Chief Financial Officer

POSITION SUMMARY
Fitchburg State University seeks a dynamic, innovative, and strategic financial leader to serve as its next Chief Financial Officer (CFO). The CFO will serve as a key architect and steward of Fitchburg State’s financial future, helping to shape a sustainable, responsive, and mission-aligned resource strategy that enables innovation and long-term institutional vitality.

This is a rare and compelling opportunity to work alongside a leadership team that models transparency, decisive action, and creative problem-solving, and to join a highly collaborative and purpose-driven campus dedicated to building a stronger, more inclusive future for public higher education.

As Fitchburg State advances a five-year strategic vision—including ambitious goals around enrollment growth, academic innovation, campus revitalization, and financial sustainability—the CFO will be an indispensable thought partner and operational leader. The ideal candidate will bring a deep understanding of complex financial systems, a proven track record of aligning resources with institutional priorities, and a commitment to inclusive leadership and transparent decision-making.

The CFO will oversee financial planning and analysis, budgeting, procurement, accounting, investments and real estate for a university with a $120 million annual operating budget and a strong desire to expand both public and private revenue streams. In this role, the CFO will play a pivotal part in the university’s efforts to strengthen fiscal resilience, improve operational efficiency, support infrastructure renewal, and advance a compelling value proposition for students and stakeholders.

Fitchburg State is a university on the rise—driven by mission, energized by momentum, and committed to redefining what’s possible for a regional public institution. The next CFO will help ensure that vision is financially and strategically realized.

Reporting directly to the President, the Chief Financial Officer is responsible for the strategic oversight and management of the university's financial operations. The CFO ensures the institution’s fiscal integrity, aligning financial planning with the university’s strategic goals.

Key areas of oversight will include:

Budgeting and forecasting

Accounting and financial reporting

Procurement and contract management including capital projects financing and fiscal oversight

Accounts payable and receivable

Student accounts and billing

Cash flow management

Debt restructuring and investment portfolios

Real estate strategy and portfolio management