The Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania seeks an accomplished and innovative financial leader to become its next Vice President for Fiscal Affairs and Chief Financial Officer (CFO). We invite nominations and applications as part of the search.

Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania was formed in March, 2022 through the integration of Bloomsburg, Lock Haven and Mansfield universities in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE). This integration has been ground-breaking both in Pennsylvania and has received visibility nationally. The CFO will be at the forefront of shaping the future of this integrated university with a unique opportunity to lead transformational change.

Reporting directly to the president, the CFO will serve as an innovative partner managing and developing tactics that advance the institution’s overall academic, administrative and strategic goals. In addition to managing a complex enterprise, the CFO will contribute to a vibrant and high performing leadership team, help build a campus of diversity and inclusion, partner with the university to develop a new strategic plan and position Commonwealth University for the future.

The CFO will provide leadership in managing the University’s financial resources while addressing and meeting the needs of their clients, which include students, faculty, staff and the community. This person will manage an institutional budget of approximately $300 million and 40 staff members. The CFO will also promote management principles that embrace diversity, sustainability, initiative, creativity and transparency.

The CFO will be an accomplished professional of the highest integrity who embraces positive change and a proactive team approach. The CFO will work with colleagues in a spirit of partnership, transparency and fiscal responsibility. This person will understand and respect shared governance and promote an environment that encourages teamwork, student success, inclusive decision-making and a sense of community. The successful candidate will be a confident, innovative, entrepreneurial leader with excellent financial expertise and considerable managerial experience. Experience working within a higher education system and within a collective bargaining environment is an advantage.

A graduate degree, ideally an MBA or MA in a business field, and a record of more than 10 years of leadership experience, including increasing responsibility in a financial role, is required. Higher education experience is desirable.

All applications, nominations and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the profile. WittKieffer is assisting Commonwealth University in this search. For fullest consideration, application materials should be received by July 20, 2022. Application materials should be submitted to WittKieffer via the following link https://candidateportal.wittkieffer.com/login?returnUrl=%2Fapply%3FjobID%3D23740

A full position announcement and Leadership Profile is available at https://www.wittkieffer.com/position/23740-vice-president-for-fiscal-affairs-and-chief-financial-officer/

Confidential nominations and inquiries can be directed to: John Thornburgh and Julia Bradley at CommonwealthUCFO@wittkieffer.com.

The University prohibits any form of discrimination or harassment on the basis of sex, race, color, age, religion, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, marital or family status, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, or disability in any decision regarding admissions, employment, or participation in a University program or activity in accordance with the letter and spirit of federal, state, and local non-discrimination and equal opportunity laws, such as Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act and ADA Amendments Act, the Equal Pay Act, and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act.