Position Type Administrative/Professional Appointment Type Regular FTE %
100%
Work Schedule (if atypical) University Overview
Embark on an exciting journey with the University of La Verne, where your career aspirations come to life in a vibrant and welcoming environment. Established in 1891, our diverse and inclusive community is more than just a university—it’s a home for passionate individuals like you.
At the University of La Verne, we embody four core values that set us apart—Ethical Reasoning, Diversity and Inclusivity, Lifelong Learning, and Civic and Community Engagement. If you’re fueled by these principles and are eager to make a meaningful impact, your journey begins here.
With a rich history spanning 132 years, the University of La Verne boasts a global Leo Family of 89,000+ accomplished alumni. As the #1 private university in California for social mobility according to U.S. News and World Report 2024, and recently recognized as the 33rd Best U.S. College by the Wall Street Journal 2024, we take pride in our commitment to excellence in education.
Join us in shaping the future, where your passion meets purpose. Come be part of something extraordinary and apply today!
Diversity Statement
The University supports a diverse and inclusive environment where students recognize and benefit from the life experiences and viewpoints of other students, faculty, and staff. Diversity is an active and intentional practice that supports difference and multiplicity to expand knowledge, educate capable citizens, develop the whole person, and serve our local and global communities. Promoting and sustaining diversity is a commitment to educational quality and the creation of positive, respectful learning communities.
Job Description Summary
The University of La Verne invites nominations and applications for the position of Vice President for Administration & Finance and Chief Financial Officer (VPAF/CFO). The position offers an exciting opportunity to lead a thriving university 35 miles outside of Los Angeles that offers a distinctive and relevant educational experience to a diverse population of students, preparing them for successful careers and a commitment to lifelong learning across the liberal arts and professional programs. La Verne boasts a strong and stable enrollment, a healthy endowment and university budget.
La Verne is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking finance executive who is looking to lead change and transformation in a dynamic environment while balancing competing demands and prioritizing resources. Reporting directly to President Risa Dickson, the VPAF/CFO will be a dynamic and visionary leader who will work with senior executives and financial stakeholders to facilitate the University’s strategic, financial, and operational vision and goals. The VPAF/CFO will be influential in developing and implementing financial strategy through leadership and oversight of diverse functional areas, including finance and business services, facilities, human resources, and campus safety.
The ideal candidate will have the background and ingenuity to establish a clear financial vision for La Verne and the resolve and commitment to develop and motivate others to achieve desired outcomes within the administration and finance teams and with other shared governance stakeholders.
Minimum Qualifications
The VPAF/CFO will have strong interpersonal skills, a deep understanding of and commitment to the mission and values of the University of La Verne, and a thorough understanding and appreciation of the University’s commitment to lifelong learning across the liberal arts and professional programs. The individual will bring significant administrative experience, a highly relational approach, outstanding communication skills, authenticity, self-confidence balanced with humility, integrity of the highest order, and a clear understanding of the challenges facing higher education today. Additionally, the ideal candidate for the role will be a financial professional with a master’s degree in business, finance or related field. The VPAF will bring a demonstrated finance and budget acumen, along with the ability to communicate complex short- and long-term financial projections with subject matter expertise. They will be a strategic thinker and a dedicated, visionary leader who can foster transparent and collaborative working relationships among diverse constituents. They will contribute to the University of La Verne’s efforts to create an inclusive and equitable culture and to establish a sense of belonging for all members of the University community.
Additionally, the VPAF/CFO will possess many of the following preferred qualifications and characteristics:
- Comfort leading transitions, building and rebuilding systems, hiring and developing staff, and engaging directly in complex operational details with a roll-up-your-sleeves mindset;
- A strong record of strategic leadership and thought partnership in financial management, demonstrated through extensive experience creating and implementing complex financial modeling, as well as managing income, cash flow and debt at a complex, centralized institution or organization;
- Ethical leadership and a steady presence demonstrated through emotional intelligence, accountability, and care; maintains composure under pressure; leads with empathy, positivity, and fairness through institutional challenges and uncertainty;
- Executive-level judgment and proven experience working effectively with a governing board and senior leadership of a college, as well as all internal and external constituencies, to support transparent, accurate and compliant processes
- Exceptional communication and active listening skills, as well as the ability to distill complex financial scenarios in a clear, concise and understandable manner to all audiences;
- Strong understanding of compliance-related issues, risk analysis and state and federal regulations in higher education;
- Outstanding leadership and management skills, as well as unquestioned personal and professional ethics and integrity;
- A track record of successfully developing, managing and mentoring a team, as well as proven skills in building relationships and transparently communicating with faculty, staff, students and Board members;
- A deep respect for — and support of — students, faculty, staff, administrators, alumni and community members and the shared governance process in higher education;
- A high level of cultural competency and a demonstrated commitment to the values of equity and inclusion; and,
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Preferred Qualifications Benefits Summary
Applicants, please note that actual compensation is determined by several factors that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to job-related skills, depth of experience, certifications, relevant education or training, and specific work location, among others. The offered wage or salary is only one aspect of an employee’s total compensation
Benefits include a comprehensive health and wellness plan, tuition remission program for employee, spouse, and dependent children, a generous contribution to the University’s 403B retirement plan, and a generous time off plan.
Employment is contingent upon successful completion and clearance of a background check and employment verification.
Location La Verne Main Campus Number of Vacancies 1 Physical Demands Summary
The physical demands include the ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, and lift up to 20 pounds occasionally. Clear verbal and written communication is essential, as the position involves frequent interaction with colleagues, clients, or external partners.
The noise level is generally low to moderate. The position may occasionally involve meeting deadlines or managing multiple priorities, which can require sustained focus and mental stamina.
Do the essential functions of this job require lifting? Yes If yes, list maximum weight and duration 20 pounds Describe work environment This position is based in a standard offiThis position is based in a standard office environment and primarily involves sedentary work. Employees are expected to spend extended periods of time working at a desk, using a computer, and engaging in routine o
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
2024-251139SA
Special Instructions to Applicants
The University of La Verne is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas at this time. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship now or in the future.
