Job Description
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 decisionmaking.
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
Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS
Required
- Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in public
sector or higher education financial management, including oversight of
multimillion-dollar operating and capital budgets
- Proven experience with state financial systems and compliance, including
navigating state audit processes, regulatory reporting, and legislative budget
procedures
- Master's degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or a related field
- Demonstrated expertise in:
- Strategic budget development and financial forecasting
- Investment portfolio management and treasury operations
- Oversight of real estate, capital projects, and facilities finance
- Leading and developing high-performing professional teams across finance,
procurement, and auxiliary operations
- Demonstrated experience in higher education financial management, including
work with university foundations, affiliated support organizations, and auxiliary
enterprises
- Strong analytical, organizational, and decision-making skills with a commitment to
fiscal integrity, accessibility, and transparency
Preferred
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) certification
- 10+ years of executive-level experience in higher education finance, preferably at a
public university or state system
- Proficiency with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, such as Ellucian
Banner, Workday, or Oracle, and familiarity with data visualization tools (e.g.,
Tableau, Power BI)
- Demonstrated success in enhancing revenue streams, including grant management,
auxiliary revenue, and private fundraising collaboration
- Experience with long-range financial planning, including debt strategy, endowment
growth, and capital campaign planning
- A deep understanding of the role finance plays in advancing institutional access,
student success, and inclusive excellence, with experience supporting missiondriven initiatives that serve a broad and diverse campus community
Additional Information
This is a full-time, benefited, exempt, professional non-union position. Salary is
$190,000-$210,000 commensurate with education and experience.
We are an equal opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Members of traditionally
underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.
Application Instructions
APPLICATION PROCESS
Fitchburg State University invites nominations and applications for the Chief
Financial Officer position. All inquiries should be directed to cfosearch@fitchburgstate.edu. To apply, go to the following link:
https://fitchburg.interviewexchange.com/jobofferdetails.jsp?JOBID=187141.
Application Materials Should Include
- A comprehensive letter outlining your experience and interest in the role
- A current resume or curriculum vitae
- Three letters of professional reference
- Unofficial Transcripts
Key Dates
- Nominations and inquiries due by April 30, 2025
- Complete applications due by June 15, 2025
All applications will be treated confidentially. Fitchburg State University is an equal
opportunity employer and is committed to fostering a campus environment of
inclusive excellence and belonging.
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