Essential Functions: The vice president for finance and business operations is the chief financial and business officer of Wayne State University. Reporting to the president, the vice president is responsible for the university's overall financial and business affairs, including budget preparation of the general and auxiliary funds, business services, human resources, and facilities management. The vice president works closely with deans, faculty and senior administrators throughout the university to develop strategies to strengthen its business, financial and administrative policies and plans to achieve its goals in support of its academic, research, professional education and service missions. This position is a key strategic and managerial role at Wayne State University.The vice president serves as the treasurer of the university's Board of Governors and holds the same position on the board of the university's foundation. The Foundation Board oversees the capital campaign and investments of the endowment. The vice president also serves on the board of directors of Wayne State University's Research and Technology Park in the city of Detroit Inc. (TechTown), which oversees the administration of this organization. TechTown's mission is to stimulate the creation of new businesses and jobs with the help of a community of entrepreneurs, investors, mentors, service providers and corporate partners.The vice president also serves as a representative of the university on a number of boards in the surrounding community and throughout Southeast Michigan, including the Fund for Medical Research and Education Inc. (FMRE), and as the university's representative on the business affairs committee of the Michigan Public Universities' Presidents Council.As a senior member of the president's cabinet, the vice president for finance and business operations participates in institutional decision-making by providing an overall administrative and operational perspective on how to best manage and utilize the university's resources, serving the academic, research and institutional goals of the university. The vice president plays an important role in addressing budgetary issues in consultation with the president. In addition, the vice president serves on several executive-level university committees that set direction in several critical areas, including information technology, strategic planning and space allocation. The vice president is responsible for general supervision of the collection, custody of and accounting for all moneys belonging to the university, and demands and receives all moneys, when due, from the state treasurer or other such persons. The vice president advises the president on administrative and operational matters in the development of goals and objectives to meet the total institutional needs of the university. The vice president plans, develops and evaluates administrative programs and services to achieve the university's strategic objectives and assure compliance with university policies and state and federal regulations. The vice president formulates, plans and implements administrative and campus wide policies and procedures. The vice president administers such units of the university as the president may designate and performs other duties as may be assigned by the president.The vice president oversees a staff of approximately 600. The division comprises six units, including The Office of the Vice President, Planning Assessment and Innovation, Business Services, Finance, Facilities Planning, and Management and Human Resources. The vice president directs the heads of the units in conducting a variety of university wide activities.
Qualifications: The best candidates for this position will bring strategic, critical and creative thinking abilities to the financial and operational areas of Wayne State. She/he will be skilled at diplomacy, collaboration and consultation, and have proven broad-based leadership and management skills. The best candidates will be motivated by the opportunity to have an impact and will have a history of making significant organizational improvements in their institutions. She/he will also have the following experiences or attributes:?A seasoned executive with an extensive financial and business background, including financial and investment management, general administration, facilities management, contract negotiations and administration, short/long term operational planning, and strategic planning. Strong knowledge of higher education is an important consideration.?Experience in collaborating with and managing large, complex and decentralized organizations; institutions of higher education; government; health care; or similar nonprofit organization is highly desirable.?Strong knowledge and understanding of generally accepted accounting principles, policies and processes; internal controls; and business ethics.?Knowledge of building construction; plant operations; utilities; and sustainability practices, including recycling, green building practices and energy conservation.?Excellent communication skills, including written, verbal, presentation and listening skills.?Proven leadership and interpersonal skills on different levels, including interaction with governing boards and committees.?A trusted decision-maker and strategic thinker with sound business, professional and ethical judgment.?Confidence, influence, humility, sense of humor, pragmatism and innovative thinking.?Demonstrated ability to work proactively and effectively to manage all business operations of the university. ?Ability to foster an environment that promotes strong customer service, organizational growth, and the ability to mentor and develop others. ?Proven record of achieving institutional cost savings in a decisive yet collaborative and professional manner.?An understanding of and respect for the mission of Wayne State University and a desire to contribute to the ongoing efforts to achieve its goals.?Ability to build strong and collaborative working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.?An advanced degree, preferably an M.B.A. or a C.P.A., is required. |
