Job Description

Overview

Founded in 1819 and named for its location in the middle of the State of Kentucky, Centre College opened its doors in the fall of 1820 with a single building, a faculty of two, and a student body of five. Today, there are approximately 1,400 students and 150 full-time faculty members in three divisions, Arts & Humanities, Social Studies, and Sciences & Mathematics. The Centre Experience includes study abroad for all, participation in hands-on research or internships locally and around the world, and the chance to engage with alumni and industry leaders in Career Exploration Communities. The College awards more than $47 million in scholarships and grants each year and more than 90% of students receive aid. Centre is one of the nation’s premier institutions for study abroad, with programs in Merida, Mexico to Bhutan to France, as well as study away programs in Washington, D.C. and New York City. More than 85% of Centre students study abroad at some point during their time at Centre.

The College is also home to 25 NCAA Division III men’s and women’s sports teams that boast plenty of conference titles and post-season appearances. Our brand-new and recently upgraded athletic facilities are remarkable, with new fields or facilities for baseball, football, men’s and women’s soccer, softball, and lacrosse, indoor and outdoor facilities for track and field, including a 200-meter indoor track, an aquatics center with an Olympic-size pool, an upgraded gym for basketball and volleyball, and a multipurpose field house.

Job Skills / Requirements

IDEAL EXPERIENCE

Senior Finance and Administrative Experience 15-plus years of experience providing strategic financial and operational leadership in a complex organization. Experience overseeing investment and endowment management reporting is strongly preferred.

Strategic Partnership

A strong strategic orientation with the ability to effectively advise, collaborate, and transparently communicate with the president, other senior administrative leaders, the Board of Trustees, faculty and other key stakeholders and members of the community.

Data-driven Analytical Acumen

Strong analytical skills, technical capabilities, and in-depth knowledge of a broad range of financial, operational, and risk management principles and practices, including enterprise-wide systems implementation and usage and data-driven decision making.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Commitment to, track record of, and impact in the area of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Experience building and leading in an inclusive environment.

Team Leadership

Experience as an effective manager with the confidence to delegate, empower, and mentor a talented team, including best-in-class professional development opportunities for staff.

Strong Credentials

Strong academic credentials required, including a preference for an M.B.A. or a related graduate degree.

CRITICAL LEADERSHIP CAPABILITIES

Strategic Leadership

At a vibrant institution within an evolving educational landscape, the next CFO:  Develops a long-range financial and business model that supports the strategic priorities of the institution, including the continued evolution of organizational structures and the expansion of resources and alternative revenue streams.  Explores innovative solutions for major challenges and opportunities facing the College and partners closely with the president to develop collaborative, transparent processes for prioritizing activities, allocating resources, and communicating with the community.  Demonstrates sound business judgment, balancing mission objectives with long term financial and operational sustainability.  Implements sophisticated financial and performance management tools to enable better decision making and ensure clarity on financial implications.  Hires, develops, and mentors a diverse team of finance and operational leaders, and demonstrates commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

Driving Results In an academic institution with a tradition of excellence, the CFO: Rigorously assesses key campus-wide financial and operational decisions and processes and is bold and creative, in considering multiple ways to meet objectives.  Consults broadly, questions assumptions, and creates an environment where continuous improvement, process assessment, driving outcomes and change are expected.  Establishes business practices and implements systems to support, measure and reinforce service performance. Maintains and enhances a proactive, client-focused culture.  Brings rigor, data, and creativity to inform problem solving and priority setting. Is a metrics-driven leader who is focused on efficiency, effectiveness, and continuous improvement and on long term sustainability. Set high standards, assess performance, and establish a high bar of excellence.

Relationship Building and Collaborative Partnerships

 At a well-established liberal arts college with high ambitions for its impact, the next CFO must be able to build rapport and establish trust and credibility with a wide range of stakeholders across the College and externally;  convey an unwavering commitment to the academic mission and be aligned in supporting its success and possess the talents, experience, and “soft skills” needed to achieve trusted adviser status with faculty, colleagues, senior leaders and members of the Board; strengthens the culture of transparency and is a partnership leader who fosters a deep sense of community and togetherness throughout the College, as well as the larger Danville community;  be a model, coach, and mentor; attract, develop, and retain excellent financial and operational talent; develops and sustains a strong sense of community and service across functional teams amidst an unprecedented period of change and adaptation within higher education.

OTHER PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Unquestionable integrity, trust, ethics and values; Intellectual curiosity and credibility; Mentor and coach

THE SEARCH PROCESS 
Centre College has retained Spencer Stuart to support the search. If you wish to submit your own application materials or nominate someone to serve as the next Chief Financial and Administrative Officer for Centre College, please send an e-mail message with supporting materials to CentreCollegeCFO@SpencerStuart.com.  

Education Requirements (Any)

Preference for MBA or related graduate degree.

Additional Information / Benefits

Benefits: Medical Insurance, Life Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Paid Vacation, Paid Sick Days, Paid Holidays, 401K/403b Plan