The University of California, Riverside (UCR) welcomes applications and nominations for the position of Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer (VC-CFO). UCR is a distinctive member of the University of California system that delivers top-tier research and academic excellence while remaining deeply committed to access, social mobility, and student success for one of the most diverse student populations in the nation.

The VC-CFO will join UCR at a pivotal moment. The campus is financially disciplined, growing and ambitious, yet operating in an increasingly constrained fiscal environment that demands clarity, agility, and thoughtful change. With a new chancellor, an evolving budget model, major capital and health initiatives underway, and enterprise systems still maturing, this is a rare opportunity for a strategic, action-oriented CFO to serve as a key institutional leader, shaping UCR’s approach to resource allocation, strengthening organizational trust, and positioning the university for sustained success over the next decade.

The VC-CFO is responsible for providing leadership and direction for all aspects of UC Riverside’s financial, capital planning, and administrative operations in support of the campus’s strategic goals and overarching mission of research, teaching, and service. They will have responsibility for advising leadership on all financial and resource planning matters for the campus’ annual operating budget (approximately $1.7 billion) and complex capital planning budget.

The VC-CFO partners with the leadership of UC Riverside’s health enterprise to ensure the ongoing growth of medical education, patient care, and biomedical research. Over the next 5-10 years, UC Riverside Health is on course to build a 175,000-square-foot ambulatory center and to build or acquire its own hospital to advance patient care in the Inland Empire and to accelerate physician education and training.

The VC-CFO leads a diverse workforce of approximately 1,026 staff employees and a divisional operating budget of over $570 million. The major campus units included in the VC-CFO portfolio are Administrative Services & Strategic Executive Team, Auxiliary Services, Business & Financial Services, Environmental Health & Risk Management, Facilities Services, Financial Planning & Analysis, Planning, Design & Construction, and Real Estate Services. 

The ideal candidate will serve as a strategic financial partner to campus leadership, guiding UCR through fiscal constraints while maintaining its mission and advocating for the institution within the UC system. The position involves evolving budget models and financial tools, overseeing operational excellence, capital planning, and the growing UCR Health enterprise to ensure long-term sustainability. Success depends on combining financial stewardship with thoughtful resource allocation, transparent communication, and active engagement with faculty, staff, and students in the spirit of shared governance.

At least 10 years of senior level leadership experience with responsibility for finance, resource planning, and administrative operations in complex organizations is required. In addition, an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution or an equivalent combination of education and experience as well as demonstrated ability to serve as a strategic thought partner and informed advisor to executive leadership is a must. An advanced degree in business, public management, finance, or related field is preferred, as well as familiarity with a large, decentralized public higher education system and academic medical center or health system.

To learn more about UC Riverside, visit https://www.ucr.edu

The full position description can be viewed here.

The University of California, Riverside has retained Opus Partners to support this recruitment. Craig Smith, Senior Partner, Kenna Boyd, Partner, and Thomas Lapierre, Senior Associate, are leading the search. Confidential inquiries and nominations should be submitted by email to Thomas at thomas.lapierre@opuspartners.net.

To be considered by the University’s search committee, candidates must provide a resume and a letter of introduction that addresses the specific responsibilities, expectations, and qualifications described above. Please consult Opus Partners for more information about the application process. The initial posting period will close on March 1, 2026, but the position will be open until filled.

Salary offers are based on a variety of considerations, such as education, licensure and certifications, experience, and other business and organizational needs. The anticipated hiring salary is between $300,000 – $475,000 annually.

***

The University of California, Riverside is an equal employment opportunity employer and complies with all equal employment laws and regulations enforced by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the California Civil Rights Department. Equal employment laws apply to all aspects of employment, including hiring, termination, promotions and terms and conditions of employment.