CFO & Vice President for Finance & Administration

Founded in 1901, Golden Gate University (GGU) serves as a pioneer of adult education, delivering undergraduate- and graduate-level programs in professional fields such as business and management, accounting, taxation, and law. Located in the heart of downtown San Francisco, the surrounding environs have provided a unique opportunity to collaboratively develop market-responsive programs that equip students for career advancement by providing them with skills that are immediately applicable in rapidly evolving industries.  Lauded in a New York Times’ editorial as “a model for how other institutions can adapt to the newer, older face of American college students”, GGU is a nonprofit institution accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC); the Law School holds accreditations from the American Bar Association, the Association of American Law Schools and The State Bar of California. GGU enrolls approximately 3,800 undergraduate, graduate, and law students. About 95% of students are 25 years or older, with the average student aged 34. There are approximately 70 full and part time faculty members.  Golden Gate University’s annual budget is approximately $51M.

The CFO will partner with GGU’s president and senior leadership team to help propel forward strategic initiatives aimed at making GGU a model for higher education through leveraging opportunities afforded by residing at the center of one of the world’s most dynamic regional economies. The CFO will contribute to GGU’s success in a variety of ways, including:

• Collaborating with other senior leaders to develop and execute strategic initiatives that must rapidly adapt to changing circumstances
• Telling GGU’s constantly evolving financial “story” in a manner that is informative and accessible to all stakeholders
• Promoting a culture of collaboration and innovation across the University
• The Vice President for Finance & Administration serves as the University’s Chief Financial Officer, reporting directly to the President with responsibility for financial planning and operations, capital and debt management, cash-flow optimization, risk management, human resources management, information technology infrastructure and services, facilities development and operations, public safety/security, and auxiliary services. S/he serves as the university’s Treasurer and as liaison to the Investment; Finance and Operations; Audit Committees; and the Real Estate Task Force of the Board of Trustees. The CFO/VPFA is a member of the President’s senior leadership team, and is a key contributor to the development and achievement of the University’s strategic and operational goals.

   

  The candidate must have a minimum of 7 years of experience in administrative leadership positions in financial management, preferably in higher education or a nonprofit environment. In addition to significant experience in strategic planning, personnel management, and budget and fiscal management, the ideal candidate will have exceptional experience in developing people and building organizational culture with a collegial and transparent leadership style that fosters collaborative efforts with internal and external constituencies within a diverse community.

   

  Preferred candidates should have a master’s degree in accounting, finance or business administration from an accredited institution. Certification as a Public Accountant (CPA), a Certified Management Accountant (CMA), or an equivalent professional certification is required.

   

  Nominations/applications should be sent electronically to admin@penfoldassoc.com.  Applicants should include a cover letter, résumé and a list of references.  The position will remain open until filled.  Golden Gate University is an EEO/AA employer.

   

  Supplemental Information:

   

  In applying for a position, candidates sign a consent authorizing a broader inquiry which may include reference checks, a motor vehicle check, and a third party background check.

   

  Golden Gate University is an equal employment opportunity employer. We support inclusive excellence and are committed to creating a safe and welcoming community for all.

   

  University policy prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition, physical or mental disability, gender stereotyping, and gender identity, taking a protected leave (e.g. family medical or pregnancy leave), or on any other basis protected by applicable laws.

   

  The University has a strong commitment to the principles of diversity and inclusion, and to maintaining working and learning environments that reinforces these practices.  The University welcomes and encourages applications from all especially women, minorities, people of color, veterans, persons with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQI community.

   

  Golden Gate University annually collects information about campus crimes and other reportable incidents in accordance with the Federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. To view the Golden Gate University Report, please go to http://www.ggu.edu/media/employee/documents/facilities/street-smarts-annual-security-report.pdf.