How to Apply
A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relates to this position.
For best consideration, please apply by May 2, 2025.
Job Summary
The University of Michigan-Flint is seeking dynamic and results-oriented leaders to apply for the Vice Chancellor for Business and Finance (VCBF) position. This pivotal role, part of the Chancellor's Cabinet, is a senior executive role which requires a visionary leader with a proven track record in responsible financial management and administrative skills. Reporting directly to the Chancellor, and collaboratively with the main campus, the VCBF will skillfully navigate the complexities of higher education finance, promoting institutional success and sustainability across multiple operational areas, including financial services and budgeting, public safety, facilities and operations, environmental health and safety, information technology services, contracts, and university human resources.
As a leading urban hub for learning, research, and civic involvement, UM-Flint is dedicated to academic excellence. The university strives to provide a diverse student body with access to its educational offerings while strengthening connections with the communities we serve.
Responsibilities*
Essential Functions
Strategic Oversight
Ensure effective management across the following departments to align with the university's goals and regulatory requirements, and provide strategic leadership and oversight for:
- Financial Services and Budget
- Public Safety
- Facilities and Operations
- Environment, Health and Safety
- Information Technology Services
- Contracts
- Human Resources
Institutional Strategy and Communication
- Manage and coordinate all business, accounting, finance, and budgeting (planning, control, and reporting) functions. Ensure safeguards are in place to protect the University's assets and manage UM-Flint's debt. In alignment with the University's academic/administrative mission, provide financial expertise and advice to the Chancellor and University leadership.
- Ensure the development and implementation of sound fiscal policies.
- Working with the University system, oversees the accounting, reporting, and auditing functions of the Flint Campus. This includes the development and implementation of the Campus's operating and capital budget procedures. Perform a variety of financial analyses for review by a diverse constituent base.
- Support strategic planning, financial and campus master planning with knowledge of fund management.
- Develop and clearly communicate institutional strategies, key measures of success, and accountability to internal and external stakeholders.
- Effectively communicate complex budget information to key stakeholders.
External Relations
- Interact with external groups such as community organizations, vendors, parents, and potential students to represent the University.
- Participate in the negotiation of contracts and the integration of real estate acquisitions, review construction contracts.
Compliance and Risk Management
- Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations for all areas within the VCBF unit.
- Establish and maintain best practices for financial and accounting processes to safeguard university assets.
Team Leadership and Development
- Assist in the supervision of team members completing accounting functions across the institution.
- Participate in team meetings including brainstorming, process mapping, and state updates.
- Participate in other University teams and committees to foster cross-collaboration and enhance communication within the University, including faculty governance groups.
- Mentor and develop team members responsible for financial and administrative functions.
Strategic Communication
- Ability to develop and communicate institutional strategies, key measures of success, and accountability to internal and external stakeholders.
Capital Project Management
- Experience overseeing capital projects, including both private-public partnership ventures and state-funded building projects.
Key Competencies
In-depth Knowledge of Higher Education: Ability to understand and strategize around the evolving higher education environment, with particular attention to enrollment and fiscal challenges and opportunities for regional comprehensive public institutions.
Experience and Track Record: Track record of success in managing finance (accounting, budgeting, investments, control, and reporting) for a complex organization, preferably in higher education.
Leadership and Analytical Skills: Progressively responsible leadership experience in promoting financial analysis and best business practices, with proven ability to create and develop multi-year financial models and forecasts. Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage large teams. Proven track record of effective management and decision-making.
External Relationship Management: Experience managing relationships with external constituents, including auditors, attorneys, and others.
Commitment to Positive Environment: Demonstrated commitment to fostering a positive and belonging environment where everyone is valued and respected, and the ability to connect with the academic community at all levels.
Strategic Communication: Ability to develop and communicate institutional strategies, key measures of success, and accountability to internal and external stakeholders. Ability to align financial strategies with the institution's mission and goals. Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective interaction with stakeholders. Ability to present complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders clearly.
Capital Project Management: Experience overseeing capital projects, including both private-public partnership ventures and state-funded building projects.
Judgement, Integrity and Risk Management: High ethical standards and integrity in financial management and reporting. Identify financial risks and develop strategies to mitigate them. Ensure the institution's assets are protected through risk management and insurance programs.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree required in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field.
- Significant experience in an executive financial management role within a complex environment.
- Be a proven leader and financial executive with progressive financial and operating experience related to fiscal affairs with a complex and vibrant organization.
- Demonstrate a successful record of sound administrative and responsible financial judgment within such organizations.
