SUMMARY
Reporting directly to the President, the Vice President for Administration and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) serves as University Treasurer and as Treasurer of the William Peace University Foundation, and is a principal financial and administrative partner to the President, Board of Trustees, and senior leadership. The VP/CFO carries broad operational responsibility, including accounting, purchasing, contracting, budget development, cost controls, financial modeling and forecasting, investment management, facilities and public safety, bookstore and food services, information technology, and human resources, while also helping set and execute the financial strategy that supports Peace’s growth.
That growth is real and accelerating. First-time-in-college enrollment stood at over 775 students in Fall 2025, with an 8% increase projected for Fall 2026. Transfer and online enrollments are each trending toward double-digit gains. Peace sits in the middle of the Raleigh Research Triangle, and the University is actively developing industry partnerships, federal grant funding, and external revenue streams to match the ambitions of that location. The person in this role will help build the financial systems and institutional relationships that let Peace take full advantage of those opportunities.
The Vice President is accountable for leading in a way that models the University’s core values of:
● Focus on Students
● Inclusion, Belonging, and Respect
● Creativity and Innovation
● Excellence with Integrity
● Commitment to Community
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Serve on the President’s Senior Leadership Team.
- Substantially contribute to the development and execution of the University’s Strategic Plan.
- Coordinate and evaluate financial requirements for operations.
- Prepare annual tentative and revised budgets. Present and recommend budgets to the Board of Trustees.
- Ensure full participation and feedback throughout the budgeting process to keep administrators and board members apprised of the University’s financial posture.
- Administer the functions of the University’s administrative services including the Business Office, Student Financial Services, Public Safety, Buildings and Grounds, Campus Events, and Human Resources.
- In coordination with the President, serve as the liaison to the Business Operations Committee of the Board of Trustees. Schedule meetings, prepare agendas, and complete follow-up actions for the above committee.
- Ensure financial compliance with all federal, state, and accreditation regulations. Submit reports as needed to maintain eligibility for federal and state funding.
- In coordination with the President, serve as staff assistant to the William Peace University Foundation.
- Responsible for all aspects of fund accounting to include preparation of financial statements and reports to the President and the Board for the University and the Foundation.
- Responsible for the annual financial audits of William Peace University and the William Peace University Foundation.
- Support the Finance Committee in evaluating the performance of Endowment portfolio managers and managing investment relationships and the University’s investment guidelines.
- Support the Governance and Nominating Committee and Business Operations Committee regarding compliance with governmental regulatory agency pronouncements, such as those from the Internal Revenue Service and the Financial Accounting Standards Board.
- Responsible for short/long-range planning for all physical properties of the University.
- Serve as the Plan Administrator for the University Retirement Plan and oversee compliance with multiple federal programs affecting the University via the Human Resources Department.
- Work with the Associate Vice President for Buildings & Grounds and the Associate Vice President for Human Resources to negotiate annual contracts for systems and services including the outsourcing services of housekeeping, landscaping, dining hall, bookstore, HRIS, etc. and to address issues that arise.
- Oversee outsourced Information Technologies services including contract management, service evaluation, etc.
- Manage University’s safety program to ensure compliance with federal regulations for safety and training.
- Lead campus improvement initiatives and participate in fund-raising.
- Serve as University liaison with City of Raleigh on planning and zoning issues as well as matters with the Blount Street Historic District.
- Work with attorneys on a variety of matters including personnel issues, environmental issues, and grant-related issues.
- Oversee all legal agreements, including independent contractor agreements.
- Work effectively with employees, students, vendors, community partners, donors, visitors, and guests of all backgrounds and identities.
- Perform other job-related duties and projects assigned.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Manage four direct reports including the Director of Facilities Planning and Operations, Chief Human Resources Officer, Director of Public Safety, and Controller who supervise employees and outsourced services within their respective areas
- Oversee outsourced areas including grounds, Information Technologies, housekeeping, University Dining Services, University Bookstore, and benefit brokers. Responsible for the overall direction, coordination, contract negotiation and evaluation of these units.
- Carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the University’s policies and applicable laws and regulations. Supervisory responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; evaluating performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints; and resolving problems.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Relevant BA/BS degree with seven years of experience related to accounting, finance, and business management or equivalent combination of education and experience
- Expertise with financial software
- Strong oral and written communication skills
- Demonstrated leadership integrity consistent with the University’s mission and values
- Ability to work effectively with others in a highly collaborative institutional environment.
- Experience with federal grant administration and compliance, including familiarity with Title III or comparable higher education grant programs
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Master’s degree in a related field
- CPA, CMA, or equivalent professional credential
- Demonstrated experience developing financial strategies and systems to support enrollment growth, expanded student services, and increased institutional scale
- Ability and enthusiasm to engage with local industry, corporate partners, and Research Triangle organizations to cultivate strategic partnerships, student internship pipelines, revenue-generating events, and external funding opportunities
- Three years or more similar or relevant experience in a senior leadership role in a higher education institution
