Mitchell College is conducting a national search for a Chief Financial Officer who will servce as both strategic advisor and operational leader—someone who brings financial expertise, business acumen, and genuine commitment to higher education. The CFO will serve as a key member of the President's Cabinet, providing strategic financial leadership while overseeing Finance, Human Resources, Facilities, Information Technology, and Auxiliary Services. This role demands a leader who can provide sound financial management, drive operational excellence, and ensure institutional effectiveness while supporting academic priorities. This position requires both strategic vision and operational expertise—a leader who thrives in dynamic environments, values data-driven decision-making, and understands that financial stewardship in higher education ultimately serves student success.
Primary Responsibilities Include
Institutional Leadership & Strategic Planning
- Serve as a trusted strategic advisor to the President, providing financial insights that inform institutional direction and decision-making
- Lead comprehensive financial planning that aligns resources with institutional priorities
- Champion data-driven decision-making across the institution, developing analytical tools and dashboards that empower leaders at all levels
- Build and maintain collaborative relationships across all divisions, connecting financial strategy with academic excellence, student success, and operational effectiveness
Financial Management & Stewardship
- Direct all aspects of financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting, ensuring institutional resources are deployed effectively
- Lead the development and execution of long-range financial plans that position the institution for growth
- Oversee treasury operations, debt management, and investment strategy
- Ensure robust internal controls, compliance with all regulatory requirements, and accurate financial reporting to internal and external stakeholders
Operational Leadership & Team Development
- Build, mentor, and lead exceptional teams across Finance, Human Resources, Facilities, Information Technology, and Auxiliary Services, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement
- Create integrated operational strategies that leverage synergies across departments and drive institutional effectiveness
- Oversee auxiliary operations including dining services and other ancillary services, optimizing performance and student experience
- Champion professional development and succession planning, investing in the growth of team members and building organizational capacity
- Model inclusive leadership, ensuring all team members feel valued, heard, and empowered to contribute their best work
- Lead organizational change initiatives with strategic acumen, managing transitions that enhance efficiency while maintaining team morale
Systems & Technology Leadership
- Champion technology adoption and process improvement across financial and operational systems
- Support facilities planning and capital project management, ensuring physical infrastructure supports both current operations and future needs
- Collaborate with team to drive HR strategy that attracts, develops, and retains talent, creating a workplace culture aligned with institutional values
Knowledge
Core Competencies:
- Expert understanding of accounting principles (GAAP), financial reporting, and audit requirements specific to higher education
- Deep knowledge of higher education business models, funding sources, and regulatory environment (Title IV compliance, state regulations, accreditation standards)
- Comprehensive understanding of treasury management and financial planning
- Strong grasp of budget development, financial forecasting, and scenario planning
- Working knowledge of HR strategy, facilities management, IT operations, and auxiliary services
- Understanding of federal and state reporting requirements
Skills
- Exceptional analytical and problem-solving abilities, with capacity to synthesize complex information and generate actionable insights
- Superior communication skills (written and verbal), including the ability to present financial information to diverse audiences
- Strong relationship-building and interpersonal skills
- Advanced skills in financial systems, ERP platforms, and data analytics tools
- Proven negotiation skills
- Project management capabilities for multiple concurrent initiatives
- Change management skills, including the ability to design and execute organizational transitions
Abilities
- Build, motivate, and develop high-performing teams across diverse functional areas
- Think strategically while executing tactically
- Make sound decisions under pressure with incomplete information
- Adapt leadership style to different situations and stakeholders
- Identify and develop talent, creating succession plans and building organizational capacity
- Navigate organizational dynamics with diplomacy and integrity
Qualifications
- A Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or related field, required. Master's degree, strong preffered.
- CPA, CMA, or CIA certification, required.
- Minimum of 10 years progressive financial management experience, with at least 5 years in senior leadership roles.
- Demonstrated experience in higher education finance and administration (required)—understanding of the unique financial, regulatory, and cultural dynamics of colleges and universities
- Proven track record of leading multiple departments or functional areas
- Success in managing organizational change and driving continuous improvement
Physical Demands & Work Environment
This position operates in a professional office environment. The role requires standard business hours with flexibility for evening and occasional weekend commitments for College events and meetings.
Located in New London, Connecticut, Mitchell College offers the opportunity to lead with purpose in an institution committed to student success and educational excellence.
For full consideration, a resume and cover letter are required.
Mitchell College is an Affirmative Action-Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, disability and genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization or other non-merit factors.
