Chief Financial Officer

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Reporting Structure

The Chief Financial Officer reports to the President and works closely with the Executive Vice President, Board of Trustees Chair and Members of the Finance Committee, Executive Leadership Team, Comptroller & Human Resources Manager.

Work Arrangement

This is a full-time, on-site executive leadership position based at ACM-IAU’s U.S. headquarters in San Diego, California, or at its campuses in Aix-en-Provence, France, or Barcelona, Spain, depending on the qualifications of the selected candidate and the needs of the institution.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the country in which they will be employed. Preference will be given to candidates who already possess legal authorization to work in the United States, France, or Spain, as ACM-IAU may not be able to sponsor employment visas for this position.

Periodic travel between ACM-IAU’s U.S. and European operations.

Compensation & Benefits

ACM-IAU offers a competitive executive compensation package commensurate with the successful candidate’s qualifications, experience, and demonstrated leadership.

The College provides a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, retirement benefits, paid leave, and professional development opportunities. Relocation assistance, where appropriate, and additional executive benefits will be discussed with finalists during the interview process.

Position Summary

Reporting to the President and serving as a strategic partner to the Executive Vice President, Board of Trustees, and Chair of the Finance Committee, the CFO will guide ACM-IAU through an important period of institutional growth and organizational development.

The next CFO will inherit a financially sound organization with ambitious aspirations — not a turnaround. Working collaboratively with trustees, faculty, staff, alumni, and international partners, the CFO will ensure that ACM-IAU has the financial strength, operational capacity, and strategic discipline to fulfill its mission while positioning the institution for sustained growth.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Executive Leadership

The Chief Financial Officer serves as ACM-IAU’s chief financial strategist and a key member of the executive leadership team, contributing broadly to executive decision-making across financial planning, governance, enrollment strategy, international operations, and organizational effectiveness.

Success in this role requires more than technical financial expertise: the CFO is expected to think institutionally, lead collaboratively, and act strategically — balancing disciplined financial management with an entrepreneurial approach that supports innovation and sustainable growth.

• Serve as a strategic advisor to the President, Executive Vice President, Board of Trustees, and Chair of the Finance Committee on matters affecting ACM-IAU’s long-term direction and financial sustainability
• Lead the development of multi-year financial plans that support enrollment growth, academic priorities, capital investments, and organizational objectives
• Collaborate with executive leadership to align financial planning with enrollment projections, academic initiatives, and institutional priorities
• Evaluate the financial implications of new academic programs, strategic partnerships, and institutional initiatives
• Promote collaboration across academic and administrative divisions to ensure effective planning and responsible resource allocation
• Foster a culture of accountability, transparency, innovation, and continuous improvement

Financial Stewardship & Strategy

• Lead the development and administration of the institution’s annual operating and capital budgets
• Develop long-range financial forecasts and scenario models that support executive decision-making and strategic planning
• Oversee treasury operations, banking relationships, investments, cash management, and institutional liquidity
• Direct international treasury management, including foreign currency planning and exchange strategies supporting ACM-IAU’s European operations
• Monitor financial performance through executive dashboards, financial analytics, and key performance indicators
• Recommend strategies that improve operating performance, financial resilience, and long-term sustainability
• Evaluate the financial viability of strategic initiatives, capital investments, and institutional partnerships

Governance & Board Relations

The CFO serves as ACM-IAU’s principal financial liaison to the Board of Trustees and Finance Committee, providing clear analysis, timely reporting, and trusted counsel that support effective governance.

• Partner with the Chair of the Finance Committee in preparing meeting agendas, financial reports, and strategic analyses
• Prepare financial reports and forecasts that support informed decision-making by the Board of Trustees
• Lead the institution’s annual independent audit and maintain productive relationships with external auditors
• Ensure compliance with applicable accounting standards, nonprofit regulations, tax requirements, grant obligations, and institutional policies
• Strengthen internal controls, financial policies, and enterprise risk management practices
• Identify emerging financial and operational risks and recommend practical mitigation strategies
• Maintain productive relationships with legal counsel, financial institutions, investment advisors, insurance providers, and other professional partners

Administrative Leadership

The CFO provides executive leadership for ACM-IAU’s financial and administrative operations while empowering talented professionals to lead day-to-day management within their respective areas.

• Provide executive oversight of accounting, budgeting, payroll, financial reporting, and administrative operations
• Partner with the Comptroller & Human Resources Manager to ensure effective leadership of accounting, payroll, human resources, employee benefits, and related administrative functions
• Recruit, mentor, and develop high-performing administrative staff while promoting succession planning and professional growth
• Champion process improvement through technology, automation, and operational best practices
• Evaluate administrative systems and recommend enhancements that advance organizational effectiveness and service
• Promote collaboration among finance, enrollment management, advancement, information technology, student financial services, human resources, and academic leadership

Growth & Innovation

• Partner with executive leadership to develop enrollment projections and financial models that support sustainable growth
• Evaluate the financial implications of new academic programs, international initiatives, and strategic partnerships
• Support long-range planning for technology investments, facilities, and organizational infrastructure
• Promote data-informed decision-making through enhanced financial reporting, institutional analytics, and performance metrics
• Monitor developments within higher education and international education to help position ACM-IAU for continued success

Resource Development

• Partner with the President, Executive Vice President, Advancement leadership, and Board of Trustees in support of institutional fundraising priorities and future capital campaigns
• Provide financial leadership for major institutional initiatives and transformational investments
• Cultivate strategic relationships with financial institutions, vendors, corporate partners, and other external organizations that advance ACM-IAU’s mission
• Identify opportunities to leverage strategic partnerships that enhance financial performance while generating philanthropic or in-kind support
• Support long-range planning associated with future institutional priorities, organizational growth, and anniversary initiatives

Qualifications

Professional Qualifications

ACM-IAU seeks an accomplished executive whose leadership extends beyond financial management — someone equally comfortable advising the Board of Trustees, collaborating with faculty and administrative leaders, and helping shape the long-term direction of a growing international institution.

• A bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related discipline is required; an advanced degree is preferred
• Significant executive leadership experience in financial management, budgeting, forecasting, treasury, accounting, and organizational leadership
• Experience leading financial operations within higher education, nonprofit organizations, or similarly mission-driven institutions
• Experience advising executive leadership and governing boards on strategic financial matters
• Thorough knowledge of nonprofit accounting, financial reporting, internal controls, regulatory compliance, and risk management
• Outstanding analytical, communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills
• A demonstrated ability to build trust, develop collaborative relationships, and lead organizational change

Preferred Experience

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or comparable professional credential
• Experience in higher education, international education, or another globally engaged organization
• Experience supporting Boards of Trustees and Finance Committees
• Experience with international financial operations, treasury management, banking relationships, and foreign currency planning
• Experience supporting institutional fundraising initiatives, comprehensive campaigns, or major strategic investments
• Working knowledge of French and/or Spanish is desirable

Leadership Profile

The successful candidate will be an intellectually curious, collaborative executive who combines sound financial judgment with strategic vision — building trusted relationships, communicating with clarity, and approaching challenges with both analytical rigor and an entrepreneurial mindset. ACM-IAU seeks a leader who understands that effective financial leadership is measured not only by fiscal results, but by the institution’s ability to fulfill its educational mission for generations to come.

Confidential Inquiries

Confidential inquiries, nominations, and applications are welcomed and will be handled with the utmost professionalism and discretion.

Applicants should submit:

• A letter of interest describing their qualifications and interest in the position
• A current curriculum vitae or résumé
• Contact information for at least three professional references (references will not be contacted without the candidate’s knowledge)

For additional information regarding the position or to submit application materials, please contact:

Kurt Schick
Executive Vice President
kurt.schick@iau.edu

Applications will be reviewed as they are received and will continue until the position is filled.

The American College of the Mediterranean is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and globally engaged academic community.