Location: Saratoga Springs, NY Category: Management / Confidential Posted On: Thu Apr 24 2025 Job Description:
THE OPPORTUNITY
Empire State University invites applications and nominations for its next vice president for administration and finance (VPAF). The VPAF will join the institution at a time of dynamic growth. As the first and only public online university in New York, the institution has experienced 8% growth in enrollment over the past two years and is on track to grow another 8% this academic year. The VPAF is responsible for the fiscal stewardship of all university assets managing an annual budget of approximately $94 million and a foundation endowment valued at $45 million. In short, SUNY Empire is on a remarkable trajectory toward becoming one of the nation's preeminent online universities.
President Lisa Vollendorf began her tenure on July 1, 2022, and is committed to assembling a team of leaders who can build on SUNY Empire's strengths. As SUNY Empire implements its 2023-2028 strategic plan, Elevate '28 (https://sunyempire.edu/president/vision/) , the institution is developing a focused, inclusive approach to the core work of growing enrollments, improving retention, hiring and retaining diverse faculty and staff, diversifying revenues, and creating responsive academic and student support programs. SUNY Empire is a dynamic institution poised to reach greater potential over the coming years.
The VPAF is an integral member of the university's senior leadership team. Reporting to the president, the VPAF collaborates closely with the other members of cabinet to advance the university in providing high-quality academic opportunities to diverse learners across New York state and around the globe. In the role as principal deputy and advisor to the president for all fiscal matters impacting the university, the VPAF provides strategic leadership for finance, institutional operations, safety and security, internal controls and risk management. As the university's chief financial officer, the VPAF is responsible for overseeing the development of policies, procedures, and controls to ensure sound management of the university's financial and physical resources.
The VPAF also serves as the treasurer of the Empire State University Foundation Board (Foundation) and the Operations Manager for the Empire State University Research Foundation (RF). The Foundation raises funds to enhance student aid, faculty excellence, and support institutional priorities. The Foundation invests and responsibly manages funds, including endowments, to assure the ethical stewardship of gifts. The RF receives, holds and administers research gifts and grants and provides essential administrative services that enable SUNY faculty to focus their efforts on educating their students and performing their research.
The next VPAF will be a strategic, collaborative, data-driven leader with senior leadership experience and the organizational and interpersonal skills to lead a diverse team of professionals at locations across the state of New York.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Guide and support a division that plays a broad and principal role in advancing the university's mission by providing fiscal leadership, safeguarding financial assets and resources, ensuring regulatory compliance, and providing timely delivery of a wide array of operational, facilities, and other services to internal and external constituents.
Collaborate with leadership and stakeholders to develop a strategic budgeting framework in support of institutional priorities and support campus partners in the implementation and maintenance of the framework (including, but not limited to, collaborating with campus partners to refine and maintain the institution's inclusive and transparent budget process).
Support the president and the cabinet in the analysis, evaluation, and prioritization of strategic initiatives, ensuring alignment with SUNY Empire's strategic plan, Elevate '28 (https://sunyempire.edu/president/vision/) .
Analyze and provide recommendations on the financial impact of policy options to support decision-making processes.
Maintain a focus on assessment, accountability, outcomes, and quality, especially in the @context of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education standards, internal controls, and regulatory compliance.
Promote data-informed and transparent decision-making, particularly around the use of limited fiscal and human capital resources.
Ensure the safety, security, and efficient operations of approximately 13 SUNY Empire locations across New York state.
Foster an organizational culture and infrastructure that supports inclusivity, operational excellence, delivers quality customer service, and promotes optimal efficiency. Managerial oversight includes 9 direct reports and an additional 63 staff.
Implement continuous improvement practices to create higher levels of efficiency and strengthen delivery of services, as defined by best practices and supported by measurable outcomes.
Follow this link (https://sunyempire.edu/go/vice-president-admin-finance-search) for additional information about this opportunity.
Living in the Area
Living in Saratoga Springs, New York, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and cultural vibrancy, making it an ideal place to call home. The city is known for its historic Victorian architecture, tree-lined streets, and lively downtown, full of boutiques, restaurants, and cafes. Residents enjoy a strong sense of community, with seasonal festivals, farmer's markets, and cultural events providing year-round opportunities to connect and unwind. The city is also home to the renowned Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) and the iconic Saratoga Racecourse, adding excitement and a touch of elegance to daily life.
Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to love in Saratoga Springs. The city is surrounded by natural beauty, with Saratoga Spa State Park offering trails, picnic areas, golf courses, and mineral springs that promote a health-focused lifestyle. Nearby Saratoga Lake and the Adirondack Mountains provide easy access to boating, fishing, skiing, and hiking, allowing residents to embrace an active, adventurous lifestyle in every season.
With its excellent schools, vibrant nightlife, and close-knit community, Saratoga Springs and its environs are perfect for individuals and families seeking a balanced and fulfilling life. It combines the charm of a smaller town with access to metropolitan amenities. New York City, Boston, and Montreal are within a 3.5-hour ride by car or train. Please visit www.Saratoga.org to learn more.
Job Requirements:
Required Qualifications:
Master's degree from a regionally accredited institution.
Experience with strategic planning, budgeting, and continuous improvement within a budgetary environment of $50M or greater.
10 years of progressive leadership and financial managerial experience at the senior management level in higher education, government, or a setting of comparable size and complexity.
Evidence of success functioning in a complex, high-demand environment while managing multiple priorities simultaneously.
Excellent written, oral and interpersonal communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications:
Terminal degree in business, finance, or related discipline.
Experience dealing with local, state, and federal legislative and regulatory processes as they affect public institutions and affiliated entities, such as foundations.
Experience working in a complex, diverse multistakeholder environment (e.g., unions, shared governance, or similar).
Evidence of a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Special Information:
This position is a fully on-site role based in Saratoga Springs, NY and does not offer the opportunity for a hybrid or remote work arrangement.
Anticipated Start Date 8/1/2025.
Occasional travel required to fulfill university-wide commitments.
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. VISA sponsorship is not available for this position.
Additional Information:
Nominations and Questions:
For a confidential discussion about the opportunity-or to make a nomination-please contact: Julieta Majak, Senior Vice President for Administration and Finance, at Julie.Majak@sunyempire.edu.
Rank/Salary: Management-Confidential / $210,000 - $225,000, dependent on experience and qualifications.
We are pleased to offer our employees an excellent benefit package which includes NYS health insurance, free dental and vision, competitive retirement options, and generous vacation, sick and holiday accruals; and a strong emphasis on work-life balance. We also offer professional-development activities for professionals and support staff.
SUNY Empire is an AA/EEO/ADA employer. The University actively seeks applications from women, veterans, individuals with a disability, members of underrepresented groups or anyone that would enrich the diversity of the University. SUNY Empire is committed to fostering a diverse community of outstanding faculty, staff, and students, as well as ensuring equal educational opportunity, employment, and access to services, programs, and activities, without regard to an individual's race, color, national origin, religion, creed, age, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, familial status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristics, military status, domestic violence victim status, or criminal conviction. Employees, students, applicants, or other members of the university community (including but not limited to vendors, visitors, and guests) may not be subjected to harassment that is prohibited by law or treated adversely or retaliated against based upon a protected characteristic.
SUNY Empire provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities, veterans, or wounded warriors where appropriate. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (518) 587-2100 ext. 2240.
In accordance with the Title II Crime Awareness and Security Act, a copy of our crime statistics is available upon request by calling (518) 587-2100, ext. 2800. It can also be viewed online at our Safety and Security website: www.sunyempire.edu/safety-security/.
