning.

Budgeting and Financial Planning

Oversees the University's comprehensive budgeting process, including management of the institution's operating and capital budgets. Strengthen budgeting processes to ensure greater transparency, consistency, and collaboration across divisions. Provide timely and clear financial reporting and forecasting to support informed decision-making by campus leadership.

Financial Analysis, Data, and Reporting

Develop and implement robust financial analytics and reporting tools, including dashboards and scenario modeling, to enhance the University's ability to assess financial performance, evaluate strategic opportunities, and anticipate challenges. Ensure financial data and reporting are accurate, accessible, and understandable for stakeholders across the institution.

Cabinet and Presidential Partnership

Serve as a trusted advisor and strategic partner to the President, providing clear, candid financial counsel and proactive communication. Work collaboratively with Cabinet colleagues to evaluate new initiatives, align resources with institutional priorities, and support cross-campus strategic efforts.

Board Leadership and Treasury

Serve as Treasurer to the Board of Trustees and a key liaison to the Board's finance-related committees. Work closely with the Board of Trustees' Investment Subcommittee in the oversight of the University's endowment, supporting the committee as it establishes investment policy, asset allocation ranges, and performance goals. Partner with the committee and external investment management firms to monitor investment performance, provide financial analysis and reporting, and ensure strong stewardship of the University's endowed funds.

Administrative and Operational Leadership

Provide leadership for a division of approximately 40 employees…