The Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration (VCFA) at the University of Missouri- Kansas City (UMKC) is a key visionary and innovative leader on the chancellor’s executive team, responsible for budgetary and financial accountability, optimizing fiscal and physical resources, and crafting strategies to support the university's institutional priorities. This role oversees or supports all campus finance functions, including budgeting, procurement, accounting, payroll, and financial management, while ensuring fiscal and legal compliance. Additionally, the VCFA leads various administrative and support operations, such as facilities services, environmental health and safety, real estate, and university police, ensuring the smooth functioning of the university. Reporting to the chancellor and accountable to the executive vice president for finance and operations and CFO at the University of Missouri System (UM System), the VCFA not only serves as the chief financial officer but also drives improvements to the university's business model, operational effectiveness, and process efficiency, working collaboratively to meet the university’s academic mission.
Job Functions
Lead the strategic financial management in support of the university's vision and academic missions, including overseeing the campus budget.
Help create and implement growth strategies that generate new and enhanced revenue streams, as well as identify opportunities to enhance the efficiency and impact of the institution.
Direct and participate in acquisition and growth activities to support overall business objectives and plans, including on-campus and off-campus projects.
A core focus area is the physical campus, to enhance the student experience, and support faculty and staff goals.
Help shape, drive and continually enhance the university business model, as well as an F&A vision and capabilities that meet the university's mission, create stakeholder value, and are sustainable. Provides financial leadership to the institution, contributing to the overall strategy and operational goals of the university from a broad business perspective and with a focus on both influencing change and most effectively deploying the university’s financial resources.
Model, evaluate and advise on the financial impact of proposed decisions, policies and strategies. Provide recommendations to strategically enhance financial performance and business opportunities. Translate the university’s strategic and tactical business plans into financial plans. Develop and continually evaluate the university’s short and long-term strategic financial objectives.
Represent the university on budgetary and administrative matters with state government, UM System administration, the Board of Curators, private sector and the general public.
Serve on the chancellor’s leadership team and as the chancellor’s representative on various state, local and community boards and authorities.
Oversee and direct all campus finance functions, including budgeting and planning, contracts and leases, procurement and contracting, surplus and asset management, operations, accounting, financial management and reporting, cash collections and management, accounts receivable, payroll, purchasing, inventory, risk management, capital budget planning and analysis, and internal control for fiscal and legal compliance.
Lead the administrative and support operations of the university:
Facilities Services including Facilities Operations (Maintenance, Grounds and Custodial), Capital Planning, Design, Construction and Space Management
Environmental Health and Safety
Mail Services
Real Estate
University Police, including Safety and Security and Parking
Fiscal Services, including Budget and Accounting, Fiscal Managers, and Cashier’s Office, and Student Loans
Fulfill other responsibilities as assigned.
Supervision Exercised Administrative and general supervision may be exercised over managerial, professional, paraprofessional, temporary or student staff and contractors. Direct reports include: director of facility operations; director of facilities planning design and construction; finance operations manager; director of budget and planning; director of cashiers, student loans; director of environmental health and safety; university police chief; and senior executive assistant.
Opportunities and Expectations for Leadership The next VCFA will play a key leadership role in addressing the following priorities, among others:
Cultivate, evaluate and implement new ideas and strategies.
Advance the objectives of the university's Master Plan.
Work collaboratively with key partners.
Build a strong team and empower them to succeed.
Minimum Qualifications
A Master's degree in a relevant area and 10 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired or a Bachelor's degree in a relevant area and 12 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.
Preferred Qualifications
A master’s degree in accounting, finance, economics or similar area of study.
An active Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license.
Successful experience in higher education, but relevant experience outside higher education will also be considered.
Proven expertise in managing capital projects and real estate development, including comprehensive construction management from planning to completion. Strong background in project financing, with a focus on public-private partnerships (P3s) and innovative funding models. Deep understanding of real estate complexities, including regulatory compliance, risk management, and stakeholder engagement, ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget.
Experienced in assessing and managing the maintenance needs of facilities, ensuring that critical projects are identified and addressed promptly to maintain optimal operational efficiency and safety.
Personal attributes should include strategic vision, energy, innovative problem-solving approach, and the highest professional integrity and commitment to ethical decision-making.
Successful candidates will have strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in academia, business and government, as well as strategic planning and advanced, forward thinking leadership skills.
Candidates must have a strong commitment to fostering a welcoming and supportive environment for all individuals.
Experience with strategic planning and campus master planning, and the ability to apply critical, conceptual and strategic thinking to important financial, academic and administrative issues across the university.
Experience and expertise in strategic, comprehensive, multi-year budget development and implementation, in-depth knowledge of a wide variety of financing techniques, financial and ratio analysis and data systems and policies.
Demonstrated ability to motivate staff to provide a high standard of service.
Knowledge and understanding of a shared governance system.
Understanding of and commitment to the mission, vision and values of an urban research university and a willingness to play an active role in the life of the university.
Previous participation in related professional organizations.
Procedure for Candidacy All applications, nominations and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a letter of interest addressing the themes in this profile and a CV or resume. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by November 4, 2024.
The University of Missouri System is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy applies to all employment decisions including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, promotions, pay practices, benefits, disciplinary actions and terminations. For more information, visit https://www.umsystem.edu/ums/hr/eeo.
About Our University
The University of Missouri-Kansas City, one of four universities of the University of Missouri System (UM System), is a doctoral research-intensive public university offering traditional and interdisciplinary programs. The University is designated as a high research activity university by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education and is home to 13 colleges and schools; indeed, few urban universities have the depth and breadth of disciplines (ranging from medicine to the performing arts) offered at UMKC. The University enrolls more than 16,000 students, coming from 48 states and more than 95 countries, in more than 125 academic areas. The student population includes 47% undergraduates, 31% graduates and 22% dual-enrolled HS students. Providing a stimulating classroom experience is paramount at UMKC. The institution’s diverse and international faculty hold doctorates or the highest degree in their field at an impressive 83%. UMKC has earned national and international recognition for the quality of its faculty, students, research and community leadership.
UMKC VISION
UMKC aspires to be an exemplary public urban research university of the... 21st century, pursuing excellence as a human-centric learning and discovery community, fostering equity, diversity and inclusion to enrich the lives of the people and region we serve.
MISSION STATEMENT
As an urban research university, our mission at the University of Missouri-Kansas City is to promote learning through the discovery, preservation, and dissemination of knowledge of public value across a broad spectrum of disciplines and fields of study. UMKC celebrates the individual and embodies diversity and inclusion by intertwining these goals with innovation to enable transformational impact aimed at bringing cultural, social, health, and economic prosperity to the metropolitan, regional and global communities we serve.
KANSAS CITY INFORMATION
The University is located in a Kansas City metropolitan area that is among the most entrepreneurial cities in America with a population of more than 2.4 million and a diverse portfolio of industries and businesses. Home to a diverse base of corporate centers, high-tech firms and prominent non-profits, Kansas City is an inspiring example of 21st century economic transformation, with UMKC sitting at its heart. From thriving corporate headquarters such Garmin to tech startups such as ZOLOZ and ShotTracker, KC’s business community is strong.
Kansas City offers the best of both worlds—a vibrant, urban community with Midwestern appeal. The city’s rich history and its modern-day, innovative thinking come together to create an eclectic group of neighborhoods that offer a little something for everyone. From thriving arts districts, an energetic downtown nightlife, casual to upscale shopping and champion sports teams, you will have no problem making yourself at home. Of course, one of Kansas City’s biggest claims to fame is its food, especially its world-famous barbecue. Foodies will delight in the culinary scene found throughout the city. Ranging from award-winning chefs to cozy pizza joints, Kansas City definitely is not lacking any flavor.