Description

Ohio Wesleyan University seeks a collaborative, strategic, and forward-thinking leader to serve as its next Vice President for Finance & Administration (Vice President). Reporting to the President and serving as a key member of the President's Cabinet, the Vice President will provide focused leadership in financial management, strategy, analysis, and long-term planning while helping guide the University through a period of significant institutional momentum.

Under President Matt vandenBerg's leadership, Ohio Wesleyan has achieved notable progress in strengthening enrollment, improving retention, reducing the institution's discount rate, and increasing net tuition revenue per student, positioning the University favorably among its peer institutions. President vandenBerg has engrained an entrepreneurial, high-velocity approach to institutional strategy and innovation, advancing multiple initiatives and partnerships in a fast-moving, boldly strategic environment designed to strengthen OWU's academic distinction and long-term financial sustainability. At the same time, OWU is preparing to launch an ambitious strategic plan centered on establishing its market position as "America's University for Ambitious Self-Discovery." The institution has also secured transformational philanthropic support for key initiatives and is preparing for a major fundraising campaign to advance its strategic priorities.

In this context, the Vice President will serve as a trusted advisor and thought partner to the President, providing disciplined financial leadership while helping translate institutional ambition into sustainable financial strategy. The role will maintain oversight of key administrative areas, including finance, budgeting, human resources, procurement, facilities and campus operations, while maintaining a clear focus on fiscal leadership and long-term financial planning. The successful candidate will be comfortable operating in a strategically ambitious environment, bringing a positive, solutions-oriented leadership style, strong communication skills, and the ability to operate effectively within a shared governance environment, building trust and alignment across faculty, staff, senior leadership, and the Board of Trustees.

Requirements

Experience

• Minimum of IO years of progressively responsible leadership experience in finance, administration, and related functions.
• Significant experience in financial reporting, analysis, forecasting, and long-term financial planning, with a demonstrated ability to support strategic decision-making.
• Proven leadership in developing and managing inclusive budgeting processes and strengthening financial transparency and reporting.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze risk, evaluate financial scenarios, and guide organizations through complex financial challenges.
• Experience overseeing or partnering on major capital initiatives, construction projects, and long-term facilities planning.
• Experience managing complex administrative or finance organizations, including leading multi-layered teams and developing strong operational leadership within the division.
• Track record of using data, analytics, and technology to improve financial insight, reporting, and operational effectiveness.
• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred.

Key Characteristics

• Positive, can-do leadership style that is cooperative, solutions-focused, and measured in responding to challenges.
• High integrity and trustworthiness, operating with transparency and a "no surprises" approach with senior leadership.
• Extraordinary communicator who can translate complex financial issues for diverse audiences, including faculty, trustees, donors, and external partners, and build trust through clarity, candor, and credibility.

To see the complete job posting visit the OWU Career Information page.

https://www.owu.edu/about/offices-services-directory/human-resources/career-information/job-openings/