The University of California, Berkeley invites nominations and applications for the position of Vice Chancellor for Finance and Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
Reporting to both Chancellor Carol Christ and Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost (EVCP) Paul Alivisatos, and serving as a key member of the Chancellor’s Cabinet, the CFO will join an engaged and cohesive group of campus leaders at a time of significant change and energy as the university moves toward a more sustainable funding model and addresses urgent housing and capital needs. The CFO leads a highly skilled and client-focused Finance Division that includes the following units: The Controller’s Office, University Business Partnerships and Services, the Immediate Office of the CFO, and the Office of Financial Planning and Analysis, which includes capital finance and the institutional research team. UC Berkeley’s projected FY2020 operating budget is $3 billion, and the university has an endowment of approximately $4.8 billion; 14 percent of the university’s operating funds come from the State of California.
In order to develop a financial strategy to guide UC Berkeley into its next era of success, the next CFO, in partnership with the Chancellor, EVCP, and other senior leadership, will address a number of key strategic and operational priorities:
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Bring vision and long-term strategic thinking to the financial management of a complex institution;
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Translate university-wide strategic priorities into actionable financial plans;
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Champion Berkeley’s value of diversity, equity, and inclusion and ensure demonstrable positive impact;
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Embrace the university’s strong system of shared governance by promoting a culture of financial transparency and working closely with internal stakeholders on decision-making;
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Empower and support a talented and diverse staff; and
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Effectively communicate financial priorities to external stakeholders, and develop meaningful relationships broadly.
The ideal candidate for the position will be a seasoned, innovative financial leader with extensive experience in a complex academic organization. Skills in a wide range of finance disciplines and a deep understanding of financial operations and systems are essential, as well as experience with the development and execution of long-term financial strategy at the enterprise level. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in a large, decentralized, multifaceted organization and should be well versed in trends in higher education finance. Consistent with UC Berkeley’s values, this person must have a resounding civic and community orientation and a demonstrated commitment to advancing diversity and inclusion. Above all, the CFO must be an excellent communicator committed to the highest ethical and professional standards, with demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and collegially in a diverse academic community in support of UC Berkeley’s mission of teaching, research, and public service.
For further information please refer to the position description.
Applications and Nominations: The University of California, Berkeley is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer with a strong institutional commitment to the achievement of diversity. Applicants should submit a current curriculum vitae and, preferably, a cover letter describing relevant experience and interest in the position. Screening of complete applications will begin immediately. The first review date is January 10, 2020, and the committee will continue to accept applications and nominations until the completion of the search process. Inquiries, nominations, referrals, and CVs with cover letters should be sent via the Isaacson, Miller website for the search: www.imsearch.com/7334. Electronic submission of materials is strongly encouraged.
Vice Chancellor of Finance Search Committee Roster 2019
Carol Christ, Chancellor (Search Committee Chair)
Paul Alivisatos, Executive Vice Chancellor & Provost
Janet Broughton, Executive Dean, College of Letters and Sciences
Rita d’Escoto, Central Resource Director
Marc Fisher, Vice Chancellor for Administration
Khira Griscavage, Associate Chancellor, Chief of Staff to the Chancellor, and Chief Ethics, Risk, and Compliance Officer
Aaron Hall, Vice President of Finance, Graduate Assembly
Jennifer Johnson-Hanks, Vice Chair, Berkeley Division of the Academic Senate
Dat Le, Executive Assistant Dean for Administration, College of Engineering
Matt Levin, Founder and Principal Investor, Twin Shores Capital, and member of the UC Berkeley Board of Visitors
Kelly Ratliff, Vice Chancellor of Finance, Operations, and Administration, UC Davis
Amma Sarkodee-Adoo, President of the Associated Students of the University of California