Gardner-Webb University (GWU), a private, coeducational, residential institution located in Boiling Springs, NC, is seeking an innovative, visionary, strategic, transparent financial leader with a passion and enthusiasm for student-centered, Christian, liberal arts education to serve as the University’s Vice President for Finance and Administration. Gardner-Webb’s mission is to prepare graduates for leadership and service in their professional careers and in their personal lives. Rigorous and innovative degree programs, combined with distinctive experiential learning opportunities, shape students into thinkers, doers, and world-changers. By fostering meaningful intellectual thought, critical analysis, and spiritual challenge within a diverse learning community, GWU is dedicated to outstanding undergraduate and graduate education that is strongly grounded in the liberal arts while offering opportunities to prepare for various professions, as well as providing students with an education that integrates scholarship with Christian life. By embracing faith and intellectual freedom, balancing conviction with compassion, and inspiring a love of learning, service, and leadership, GWU prepares its graduates to make significant contributions for God and humanity (Pro Deo et Humanitate) in an ever-changing global community. 

Chartered in 1905 and experiencing remarkable growth, perseverance, and maturity over its long history, Gardner-Webb's 225-acre main campus is a beautiful backdrop to an environment of learning and faith. Located approximately 50 miles west of Charlotte, 75 miles southeast of Asheville, and 60 miles north of Greenville, SC in the Piedmont area of western North Carolina, the campus is nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The GWU Charlotte Center, located in Charlotte, NC offers a wide variety of graduate, degree completion, and continuing education programs, as well as special activities and events. 

GWU is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education.  A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. With a total enrollment of approximately 3,500 students, which includes the traditional day program, graduate studies, and Gardner-Webb Online, including The Degree Completion Program, students hail from 44 states and 45 foreign countries. Home to the Runnin' Bulldogs and a member of the Big South Conference, Gardner-Webb gives student-athletes a complete college experience with an emphasis on academic enrichment and an opportunity to compete in one of 22 NCAA Division I Sports.

For additional information, visit the Gardner-Webb University website at www.gardner-webb.edu .

Reporting directly to the President, the Vice President for Finance & Administration (VPFA) serves as the Chief Financial Officer, is a member of the President’s Cabinet, and works closely with all university leadership to strategically and operationally advance the financial and administrative position and functions of the college.  The Vice President for Finance and Administration’s division supports and advances the mission of the University by providing excellent stewardship of human, physical, and fiscal resources. The VPFA must be comfortable working transparently in partnership with the President, other administrative leaders, staff, faculty, and members of the Board of Trustees in an environment that utilizes, respects, and values shared governance and collaboration. Functional areas reporting directly to the VPFA include Accounts Payable, Payroll, Human Resources, Campus Post Office, University Campus Shop, Plant Operations, Student Accounts, and Technology Services. These functional areas include more than 70 fulltime employees.

The ideal candidate will have related professional financial and/or administrative experience that demonstrates progressive responsibility and evidence of strategic leadership. Applicable higher education senior financial/administrative management experience is highly desirable. This innovative and strategic thinker will possess sound technical skills and knowledge of all aspects of business affairs; experience with capital projects and bond financing, significant banking relationship experience, as well as endowment and asset investment management are a plus. The successful candidate will espouse principals based on strong Christian faith; integrity, honesty, sincerity and compassion, along with a commitment to academically excellent, student-centered liberal arts education in a Christian environment. Effective leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills are required; the ability to explain complex financial issues to all constituencies and the capacity to establish effective working relationships and communication with all stakeholders including the President, the Cabinet, the Board of Trustees, the Advancement Office, key donors, and the Boiling Springs community. A collaborative nature to support team building and effective relationships across organizational lines is also necessary. A master’s degree in business, accounting, finance or in a closely related field; or a JD, is strongly preferred. Compensation is commensurate with experience and includes competitive base salary and benefits.

To make a nomination, provide a referral, or for additional information please use the contact information below. While applications and nominations will be accepted until a successful candidate has been appointed, review of candidate materials will begin immediately. To apply, please submit a resume and/or vita, and cover letter, to:

Buffkin / Baker

Ken Carrick, Partner   980-296-5401

Janny DeLoache, Principal   704-377-7828

GWUVPFA@buffkinbaker.com