Chief Financial Officer
The American College of the Mediterranean (ACM-IAU)
San Diego, California; Aix-en-Provence, France; or Barcelona, Spain — On-site | Full-time
About ACM-IAU
The American College of the Mediterranean (ACM-IAU) is an independent, nonprofit American institution of higher education, with its European headquarters in Aix-en-Provence, France, and its U.S. headquarters in San Diego, California. ACM's long-established study abroad division, IAU, is among the oldest and most respected American international education organizations in Europe.
Since 1957, IAU has introduced generations of students to immersive international education through academically rigorous programs in France, Spain, Italy, and Morocco. Building on this legacy, ACM now offers NECHE-accredited undergraduate and graduate degree programs while continuing to expand its academic offerings, strengthen international partnerships, and invest in the people, systems, and infrastructure that support student success.
ACM-IAU has entered one of the most significant periods in its history. With institutional accreditation secured, enrollment strengthening, governance maturing, and academic offerings expanding, the College is well positioned for sustained growth.
The Opportunity
ACM-IAU seeks an accomplished financial executive to serve as its next Chief Financial Officer. Reporting to the President and serving as a strategic partner to the Executive Vice President, Board of Trustees, and Chair of the Finance Committee, the CFO will guide ACM-IAU through an important period of institutional growth and organizational development.
The next CFO will inherit a financially sound organization with ambitious aspirations, not a turnaround. Success in this role requires more than technical financial expertise: the CFO is expected to think institutionally, lead collaboratively, and act strategically, balancing disciplined financial management with an entrepreneurial approach that supports innovation and sustainable growth.
Key Responsibilities
Executive Leadership
- Serve as a strategic advisor to the President, Executive Vice President, Board of Trustees, and Chair of the Finance Committee on matters affecting long-term direction and financial sustainability
- Lead the development of multi-year financial plans that support enrollment growth, academic priorities, capital investments, and organizational objectives
- Evaluate the financial implications of new academic programs, strategic partnerships, and institutional initiatives
Financial Stewardship & Strategy
- Lead the development and administration of the institution's annual operating and capital budgets
- Develop long-range financial forecasts and scenario models that support executive decision-making
- Oversee treasury operations, banking relationships, investments, cash management, and institutional liquidity
- Direct international treasury management, including foreign currency planning and exchange strategies supporting European operations
Governance & Board Relations
- Serve as principal financial liaison to the Board of Trustees and Finance Committee
- Lead the institution's annual independent audit and maintain relationships with external auditors
- Ensure compliance with applicable accounting standards, nonprofit regulations, tax requirements, and institutional policies
- Strengthen internal controls, financial policies, and enterprise risk management practices
Administrative Leadership
- Provide executive oversight of accounting, budgeting, payroll, financial reporting, and administrative operations
- Partner with the Comptroller & Human Resources Manager on accounting, payroll, human resources, and employee benefits
- Recruit, mentor, and develop high-performing administrative staff
Growth & Resource Development
- Partner with executive leadership on enrollment projections and financial models that support sustainable growth
- Provide financial leadership for major institutional initiatives and transformational investments
- Support institutional fundraising priorities and future capital campaigns in partnership with the President, EVP, and Advancement leadership
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related discipline required; advanced degree preferred
- Significant executive leadership experience in financial management, budgeting, forecasting, treasury, accounting, and organizational leadership
- Experience leading financial operations within higher education, nonprofit organizations, or similarly mission-driven institutions
- Experience advising executive leadership and governing boards on strategic financial matters
- Thorough knowledge of nonprofit accounting, financial reporting, internal controls, regulatory compliance, and risk management
- Outstanding analytical, communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills
Preferred:
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or comparable professional credential
- Experience in higher education, international education, or another globally engaged organization
- Experience with international financial operations, treasury management, and foreign currency planning
- Experience supporting institutional fundraising initiatives or comprehensive campaigns
- Working knowledge of French and/or Spanish
Location & Work Authorization
This is an on-site executive leadership position that may be based at ACM-IAU's U.S. headquarters in San Diego, California, or at its campuses in Aix-en-Provence, France, or Barcelona, Spain, depending on the qualifications of the selected candidate and the needs of the institution. Periodic travel between U.S. and European operations is required.
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the country in which they will be employed. Preference will be given to candidates who already possess legal authorization to work in the United States, France, or Spain, as ACM-IAU may not be able to sponsor employment visas for this position.
Compensation & Benefits
ACM-IAU offers a competitive executive compensation package commensurate with the successful candidate's qualifications, experience, and demonstrated leadership. The College provides a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement benefits, paid leave, and professional development opportunities. Relocation assistance, where appropriate, and additional executive benefits will be discussed with finalists during the interview process.
How to Apply
Confidential inquiries, nominations, and applications are welcomed. Applicants should submit a letter of interest, a current curriculum vitae or résumé, and contact information for at least three professional references (references will not be contacted without the candidate's knowledge).
For additional information or to submit application materials, contact:
Kurt Schick, Executive Vice President, The American College of the Mediterranean (ACM-IAU), kurt.schick@iau.edu
Applications will be reviewed as received and will continue until the position is filled.
ACM-IAU is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and globally engaged academic community.
