It’s an exciting time to be part of Vermont State University. While new in name and form, Vermont State builds upon the rich histories of our three institutions.  At Vermont State University, we are better together. 

The Vice President of Business Operations provides executive leadership for the division of Business and Operations. The division offers the highest quality service and support to the university, its mission, strategic goals, faculty, staff, students, external stakeholders, and community. Key areas of functional responsibility include finance, budgeting, compliance, advancement, facilities, bookstore and dining services, mailroom, and sponsored programs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

At the direction of the President:

• Serve as the university’s chief business officer and a member of the President’s cabinet.
• Advise the President on university business issues and the fiscal impact of policy options.
• Provide financial analysis, long-range financial projections, and long-term planning to assist the administration in making sound fiscal decisions.
• Oversee and direct the preparation, management, and monitoring of the university's operating and capital budgets.
• Oversee and direct campus operations including facilities and grounds, camps and conferences, bookstore and dining services, mailroom, and campus facilities safety.
• Oversee institutional advancement activities and alumni and donor relations.
• Advance the university’s mission through sponsored programs, grants, contracts, and other sources of external funding.
• Provide institutional compliance and oversight regarding all regulatory affairs.
• Serve on institutional committees.
• Recognizing the university is part of a larger system, work with the System CFOO to allocate resources for the good of the system and institution.
• Other related duties as assigned.

At the direction of the System Chief Financial and Operating Officer:

• Manage the university’s budget in compliance with System policies and procedures and accordance with stated timelines.
• Serve as a member of the Business Affairs Council providing regular and frequent recommendations for policy and procedure improvement.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

This position reports dually to the President of Vermont State University and the System Chief Financial and Operating Officer (CFOO). As a key member of the President’s executive leadership team, the VP of Business Operations receives direction from the President for all local, operational, and strategic matters.

The VP of Business Operations receives direction from the System CFOO for the purposes of system-wide budgeting and fiduciary matters.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Manages, directly or indirectly, the institutional leaders responsible for finance, compliance, campus operations, advancement, sponsored programs, and third-party organizations. Hires new employees, schedules employee work hours and grants time-off, evaluates employee performance, develops, coaches and counsels employees, takes disciplinary actions, and provides recommendations on handling employee grievances and complaints.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, business, or a related field.
• Five (5) or more years of related work experience in higher education administration and management or a related field.
• Five (5) or more years of complex budget management.
• Record of accomplishment providing leadership in an institution of higher education or other similarly complex organization.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in finance, accounting, business, or a related field.
• Demonstrated success in leading, planning, implementing, and adapting to change.
• Fluent in understanding and effective use of information technology.
• Skilled in process improvement.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of trends, issues, and accepted practices relevant to the position.
• Knowledge of complex regulatory statutes related to government grants, contracts, and organizations.
• Proven experience and on-going commitment to developing own professional knowledge and the professional knowledge of team members regarding diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice and how it informs practices within functional areas.
• Budget planning, management, and implementation.
• Financial planning and analysis.
• Strategic planning.

Skills:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong organizational and conceptual skills.
• Excellent strategic planning skills.
• Successful record of interacting with professionals across disciplines.
• Detail-oriented and customer service and compliance-focused.
• Proven record of accountability and follow-through.

Abilities:

• Ability to effectively communicate with a wide range of individuals and constituencies in a diverse community.
• Ability to think and act creatively within the confines of regulatory rules and regulations.
• Demonstrated ability to support a diverse community and promote diverse perspectives, cultures and an inclusive environment.
• Proven experience and on-going commitment in leading teams using data-informed decision making to inform resource allocation, processes, and procedures and policy.