Vice President for Finance and Administration (VPFA)

RIVIER COLLEGE invites nominations and applications for the position of Vice President for Finance and Administration (VPFA). Rivier College is recognized for its more than 60 degree programs serving the needs of both traditional and non-traditional students. The College prides itself on small classes led by accomplished faculty who create an active, experience-based learning environment. Founded in 1933 by the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary, Rivier College in Nashua, New Hampshire, is a four-year Catholic institution offering professional preparation and a liberal arts education for almost 2,300 undergraduate and graduate students. The College offers academic excellence in a learning environment that seeks to educate the whole person—mind, body, and spirit.

Rivier College seeks an experienced and entrepreneurial leader to oversee all aspects of the finance and business functions of the College including controller’s office, financial aid, physical plant, human resources, conference services, and auxiliary services of food service and the bookstore. Reporting to the President and working closely with other members of the President’s cabinet, the VPFA plays a key role in the implementation of the College’s aspirational strategic plan, anticipated “university” status, and fulfillment of Rivier’s core mission of “Transforming hearts and minds to serve the world.”

Duties and Responsibilities
• Financial Administration and Planning Provides leadership in the development and continuous evaluation of short and long- term strategic financial objectives and sound fiscal policy including internal controls and risk management.
• Oversees and recommends investment and endowment policy.
• Insures proper classification of donor designated funds and the expenditure of restricted funds including financial aid programs.
• Negotiates and insures compliance with debt covenants, federal and state regulatory requirements, and other agencies.
• Establishes financial policies, procedures, and internal controls.

Planning and Budgeting
• Integrates budgeting into the College’s institutional planning cycle.
• Develops and manages the College’s annual and capital budgets, forecasts, and financial results.
• Manages processes for financial forecasting related to enrollment and net tuition revenue calculations.
• Creates financial and business analysis for organizational planning.
• Provides timely analysis of budgets, financial reports, trends and forecasts to administration, auditors and the Board of Trustees.

Administration and Physical Plant
• Supports the implementation of the campus master plan, space utilization studies, and environmental analysis, deferred maintenance, and sustainability initiatives.
• Ensures institutional effectiveness in the leadership and formulation of strategic and operational goals in the following areas:
• Controller’s Department
• Facilities Management Department
• Financial Aid Department
• Human Resources Department
• Conference Services Department
• Oversees and negotiates contracts for auxiliary services, financial services, and plant operations including construction and renovation projects.
• Serves as the primary liaison to legal service providers.
• Evaluates and negotiates College’s insurance coverage and risk management services.
• Staffs the Board of Trustee Committees for:
• Finance & Administration
• Buildings & Grounds
• Audit
• Represents the College to all appropriate internal, governmental, and professional organizations.

Qualifications include: a commitment to the mission of Rivier College and the values of a Catholic higher education; a master’s degree related to finance or administration and at least 5-8 years of progressively responsible management experience, preferably in higher education or a comparable setting; and the experience and knowledge necessary to be an effective leader and supervisor for all operations listed in the scope of the position. The successful candidate will have demonstrated experience in: the application of technology to financial and administrative processes; the planning, funding, and implementation of capital projects; exceptional integrity, the ability to exercise good judgment, effective written and oral communication skills, the ability to build and manage teams effectively; and the use of technology to evaluate and improve operational efficiency.

Rivier College is being assisted by the partners of the search firm: Hyatt - Fennell, LLC. Nominations and application materials should be submitted via email (indicate title in subject line) to RivierCollege@hyatt-fennell.com:

Cheryl Hyatt
RivierCollege@hyatt-fennell.com
www.HYATT-FENNELL.com
(US) 724-242-0476

Application materials should include a focused letter of interest, a current résumé, and contact information for three professional references. While the application deadline is March 23, 2012, early submission of materials will afford them optimal attention. All applications and nominations will be considered highly confidential.