Stephens College

Vice President for Finance & Administration/CFO

COLUMBIA, MOPosted 30+ days ago

Job summary

  • Job post source

    This job is from a recruiting firm hiring for a separate company.

  • Job overview

    The Vice President for Finance & Administration/CFO at Stephens College is a senior leadership role responsible for managing the college's financial and administrative operations to support strategic growth and sustainability.

  • Responsibilities and impact

    The CFO will oversee finance, accounting, budgeting, financial modeling, endowment and grants management, risk assessment, capital planning, and serve as liaison to the Board of Trustees' finance and investment committees, driving financial strategies aligned with institutional goals.

  • Experience and skills

    The candidate must have at least ten years of progressively responsible experience in finance and administration, strong communication and strategic thinking skills, knowledge of higher education finance, and preferably an advanced degree such as an MBA.

  • Work environment and culture

    Stephens College values diversity, inclusion, collaboration, and a student-centered approach within a small, passionate, and mission-driven environment.

  • Company information

    Stephens College is a small, private institution in Columbia, Missouri, known for its historic legacy, strategic transformation plan, and ranking among the best colleges in the Midwest.

  • Job location and travel

    The position is located at Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri, on a pet-friendly campus with an 86-acre downtown setting.

  • Application process

    Applications including cover letter and resume must be submitted online by July 11, 2025, through the specified portal; nominations and inquiries are handled by Lapovsky Consulting.

  • Unique job features

    The role offers the opportunity to lead financial modernization, address structural deficits, implement new enterprise systems, and contribute to a transformative strategic plan at a historic college.

Company overview

Stephens College is a private women's college located in Columbia, Missouri, known for its strong emphasis on liberal arts education and professional studies. Established in 1833, it is one of the oldest women's educational institutions in the United States. The college offers undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, including performing arts, health sciences, and business. Stephens College generates revenue through tuition fees, grants, and donations, and it has a rich history of empowering women through education and leadership opportunities.

How to land this job

  • Tailor your resume to emphasize strategic financial leadership, experience managing budgets and endowments, and your ability to collaborate with senior leadership and boards, aligning with Stephens College's transformative vision.

  • Highlight your skills in financial modeling, risk assessment, capital planning, and your experience implementing enterprise resource management systems, as these are key responsibilities in the CFO role.

  • Apply through multiple platforms including the official Stephens College application portal at lapovsky.hiringthing.com and LinkedIn to maximize your chances of visibility.

  • Connect on LinkedIn with members of Stephens College's finance and administration division or leadership team; start conversations by referencing the college's strategic plan 'Reimagining Stephens' or recent initiatives related to financial modernization and campus growth.

  • Optimize your resume for ATS by including keywords such as 'financial modeling,' 'budget development,' 'risk assessment,' 'capital planning,' 'enterprise resource management,' and 'higher education finance' to ensure it passes initial screenings.

  • Use Jennie Johnson's Power Apply feature to automate tailored applications, identify multiple application channels, and find relevant LinkedIn contacts, allowing you to focus your time on preparing for interviews and networking.

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