Vice President for Finance and Administration (VPFA) Position Description

Gwynedd Mercy University is seeking an experienced and innovative leader to join the leadership team of President Deanne H. D’Emilio as the Vice President for Finance and Administration (VPFA). This is an exciting opportunity to help guide the strategic direction of the university and build upon its rich history of excellence. A visionary with knowledge of trends affecting higher education, a strong record of college or university financial management, and executing strategic plans with successful outcomes is preferred.

Reporting directly to the President, the Vice President for Finance and Administration is the chief financial officer of the university and a member of the President’s Executive Council. The VPFA has the primary responsibility to maintain the fiscal health of the University with oversight for the University’s business and financial operations, budget and forecasting, investments, capital projects, human resources, payroll, risk management, legal and contracts, facilities management, and auxiliary enterprises. Duties and responsibilities are subject to change.

Gwynedd Mercy University is a private, Catholic institution with a strong foundation in the liberal arts founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1948. More than 2,000 students are served by two colleges: College of Arts, Sciences, and Professional Studies, and The Frances M. Maguire College of Nursing and Health Professions. There are more than 40 undergraduate and graduate programs offered in a variety of formats. 

Qualifications: The successful candidate is expected to have thorough familiarity with the philosophy and responsibilities of an independent institution of higher education in the Catholic/Mercy tradition. An earned Master’s degree in an appropriate discipline from an accredited institution; CPA credential preferred; At least 7 years senior level finance and administrative management experience in higher education highly required. Some experience managing major construction projects is highly desirable.

The following qualifications provide additional expectations of the search:

• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse internal and external stakeholders, including local and state elected officials
• Open and transparent communication skills to ensure that the university financial position is accurately and effectively reported to the President and all other administrators/bodies
• Provides leadership and mentoring to a diverse division of university personnel
• Oversight for compliance with relative federal and state regulations and laws
• Experience in senior financial administration including institutional budget preparation and working with university personnel in a system of shared governance and mutual respect
• Implementation of decisions related to investments, arranging for short-term capital, and for long-term borrowing
• Experience with financial planning especially related to enrollment management and long term forecasting
• Experience managing endowment funds, ensuring compliance with all conditions, restrictions and designations imposed by donors, the President and the Board of Trustees
• Experience with the accounting and management of grant funds
• Experience with risk management inclusive of ensuring that the university is properly insured.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to identify, consult and resolve issues that impact institutional needs and priorities.

EOE Statement: Gwynedd Mercy University is committed to maintaining a positive learning, working, and living environment that is free from unlawful discrimination and harassment. Gwynedd Mercy University does not discriminate against any applicant for admission to or employment at the University because of race, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, color, marital status, veteran status, genetic characteristics, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (‘Protected Classes’). This includes, but is not limited to, admissions, financial aid, educational services, and student programs and activities, as well as to all terms and conditions of employment including, but not limited to, recruitment, selection, hiring, placement, transfer, promotion, training, compensation, benefits, discipline, and termination. The University will not tolerate unlawful acts of discrimination or harassment based upon Protected Classes, or related retaliation against or by any employee or student.