Vice President for Business Affairs

QUALIFICATIONS AND CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE

A bachelor’s degree (master’s preferred) in a related field and ten or more years of progressively responsible, significantly successful administrative experience in managing a complex organization, preferably in a public university setting, are required. Excellent leadership skills, a solid financial planning and fiscal operations background, outstanding communication skills, and the ability to develop and sustain effective working relationships with internal and external constituencies are also required. The successful candidate must possess demonstrated extensive experience in budget development and management, government and business accounting, and financial strategic planning; proven high standards of personal and professional integrity; and robust experience in risk management, contracts, procurement, the use of technology in administrative systems applications, and the development of business and community partnerships.

In addition to the minimum academic and experiential requirements indicated above, other desired characteristics, skills, actions, and abilities noted from discussions with campus stakeholders include:

• A solid fiscal, budgetary, and management background, including substantial financial forecasting and resource allocation skills
• Strong and inspirational leadership skills, emotional intelligence, and a strategic vision, with the ability to build coalitions and push an agenda forward
• Excellent communication skills, able to reach each level of the university community, especially in communicating the fiscal and budgetary policies and procedures in ways that all can understand
• A commitment to develop, promote, and support the business affairs team, providing ample professional development, fostering positive work/life priorities in themselves and the staff, and effectively motivating and managing the needs of an evolving workforce
• The ability to build collaborative partnerships throughout the Pitt-Bradford campus and the surrounding community and develop strong working relationships mutually benefitting both
• A creative and entrepreneurial problem-solver and change agent who can develop new programs to meet 21st-century challenges and diligently seek additional external revenue sources
• An outstanding work ethic, with energy and passion for the job and the institution
• The ability to make complex decisions when necessary, conduct difficult conversations when pertinent, listen to all sides of an issue, build consensus, and remain “cool under pressure” no matter the situation
• A commitment to promote and support the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion at all times, as well as an interest in the specific needs of traditionally underserved student populations
• A strategic and data-informed decision-maker with solid assessment skills who is also able to collect and analyze data and think fast when necessary
• The ability to listen carefully and actively, ask knowledgeable questions, and learn the division’s and institution’s operations and culture
• The ability to review major processes, policies, and procedures to look for efficiencies and opportunities to combine, collaborate, share, develop, or discard antiquated functions and practices
• Organizational development skills, with the ability to determine strengths and effectively delegate human resources
• Experience with long-term master planning and project management and an understanding of campus planning and property management
• Knowledge of current and trending risk management practices and policies
• An understanding of the importance of technology in the operation of the modern university, with a focus on information and cyber security
• Previous work with a foundation and an understanding of fundraising, with the ability to speak the unique language of donors
• A willingness to serve as the “face” of business affairs and consistently advocate for the needs of the staff and departments
• The ability to process and manage information, multi-task, and follow up systematically
• Approachability, relatability, patience, adaptability, authenticity, and transparency
• An understanding of the University of Pittsburgh’s brand name and the access to resources that this relationship allows
• Diplomacy and political savviness in interactions with the institution, community partners, and local government

OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES OF THE ROLE

The new vice president for business affairs must possess a broad understanding of fiduciary practice and theory, demonstrate experience in budgetary planning and forecasting, and have extensive proficiency in one or more areas in the portfolio. The vice president should be a dynamic and respected leader who has had success building and advancing a progressive program at another institution or organization, is capable of managing multiple priorities and departments, and is equipped to contribute at both a strategic and operational level to the vibrant, student-centered environment at Pitt-Bradford.

It is essential to identify a competent and visionary individual who can promote and develop the staff in each of the business affairs departments, set and implement strategic fiduciary and budgetary priorities, implement best practices throughout the organization, and work in tandem with the president, cabinet, other members of the staff and administration, and the business affairs staff to move the program forward progressively, innovatively, and comprehensively.

The following were identified as additional opportunities and challenges facing the vice president upon arrival.