November 7, 2024
Vice President of Business and Finance job with Hartford International University

Introduction:

Interested in using your skills to make a real difference in the world? Hartford International University (HIU), founded in 1834, has a unique and exciting mission like no other in the world. We are an historic, well-endowed, fully accredited university that engages in research, religious studies, and interreligious dialogue to deepen beliefs, respect differences, and help bring peace to our communities and the world. Our students often call their studies and experiences at HIU “life-changing.” Consider joining us as we grow, sharing your expertise to help us thrive and generate new programs that enhance revenue streams. HIU values diversity of all kinds and is committed to fostering an educational environment that promotes a culture of hospitality and inclusivity. Located in the historic West End of Hartford, Connecticut, our beautiful campus recently expanded to support strategic initiatives.

Benefits:

  • Comprehensive package of medical plan options including a health savings account, dental, vision, disability coverage, and life insurance plans.

  • Generous paid time off (PTO) for vacation, sick, and personal days, as well as numerous paid holidays each year.
  • Paid Winter break (December 24-January 1) and Summer break (the week of July 4) each year, on top of PTO and holidays.
  • Retirement plan that contributes up to 10% of base salary into a 403b plan, including 2% employee and employer match (after one year of employment).
  • Yearly reimbursement for goods and services to promote overall wellness and a healthy work culture. Annual Years of Service Luncheon for staff.
  • Paid Community Work Day each year to volunteer in the community.
  • Paid time off on Election Day in order to vote.
  • Education fee waiver to audit or enroll in courses at HIU (one per semester). One day a week available to work from home, if desired (Fridays).
  • Mission-driven culture where people are welcoming, supportive, and love what they do.

Job Summary and Qualifications:

HIU is looking for an engaged, dynamic, dedicated, and ambitious Vice President of Business and Finance to help guide our institution into a bright future. We have an exciting strategic plan and a healthy amount of aspiration. We seek an energetic team player whose work as a cabinet level senior leader will have an ultimate impact on peacebuilding efforts across the world.

Responsibilities

 Finance and Business

  • Works closely with the President on overseeing HIU’s financial landscape.
  • Engages with other senior leaders to set priorities, grow existing revenue streams, and define new business models. Develops and executes creative strategies that fulfills HIU’s mission.
  • Directs all aspects of HIU’s day-to-day financial operations and services, including budget development, cash management, grants financial management, and exercises executive control over budgets, and managing HIU’s endowment, including all endowment accounting, unitization, and audit.
  • Provides support to the Finance, Audit, and Investment Committees of the Board including presenting financial statements and preparing meeting packets and maintains the minutes for each committee.
  • Supervises business and finance staff, currently the University’s Controller, ensuring they are trained and performing optimally.
  • Aligns resources to operational needs while balancing institutional goals.
  • Oversees and supports student billings and collections.
  • Leads and coordinates the external financial audit and the external auditor’s preparation of the audited financial statements.
  • Coordinates with the external auditors’ _preparation of the IRS Form 990.
  • Implements strategies for expense management and contacts.
  • Creates and develops timely and accurate financial forecasts and long-term financial planning processes and analyses to predict future growth for HIU.
  • Implements and maintains robust internal financial controls and compliance measures to safeguard university assets and ensure regulatory compliance.
  • Oversees payroll and the administration of university benefits, such as health insurance and retirement plans.
  • Provides grant administration.
  • Establishes and maintains relationships with external partners, including auditors, financial institutions, the Outsourced Chief Investment Officer, pension plan advisor, and other stakeholders.
  • Responsible for risk management and mitigation, which includes assuring appropriate organization-wide insurance coverages and other business-related risk management.

Human Resources

  • Serves as one of the University’s key HR officials, collaborating closely with the President and VPO to establish and maintain HR-related policies and procedures in alignment with industry best practices, standards, and applicable federal, state, and local laws.
  • Provides leadership over employee benefits including the annual renewal, open enrollment, and day-to-day management.
  • Oversees HR related legal claims and settlements.
  • Partners with the DEI officer on internal practices that are fair, equitable, and inclusive (compensation, performance appraisals, etc.).
  • Develops, communicates, and implements HR policies, procedures, and initiatives, by working with staff subject matter experts, including initiating or revising the Employee and Faculty Handbooks as appropriate, and assisting managers in the interpretation and implementation of policies and procedures.
  • Provides oversight in the recruitment and on-boarding of new and diverse talent as needed and provides opportunities for professional growth and team development.
  • Helps to promote positive employee morale, collegiality, wellness, retention, and a sense of community.

Facilities

Works with and provides leadership to the Director of Facilities and Campus Operations on all operations and maintenance of university facilities, as well as on the design, construction, and renovation of all facilities.

Other Duties as assigned:

As is expected of all employees, provide backup support for the University’s major events (e.g., Graduation and Convocation) and general activities, as needed.

 

REQUIREMENTS:

  • Capable of collaborating and communicating across all levels of the organization and adept at preparing and delivering presentations.
  • BA in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Law, or a related field; MBA or relevant advanced degree preferred. CPA preferred, but not required.
  • Proven experience (7+ years) in financial leadership.
  • Demonstrated ability to develop and execute strategic financial plans that drive revenue growth.
  • Extensive financial and budget management experience, preferably with some endowment accounting expertise. Exposure to higher education is a strong preference.
  • Extensive problem-solving skills and the ability to organize and manage complex functions are required.
  • Must be skilled in using financial management software commonly used in higher education.
  • Knowledge of Human Resource processes, compliance and best practices is required.

Hartford International University for Religion and Peace is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Salary range – $100,000-$150,000, commensurate with experience, skills, education, and training.

To apply, please contact [email protected]. A resume, cover letter, and three professional references are required. Typically only candidates who are selected for interviews will be contacted

 

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