Chief Financial Officer

Overview

Mitchell College is conducting a national search for a Chief Financial Officer who will serve as both strategic advisor and operational leader—someone who brings financial expertise, business acumen, and genuine commitment to higher education. The CFO will serve as a key member of the President's Cabinet, providing strategic financial leadership while overseeing Finance, Human Resources, Facilities, Information Technology, and Auxiliary Services.

This role demands a leader who can provide sound financial management, drive operational excellence, and ensure institutional effectiveness while supporting academic priorities. This position requires both strategic vision and operational expertise—a leader who thrives in dynamic environments, values data-driven decision-making, and understands that financial stewardship in higher education ultimately serves student success.

• Institutional Leadership & Strategic Planning:
  Serve as a trusted strategic advisor to the President, providing financial insights that inform institutional direction and decision-making
• Institutional Leadership & Strategic Planning:
  Lead comprehensive financial planning that aligns resources with institutional priorities
• Institutional Leadership & Strategic Planning:
  Champion data-driven decision-making across the institution, developing analytical tools and dashboards that empower leaders at all levels
• Institutional Leadership & Strategic Planning:
  Build and maintain collaborative relationships across all divisions, connecting financial strategy with academic excellence, student success, and operational effectiveness

• Financial Management & Stewardship:
  Direct all aspects of financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting, ensuring institutional resources are deployed effectively
• Financial Management & Stewardship:
  Lead the development and execution of long-range financial plans that position the institution for growth
• Financial Management & Stewardship:
  Oversee treasury operations, debt management, and investment strategy
• Financial Management & Stewardship:
  Ensure robust internal controls, compliance with all regulatory requirements, and accurate financial reporting to internal and external stakeholders

• Operational Leadership & Team Development:
  Build, mentor, and lead exceptional teams across Finance, Human Resources, Facilities, Information Technology, and Auxiliary Services, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement
• Operational Leadership & Team Development:
  Create integrated operational strategies that leverage synergies across departments and drive institutional effectiveness
• Operational Leadership & Team Development:
  Oversee auxiliary operations including dining services and other ancillary services, optimizing performance and student experience
• Operational Leadership & Team Development:
  Champion professional development and succession planning, investing in the growth of team members and building organizational capacity
• Operational Leadership & Team Development:
  Model inclusive leadership, ensuring all team members feel valued, heard, and empowered to contribute their best work
• Operational Leadership & Team Development:
  Lead organizational change initiatives with strategic acumen, managing transitions that enhance efficiency while maintaining team morale

• Systems & Technology Leadership:
  Champion technology adoption and process improvement across financial and operational systems
• Systems & Technology Leadership:
  Support facilities planning and capital project management, ensuring physical infrastructure supports both current operations and future needs
• Systems & Technology Leadership:
  Collaborate with team to drive HR strategy that attracts, develops, and retains talent, creating a workplace culture aligned with institutional values

• Expert understanding of accounting principles (GAAP), financial reporting, and audit requirements specific to higher education
• Deep knowledge of higher education business models, funding sources, and regulatory environment (Title IV compliance, state regulations, accreditation standards)
• Comprehensive…