Lakeland University is seeking a financial leader and strategic partner to lead our complex and innovative enterprise.  Lakeland has a long-history of cutting edge developments in higher education – with the launch of our adult learning program more than 40 years ago, the development of a campus in Tokyo 30 years ago, and the most recent transition to a cooperative education learning model in 2018. Flexible, affordable, life-changing education has been at our core for 160 years.  We believe all students have the right to access higher education ​and the opportunity to succeed if they are willing to put in the work.

As the higher education landscape continues to adapt to the next generation of learners, we are searching for a higher education leader who thrives on innovation, collaboration and re-envisioning how students learn and prepare for their careers.  ​The VP for Finance & Strategy will work closely with the president and leadership team to continue to redefine higher education in a way that prepares the University for change​s in demographics in the near future and beyond.

POSITION PURPOSE

The Vice President for Finance and Strategy is a dynamic and innovative leader who serves as the University’s Chief Financial Officer.  The role is a unique opportunity for a transformational leader to affect change and bring innovative ideas for structure and growth to a long-standing University with a commitment to experiential learning and serving a diverse student body within all of Lakeland’s businesses: residential campus (Plymouth, WI), William R. Kellett School for Graduate and Undergraduate Program (7 locations around WI) and Lakeland University Japan. 

The role provides leadership and direction in developing policies and procedures for financial planning including budgeting, investment management, information technology, risk management, accounting, bursar and facilities management. Work involves significant decision making responsibilities crucial to the financial well-being of the University. This position includes frequent contact with bankers, investment bankers, insurance companies/brokers, CPA firms and the Board of Trustees. Supervisory duties include full responsibility for professional and management staff.

GENERAL EXPECTATIONS

All Lakeland University staff members are expected to:

• Demonstrate in their words and actions an appreciation for the history of Lakeland University and a commitment to its stated mission; Represent unequivocally in their behavior the stated values of the University; Be good stewards of the University’s resources, including its personnel and the goodwill of its friends, its alumni, and local community; Work collaboratively (as opposed to competitively) with their peers to meet objectives and achieve our goals; Keep their supervisor appropriately informed; Be forthright and honest in their communication with all members of the University community; Treat all members in a manner of teamwork and respect; Acts in a manner that sets the standard for service in higher education and the core principals of Lakelanders Excelling at Professionalism (LEAP) – show respect, communicate and be positive; Advise their supervisor with respect to all matters that require their attention, including their own performance.

  ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Plan, develop, organize, implement, direct and evaluate the University’s fiscal function and performance; Participate in the development of the University’s plans and programs as a strategic partner; Ensure the budget and budget planning process is linked to and supports the university’s strategic plans; Actively participate as a member of the Administrative Leadership Team; Evaluate and advise on the impact of long-range planning, introduction of new programs/strategies and revenue sources, and regulatory action; Develop credibility for the finance department by providing timely and accurate analysis of budgets, financial reports and financial trends in order to assist the President, leadership team and Board of Trustees in performing their responsibilities Enhance and/or develop, implement and enforce policies and procedures of the University by way of systems that will improve the overall operation and effectiveness of the University; Be an advisor from the financial perspective on any contracts into which the University may enter; Establish credibility throughout the University and with the Board of Trustees an effective developer of solutions to business challenges; Provide input and leadership on analysis and decision making issues affecting the University’s employee benefits and investments; Provide strategic input and leadership in overseeing the accounting, information technology and facilities departments;  Complete annual evaluations of direct reports, providing opportunities for professional and personal growth.

SPECIALIZE KNOW-HOW & SKILLS

• MBA and/or CPA preferred; Experience in a lead financial position in an educational institution or non-profit organization; Ten to fifteen years related experience.

• Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices and procedures of financial planning, accounting, administrative information systems and payroll; Considerable knowledge of financial issues in a non-profit organization, particularly in an educational institution; Knowledge of administration and supervisory techniques; Skill in oral and written communication.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

• No or very limited physical effort required;
• Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.
• No or very limited exposure to physical risk.

OTHER DUTIES

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Lakeland University does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term. If you have questions regarding this, please contact Human Resources.

Lakeland University is an equal opportunity employer.