VP-Finance & Operations

VICE PRESIDENT - FINANCE & OPERATIONS
WILBUR WRIGHT COLLEGE 

Wilbur Wright College is seeking a Vice President, Finance and Operations. The Vice President-Finance & Operations serves as the chief business and financial officer of the college, reporting directly to the College President within the City Colleges of Chicago (CCC) district of seven colleges. The position provides strategic financial leadership, exercises executive control over budget management and expenditures, and optimizes the operations of administrative service areas to maximize their effectiveness in supporting a student-centered environment.

As a member of the President’s executive team, the Vice President works collaboratively with district and campus leaders in managing the college’s financial and accounting services, business office functions, and budgeting operations to safeguard the financial assets of the college, sustain its overall financial health, and ensure its capacity to fulfill its educational mission.

The Vice President-Finance & Operations provides management oversight for college service areas that may include: Facilities Maintenance; Plant Operations; Security and Safety; Auxiliary Services; Information Technology; Human Resources; Financial Aid; Transportation; and Events Management, ensuring the effective and efficient operation of the campus. Performs related duties as required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

·           Provides leadership and management for the planning, development, and implementation of finance and administrative service functions of the college. Supervises and evaluates direct reports within these areas.

·           Leads efforts in collaboration with senior colleagues in preparing the College’s annual budget, implementing budget/ fiscal control functions, and developing a long-term financial plan consistent with the college’s strategic plan and goals.

·           Provides management oversight to ensure the accuracy and integrity of business office operations including accounts payable and receivable functions, purchasing, cashiering, disbursement, financial reporting, and grants administration and reporting.

·           Enforces District policies and Board Rules relating to business processes, procurement contracts, purchase orders, and travel reimbursement.  Assures compliance with regulatory, grant funding, and higher education financial reporting standards and requirements.

·           Leads campus administrators and staff in the preparation and analysis of strategic, financial, and operational reports.

·           Works with college’s Director-Business Services and the district’s Office of Finance and Business Enterprises on areas to include risk management and loss control program, internal auditing, financial planning and budgeting, accounting, and financial systems and business processes.

·           Provides direction and supervises the Director of Auxiliary Services and Chief Engineer accountable for auxiliary services (asset inventory, mail, deliveries and supplies), the maintenance, repair and renovation of campus facilities and grounds, and plant operations.

·           Ensures proper coordination with the district’s Office of Administrative and Procurement Services on vendor maintenance contracts, planned capital improvement projects and campus construction.

·           Leads and provides management oversight to staff working on technology related initiatives designed to improve the efficiency and infrastructure for student support services.

·           Works collaboratively with district and campus staff to ensure HR functions and programs are in compliance with the district’s policies and procedures, collective bargaining agreements, and with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

·           Provides management oversight to the Director of Security,  overseeing the implementation of college’s security and safety programs and emergency and response plan.

·           Works with District’s Office of Safety and Security to ensure the accurate reporting of data required by the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act.

·           Serves in leadership roles on institutional committees as needed, advancing cross-functional collaboration and organizational priorities.

·           Oversees the Financial Aid department, ensuring compliance with all federal and state financial aid regulations and timely and accurate processing of student awards and disbursements.

·           Provides oversight of transportation operations to ensure safe, efficient, and accessible transportation services for students, faculty, and staff, coordinating with vendors and District Office to manage contracts, schedules, and budgets for transportation services.

·           Oversees events and programs within campus facilities, ensuring alignment with institutional goals and community engagement priorities.

·           Collaborates with the Human Resources Director in the administration and delivery of HR programs and services in areas to include: workforce planning, talent acquisition and onboarding; labor/employee relations; professional development; performance management; and regulatory compliance.

·           Manages the financial operations of college-affiliated enterprises, ensuring fiscal responsibility, profitability, and alignment with strategic goals.

·           Oversees campus grant management, including grant entry, financial monitoring, and compliance reporting to ensure effective use of funds and alignment with organizational goals.

·           Assists in overseeing large-scale construction projects, ensuring alignment with financial objectives, timelines, and organizational standards.

·           Serves as a mentor to newer Vice Presidents of Finance & Operations.

QUALIFICATIONS

·           A Master’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, or a related field from an accredited college or university

·           CPA highly desirable

·           Seven or more years of progressively responsible administrative and managerial experience, including three years in a senior leadership capacity

·           Experienced administrator with a strong background and experience in financial analysis, planning and strategic thought

·           Experience working in a unionized, higher education setting preferred

·           Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and government accounting standards

·           Knowledge of business and management principles involved in financial  planning, budget preparation, analysis and control; and resource allocation

·           Knowledge and understanding of the uses of information technology to deliver, monitor and evaluate programs and services for students

·           Knowledge of HR practices within a public sector organization desirable

·           Knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations governing HR functions including FLSA, ADA, Title IX, and EEO desirable

·           Knowledge of facility maintenance, operations and renovation practices

·           Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills

·           Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to analyze complex information, apply logic, and develop sound solutions

·           Skill in using financial management software and databases used for financial reporting

·           Demonstrated judgment and decision-making ability, considering relative costs, benefits, and impacts to determine the most appropriate course of action

·           Demonstrated dependability, reliability, and accountability in fulfilling professional responsibilities and commitments

·           Ability to operate within a complex academic organization and work effectively with colleagues across administrative and academic units

·           Ability to lead with professionalism and diplomacy in handling sensitive and confidential matters

·           Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team

·           Ability to work effectively within a culturally diverse environment

·           Ability and willingness to work evenings and weekends as needed

·           Ability to travel within and outside the District as required

·           Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams)

Additional Information:

·           Starting Salary: $122,579 to $141,110

·           Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as other factors such as internal equity.

·           Benefits information is found at https://www.ccc.edu/departments/Benefits/

WE OFFER: Excellent health and welfare benefit package and long-term savings and investment programs including 403(b) & 457(b) Investment Plans and a pension plan with the State University Retirement System (SURS) Plan. Generous vacation, holiday, personal and sick days, and tuition reimbursement. For a more detailed overview of benefits, please visit the benefits page of our website.

Chicago residency is required for all full-time employees within 6 months of hire. 
We are an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. 
Thank you for your interest in City Colleges of Chicago!