VP for Business & Finance - Chief Financial Officer

Job Description:

• Serve as the chief architect of the College's financial strategy, aligning resources with the mission and goals of the Strategic Plan 2030.
• Provide forward-looking analysis, forecasting and modeling to inform presidential and board decision-making.
• Lead the design and implementation of innovative financial models that enhance affordability and long-term sustainability
• Steward the endowment and investment strategies to ensure strength and stability for future generations.

• Oversee a diverse division including Business Services, Human Resources, Computing and Information Technology, Operations and Physical Plant and Auxiliary Enterprises.
• Champion the integration of financial strategy with operational execution, ensuring efficient, data-driven decision-making across the institution.
• Lead capital planning, campus infrastructure, and technology investments that sustain excellence in the student experience and academic mission.
• Advance sustainability, resiliency and risk management across all operational areas.

• Serve as a trusted partner to the President and a key advisor to the Board of Trustees, equipping them to fulfill fiduciary responsibilities with transparency and clarity.
• Provide clear, timely, and strategic reporting to the Board on financial performance, capital planning, and institutional risk.
• Collaborate with senior leadership, faculty, staff, and students to ensure that resource stewardship is broadly understood and mission-aligned.
• Serve as co-chair of the Investment Subcommittee, overseeing the management and investment activities of the college's $300M endowment.

• Model integrity, transparency, and stewardship as core values of the College.
• Build and lead a high-performing team across finance and operations, fostering collaboration and professional growth.
• Champion a culture of innovation, inclusion and service in all areas under the CFO's leadership.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in finance, business, management, accounting or related field required; advanced degree or certification (MBA, CPA, CFA, CIMA or equivalent) strongly preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive senior leadership experience in finance and operations within a complex organization; higher education or mission-driven nonprofit experience strongly valued.
• Deep commitment to Hope College's mission, values and Christian Aspirations.
• Demonstrated success leading large, multi-functional teams across finance, HR, IT, facilities and auxiliary enterprises.
• Proven track record of developing and executing long-term financial strategies, including capital planning, endowment management and innovative affordability models.
• Experience partnering with governing boards and senior executives to ensure fiduciary oversight, strategic alignment, and transparent communication.
• Demonstrated ability to manage organizational risk, regulatory compliance and sustainability initiatives.
• Visionary and strategic thinker with the ability to integrate financial management and operational execution.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the capacity to translate complex financial and operational data into clear strategies and actionable decisions.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills; able to engage effectively with trustees, faculty, staff, students, alumni, donors and external partners.
• Ability to lead cultural and organizational change with integrity, transparency and accountability.
• A leadership style that reflects stewardship, service, collaboration and a commitment to the flourishing of the entire community.