About Mary Baldwin University
Located in the historic Shenandoah Valley, Mary Baldwin University offers a distinctive educational experience grounded in innovation, leadership, and community engagement. The university values collaboration, creativity, and forward-thinking leadership and is positioned to advance innovative academic programs and strengthen student-centered initiatives.
The Opportunity
Mary Baldwin University seeks a forward-thinking and collaborative Executive Vice President for Finance and Operations / Chief Financial Officer (EVP/CFO) to help shape the institution’s next chapter of innovation, sustainability, and mission-centered growth. This is a pivotal cabinet-level role for a strategic leader who understands that finance is about stewardship and enabling possibility.
The EVP/CFO will partner closely with the President, Board of Trustees, and senior leadership to advance the institutional vision through financial strategy, ensuring that resources, infrastructure, and operational systems support a dynamic academic environment and a strong future for the university.
This leader will oversee a broad portfolio that includes financial planning and budgeting, Human Resources, the Controller’s Office, Information Technology, Facilities Management (including Security), and Investment Management.
What You’ll Do
- Partner with the President and Cabinet to develop and implement a long-range financial strategy that advances institutional priorities and strengthens financial resilience.
- Position budgeting as a strategic planning tool, aligning resources with academic innovation, enrollment realities, and student success initiatives.
- Guide investment management and financial stewardship to support long-term sustainability and institutional growth.
- Strengthen institutional operations through strategic vendor negotiation and contract oversight while partnering proactively with legal counsel to support sound governance, mitigate risk, and advance mission-aligned decision-making.
- Foster strong, service-oriented administrative divisions that operate as strategic partners to academic and student-facing units.
- Lead thoughtful modernization across operational areas — including technology infrastructure, facilities planning, and organizational effectiveness.
- Strengthen cross-campus collaboration by building trust, transparency, and shared understanding around financial decisions.
What We’re Looking For
Mary Baldwin University seeks a leader who brings a blend of financial expertise, institutional perspective, and relational leadership. The EVP/CFO will be both a strategist and a partner, someone who listens carefully, communicates clearly, and approaches challenges with creativity and integrity.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate:
- Significant executive leadership experience in finance, business operations, or institutional administration.
- A strong understanding of financial modeling, budgeting, compliance, and investment strategy.
- The ability to translate complex financial concepts into accessible, mission-driven conversations.
- Experience leading diverse operational teams and fostering collaborative cultures.
- A leadership style grounded in transparency, shared governance, and respect for the university’s mission and community.
- An advanced degree in a related field is preferred, along with experience in higher education or a similarly complex mission-driven organization.