Bemidji State University Hiring for Vice President of Finance and Administration at Bemidji, MN Full Time

Academic Career & Executive Search is pleased to assist Bemidji State University and Northwest Technical College in its
search for Vice President of Finance and Administration.

For best consideration, please apply by December
2nd.

This is wonderful opportunity for a strategic thinker and visionary financial leader to join a close knit and
supportive community as the next Vice President of Finance and Administration (VPFA). The VPFA provides equitable, inclusive, and ethical
leadership for fiscal strategy, forecasting, and stewardship to enact and advance the mission, vision, values, and priorities of Bemidji
State University (BSU) and Northwest Technical College (NTC). 

The unique alignment of the two-year technical college with a
four-year comprehensive state university makes for a nearly one-of-a-kind opportunity for innovation that enhances access and affordability
while creating new pathways to educational goals, credentials, and degrees for students. BSU and NTC’s location in Bemidji, a growing
regional center, and among Minnesota’s three largest Native Nations creates possibilities for the aligned institutions to serve as an
innovation hub for educational advancement and economic development throughout Northern Minnesota.

The VPFA reports directly to the
President, acts as Senior Financial Officer, serves as part of the Executive Leadership Team and the Cabinet, and represents BSU and NTC in
various roles and on committees of Minnesota State. The ideal candidate is an exceptional communicator who delivers a hands-on approach
to leadership, operations, and problem solving. The VPFA holds supervisory responsibilities for a team of educational leaders who ensure
stability, compliance, and integrity in the areas of Facilities Management, Information Technology Services (IT), Risk Management, Public
Safety and Security, Procurement and Logistics, Parking, Facilities Planning and Construction, Business Office, Payroll, Scholarships,
Bookstores, and University Investments. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1.
Leadership 

• • Serve as a member of the President’s Executive
    Leadership Team, Cabinets for BSU and NTC, and the President’s Leadership Council. 
  • Provide thought leadership related
    to the scope of responsibility in planning and decision-making for the University and College. 
  • Promote a culture of
    excellence, inclusion, innovation, accountability, and transparency by engaging key stakeholders identifying opportunities to achieve
    excellence and to ensure alignment of financial and operational strategies with the BSU and NTC mission, vision, values, and strategic
    priorities. 
  • Demonstrate self-awareness of one’s own cultural beliefs, perspectives, and privileges as a part of one’s
    orientation toward leadership. 
  • Acknowledge the specific and particular realities of Indigenous, Black and persons of color,
    LGBTQ individuals, people from low-income families, and other minoritized communities within Northern Minnesota while also connecting
    communities to local and regional experiences in order to foster a greater sense of belonging among employees and students. 
  • Promote practices that are environmentally sustainable and consistent with practices advanced by American Indian stewards of the
    region’s land and water. 
  • Advance efforts toward BSU’s institutional goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050
    and increasing campus-community resilience, as pledged under Second Nature’s Climate Commitment.
  • Maintain currency in
    emergent fiscal, facility, technology, and risk-management practices informed by data and research through active engagement in relevant
    professional associations. 
  • Ensure communication regarding University and College decisions to the various units within the
    division and across BSU and NTC. 
  • Represent the BSU and NTC at system-wide meetings and other external entities. 
  • Partner with the Office of Institutional Research and Effectiveness to compile, analyze, and interpret relevant data for strategic and
    data-informed decision-making as related to the scope of responsibility. 
  • Educate the BSU, NTC, and stakeholders about fiscal,
    facility, technological, and risk management practices.

2. Senior Financial
Officer  

• • Provide strategic guidance and oversight in the
    development, monitoring, evaluation, and communication of the budget plans for BSU and NTC informed by mission, vision, and values; the
    strategic plan; and campus budgets. 
  • Convene and facilitate the work of the Budget Advisory Committee (BAC) consisting of
    selected Cabinet administrators, representatives from bargaining units spanning both campuses, and student representatives from both
    campuses. 
  • Drawing on data, trends, and input from the BAC, develop budgetary recommendations for the President and other
    senior leaders. 
  • Establish baselines and fiscal targets to ensure that institutional budgets are equitable and reflect
    priorities articulated within the strategic plan.
  • Provide leadership in preparing and monitoring budgets to ensure compliance with
    laws, policies, procedures, and state statutes in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. 
  • Prepare or direct
    the preparation of financial/budgetary statements; forecasts; and analyses, reports, and ad hoc reporting. 
  • Study and report
    on budgetary matters and policies including cost accounting to ensure the fulfillment of the short, intermediate, and long­ range
    plans. 
  • Provides leadership to the Procurement and Logistic department. 
  • Provides leadership and direction that
    ensures that positive outcomes for internal and external audits. 
  • Communicate with students, staff, leadership, community
    stakeholders, and System Office staff on all matters related to finance and budget. 
  • Lead conversations on addressing our
    budget inequalities and how we can better use our budget (particularly our recruiting and retention funds) to achieve our stated goals.

3. Facilities and Space Management 

• • Provide
    strategic guidance and oversight in the development, monitoring, evaluation, and communication of all plans for all buildings, grounds, and
    related operations as informed by institutional mission, vision, and values; the strategic plan; and the master facility plan. 
  • Advance institutional priorities of student success; diversity, equity, and inclusion including accessibility; and environmental
    sustainability in all facilities related work. 
  • Prepare Requests for Proposals and hire and work closely with architects and
    construction/management firms. 
  • Communicate effectively with staff, students, leadership, community stakeholders, and
    Minnesota State System Office about space planning, building, and facilities management. 

4.
Information Technology Services (IT) 

• • Provide leadership and management
    of IT administrative and academic computing services including telecommunication and other enterprise technology, network systems, and
    technical support operations. 
  • Support leadership in the preparation of a strategic plan for IT Services. 
  • Communicate with students, staff, faculty, leadership, and community stakeholders on technology needs, budgets including technology
    fees. 

5. Safety and Security Service 

• • Lead and manage the Safety and Security Services including reporting of OSHA, hazardous waste, gas emissions, and
    parking. 
  • Advance student learning and success, equity and inclusion, and health and wellbeing through the work of Safety and
    Security Services. 
  • Lead, manage and Implement Emergency Plans including the Continuity Plan.

6. Supervision 

• • Assess the qualifications of candidates and
    hire employees to perform job duties to achieve unit objectives.  
  • Assign employees to job duties, provide training and direct
    employees in the execution of job responsibilities to meet unit objectives and annual work plans.  
  • Evaluate employee
    performance, reward and/or discipline employees and promote, suspend, discharge, or change status according to performance.  
  • Mediate and adjust grievances of employees in accordance with bargaining unit language.  
  • Direct the writing of employee
    position descriptions and approve the establishment of assigned work duties.  
  • Administer applicable labor contract and/or
    plans fairly and equitably.  
  • Perform all supervisory duties in accordance with established equal opportunity/affirmative
    action, non-harassment and employee safety policies and procedures. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND
ABILITIES

LEADERSHIP CHARACTERISTICS: 

• Strategic thinker who can lead collaborative, long
  term planning in partnership with institutional leadership (e.g., financial planning, facilities master planning, IT master planning,
  strategic enrollment planning). 
• Professional who values and understands post-secondary education at all levels (technical,
  associate, bachelor, masters) and immerses themselves in understanding the unique and converging environments of Bemidji State University
  and Northwest Technical College. 
• Leader who understands the Finance & Administration division is a resource to support
  the academic and student service mission of the institution and develops a team within the division of strategic oriented and
  solution-oriented leaders. 
• Relationship builder who forwards the mission and vision of the institution through appreciation
  for and valued interactions with students, faculty, and staff at BSU and NTC, leadership at the Minnesota state system, the local Bemidji
  community, and the Indigenous and underrepresented communities within Northern Minnesota. 
• Fiscal leader who has a long-term
  vision, values transparency and collaboration, is growth oriented and remains focused on institutional core values when making
  decisions.
• Campus communicator who can deliver complex financial and administrative information in understandable formats to a wide
  range of audiences (e.g., students, faculty, staff, donors, state/city officials). Individual should value and practice proactive,
  consistent, and open sharing of information. 

SENIOR FINANCIAL OFFICER RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Lead the institution in long term financial planning that is aligned with the strategic planning process and results in a model that is
  sustainable and aligned with long term institutional goals and values. 
• Initiate ideas for alternative revenue streams/funding
  sources and solutions that assist individual units and the institution with meeting their mission and goals. Bring together institutional
  leaders from both campuses to collaboratively assess ideas and ensure data is provided to make strategic decisions. 
• Develop,
  implement, and lead a budget planning process that is wholistic, transparent, and genuinely values input from all institutional constituents
  (faculty, students, staff, administration). Budget process should strategically consider all revenue streams available (general fund,
  student fees, etc.) and incorporate the unique budget needs of two campuses. 
• Strategically budget resources in alignment with
  institutional goals and lead ongoing review of budgets as institutional plans evolve. 
• Develop/maintain accounting processes
  that equitably allocate shared costs and resources between campuses, divisions and departments (e.g., cost of shared staff between campuses,
  indirect cost allocation). Ensure dedicated resources (e.g., student fees) are allocated and used for their approved purpose and openly
  reported to campus constituents. 
• Develop and employ tools and reports needed for institutional leaders/budget managers to
  track resources and perform fiscal modeling (e.g., budget to actual reports, position tracking reports, program cost analysis). Ensure data
  are delivered in formats that are easily accessible and easy to interpret. 
• Re-evaluate business processes within the
  division, focusing on end-user satisfaction while maintaining compliance and fiscal accountability. 
• Educate campus community
  on the fiscal makeup of the institution (e.g., how state support is allocated, how enrollment impacts finances, how resources are allocated
  between BSU and NTC). Be proactive and transparent in sharing fiscal challenges and opportunities for the institution. 

FACILITIES and SPACE MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Lead BSU and NTC in updating long term facility
  master plans for both campuses that allocate physical resources to meet the institution’s strategic plans. Incorporate resulting
  resource needs into the financial planning process. 
• Advance institutional priorities of student success; diversity, equity,
  and inclusion including accessibility; and environmental sustainability in all facility related planning and work. 
• Ensure
  proactive communication with leadership, students, faculty, staff, and community/state officials on schedules for building and grounds
  maintenance and planned building improvement projects. 

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES
RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Lead the BSU and NTC campuses in implementation of the new administrative software
  system.
• Lead the institution in development of a long-term Information Technology master plan that is aligned with the mission and
  vision of the institution. Incorporate resulting resource needs into the financial planning process. 

MINIMUM
QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a related field to business administration, finance, or
  accounting.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressive administrative and leadership experience in managing a complex fiscal
  operation.
• Relevant experience in budgeting and financial management 
• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse
  constituents and promote a just, equitable, and inclusive workplace environment 
• Experience with and/or transferable skills in
  facilities planning, management, and maintenance 
• Professional experience implementing and administering contracts 
• Evidence of continuing professional education, affiliations, and/or certifications relevant to the position 
• Experience
  related to issues of sustainability and environmental safety 
• Evidence of supervisory skill including fostering continuing
  professional development among employees 
• Evidence of effective communication skills including positive, effective
  interpersonal communication—speaking, listening, reading, and writing

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in four-year and/or two-year higher education in budgeting and financial management 
• Experience with safety,
  security, and emergency response planning 
• Professional level experience in securing external funding and capital
  bonding 
• Experience with financial aid 
• Experience with and/or evidence of successful collaborations with
  multiple stakeholders 
• Demonstrated success in institutional leadership

About the
Institution

In the north woods, on the shores of Lake Bemidji, nestled within limitless natural beauty and surrounded by
Minnesota’s three largest Indigenous nations, are Bemidji State University and Northwest Technical College. Located in Bemidji,
Minnesota, these institutions provide a unique opportunity to support both a four-year, regional public university and a two-year technical
college. Bemidji State University has been ranked as one of the top 30 public institutions in the Midwest region by U.S. News & World
Report for each of the past four years. BSU offers its diverse body of around 4,000 students a comprehensive spectrum of opportunities with
more than 100 undergraduate degrees and emphasis areas in more than 50 areas of study, 14 pre-professional programs, 10 graduate programs,
and 10 certificates.

As Bemidji State embarks upon its second century of service, our vision is simple: we educate people to lead
inspired lives. To achieve this, BSU prioritizes a campus culture in which diversity is embraced and all people are safe, welcome, and
validated. BSU also proactively engages with Indigenous communities in northern Minnesota and nationwide in pursuit of its goal to become a
destination university. Northwest Technical College is one of only three pure technical colleges remaining in Minnesota, helping around
1,000 students each year align their education with their employment goals. NTC offers nearly 40 certificates, diplomas, and degrees in 20
programs across six career paths. For more than 50 years, NTC has prepared students for fulfilling careers in well-paying, in-demand fields.
The college’s accessible, affordable, hands-on programs also help the region’s employers meet their ever-growing need for a
highly skilled workforce. With an open-enrollment policy and affordable tuition, NTC meets students where they are with a convenient mix of
on-campus, online, and hybrid courses.

Through a shared services alignment, NTC students can take advantage of services, support,
activities, and opportunities at BSU that expand and enhance their college experience — such as full access to BSU’s library and
the ability to live in BSU’s on-campus resident housing. BSU and NTC employees are represented by eight bargaining units, including
individual faculty unions representing each institution. These unions represent and advocate on behalf of around 650 employees, fostering an
effective and collaborative shared governance environment. BSU and NTC are members of the Minnesota State system of 30 colleges and seven
universities, encompassing a total of 54 campuses in 47 Minnesota communities. The third-largest system of higher education in the nation,
Minnesota State annually serves more than 340,000 students.

Land Acknowledgment Statement

We acknowledge that
Bemidji State University is located on land and water that is the current and ancestral homeland of the Ojibwe and Dakota. We acknowledge
the painful history of genocide, forced assimilation, and efforts to alienate the Indigenous inhabitants from their territory here. We honor
and respect the many diverse Indigenous peoples still connected to this land, retained tribal sovereignty, treaty rights, and cultural
resilience. Indigenous people are spiritual and physical caretakers of this land to which we all belong. Bemidji State University respects
these sacred lands, stands with the community members from these Nations, and will fight injustice in all its forms.

Living
in the Area

Bemidji State University and Northwest Technical College are located amid the lakes and forests of northern
Minnesota. Bemidji State occupies a wooded campus along the western shore of Lake Bemidji, while Northwest Technical College lies just three
miles east, near Bemidji’s robust industrial district. When settling the Bemidji area in 1750, the Ojibwe people named the lake
Bemidjigamaag, a word that translates to English as “a lake with crossing waters,” as the Mississippi River flows in from the
south and exits on the east. While folk legends claim Lake Bemidji was formed in Paul Bunyan’s footprint as he logged his way west,
BSU professors will say it was simply the result in the last stage of glaciation in Minnesota.

Bemidji is a tight-knit community
possessing all the charm and character of a college town. Named after the Ojibwe Chief Shaynowishkung, the city is located between three
American Indian tribal nations: the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, the Red Lake Nation and the White Earth Nation. While the city of Bemidji
proper claims a population of around 15,000, as a regional hub it provides goods, services, and employment to nearly 100,000 Minnesotans.
Located just minutes away from a thriving downtown Bemidji, both the BSU and NTC campus communities have convenient access to affordable
restaurants, fine-dining experiences, cozy coffee shops, grocery stores — including a natural foods co-op — city parks, and
nearly unlimited outdoor recreational opportunities. Small, locally-owned shops and art sculptures line the streets of downtown Bemidji,
while national chains can also be found in and around the Bemidji area. The historic Paul Bunyan Playhouse has a calendar of classic shows,
restaurants offer weekly live music performances, the First Friday Art Walk provides a tour of new monthly art exhibits, and annual
festivals bring the community together throughout the year. Additionally, the north woods setting means students, staff, and faculty have a
variety of activities available at their fingertips year-round.

With more than 400 lakes within 25 miles of the city, — and a
240-acre research forest owned by BSU — there is easy access to kayaking, canoeing, swimming, boating, paddle boarding, hunting,
hiking, biking, foraging, fishing, and more. An expansive network of multi-use trail systems are available for running, cross country
skiing, single-track or fat-tire biking, and skijoring. Further, downhill skiing, snowboarding, and tubing lies just north of Bemidji at the
Buena Vista Ski Area. Bemidji is also near two of Minnesota’s 66 state parks: Lake Bemidji State Park, which sits along Lake
Bemidji’s northern shore, and Itasca State Park, home to the majestic Mississippi River Headwaters. Both parks are popular
recreational and camping destinations where locals and tourists gather for sailing, swimming, and fishing during the summer months and
skating, hockey, curling, and, yes, more fishing in the winter. Of course, no tour of Bemidji is complete without a visit to — and a
selfie with — its two most famous residents: the iconic statues of Paul Bunyan and his trusty companion, Babe the Blue Ox. The famed
duo, which has greeted visitors to Bemidji since 1937, are on the National Register of Historic Places and were once ranked by Kodak as the
second most-photographed statues in America.

For further information about BSU visit http://www.bemidjistate.edu or NTC at https://www.ntcmn.edu.

To Apply 

For best consideration, please apply by
December 2^nd.

To be viewed by the search firm, you must apply directly at: https://acesrch.applicantstack.com/x/detail/a21esjyx38va

Please do not email applications.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received and should include a cover letter and curriculum vita. Ideally cover letters should
not exceed two pages. All applications are treated confidentially.

Inquiries, referrals, and nominations are treated
confidentially:

Inquiries and questions: Please send to [email protected]

Nominations and referrals: Please send to [email protected]