About Roanoke College Roanoke College is a place where every student who works hard has the opportunity to succeed. We champion potential, providing essential learning and leadership through innovative academic programs and transformative educational experiences, giving students the mettle, mindset, and empathy to pursue lives of purpose, build meaningful careers, and meet society's most pressing needs. Located in scenic Salem, Virginia, Roanoke College is an intimate, welcoming community that has served the local region and beyond for nearly 200 years. Now, we're building on momentum and offering a Roanoke experience for today's students and a legacy that belongs to every Maroon. Learn about the College's new strategic plan, Imagine Roanoke: A Strategic Plan for Roanoke College and the 21st Century Learner. Roanoke College is a nationally ranked residential liberal arts college affiliated with the Lutheran Church (ELCA), located in the beautiful Roanoke Valley of Virginia. A Phi Beta Kappa institution, Roanoke College is an equal opportunity employer and actively seeks diversity among its faculty, staff, and students; women and members of under-represented groups are especially encouraged to apply. IMPORTANT: If you are interested in this role, please do not apply through this platform. Instead, submit your application using the following link: https://spelmanandjohnson.com/position/vice-president-for-finance-and-administration-and-treasurer/ The Position Responsibilities of the Position Reporting directly to the president and serving as a member of the president's cabinet, the vice president for finance and administration and treasurer (VPFA) will serve as Roanoke College's chief financial and administrative officer, advancing a dynamic and agile operational strategy aligned with the college's mission, values, and strategic plan. The VPFA will steward the college's resources with integrity and foresight, while leading the modernization of Roanoke's financial and administrative systems to meet the demands of a rapidly changing higher education landscape. A trusted advisor to the president and an essential partner to the Board of Trustees and senior leaders, the VPFA will play a central role in ensuring institutional sustainability, financial transparency, and student-centered operations. The VPFA provides strategic leadership across a broad portfolio, including finance and budget, buildings and grounds, and auxiliary services. As treasurer to the Board of Trustees, the VPFA also plays a critical role in fiscal governance, long-range planning, risk management, and fiduciary oversight. The VPFA will join a collaborative and forward-looking senior leadership team committed to building a 21st-century liberal arts college that is responsive, innovative, and mission-driven. The ideal candidate will bring a track record of strategic, value-based leadership; deep expertise in higher education finance and administration; and a strong belief in the transformative power of education. With an entrepreneurial mindset-rooted in innovation, creative problem-solving, and thoughtful risk-taking-the VPFA will help the college navigate complexity, uncover new revenue opportunities, and steward resources to ensure long-term institutional vitality. Responsibilities The vice president for finance and administration and treasurer will: Engage as a highly collaborative, forthright, transparent, practical, and entrepreneurial leader. Serve as a key institutional leader in developing and implementing a forward-looking financial strategy that enhances Roanoke's fiscal health and supports innovation. Provide strategic oversight for all financial and administrative operations of the college, including: Comprehensive long-range financial planning and budgeting. Oversight of the annual audit, reporting, controls, and compliance Facilities and capital renewal planning, including deferred maintenance management Auxiliary services (e.g., dining, campus store, etc.) Partner with the president, senior leaders, and trustees to lead the redesign of Roanoke's business model, moving toward a thriving future state concurrent with a transparent, performance-based framework that aligns with strategic priorities and promotes financial stewardship. Serve as treasurer to the Board of Trustees and staff the finance committee, building and grounds committee, investment committee, and share leadership for the audit, risk, and compliance committee, providing timely and accessible financial reporting, scenario planning, and long-term fiscal forecasting. Champion a continuous improvement and operational excellence culture by modernizing systems, improving service delivery, and increasing institutional agility. Collaborate closely with the vice president for enrollment management and the vice president for academic affairs to align financial planning with student recruitment, academic innovation, and enrollment goals. Work alongside the vice president for advancement to develop and execute capital and endowment strategies in support of campus renewal, student success, and institutional transformation. Partner with the associate vice president for facilities management to lead facilities planning, renewal, and construction, ensuring accessibility, sustainability, and alignment with the college's residential learning mission. Partner with the associate vice president for human resources to strengthen human resources strategy and operations to attract, develop, and retain exceptional talent. Partner with the chief information officer to lead the development and implementation of a 21st-century IT strategy that aligns technology investments with institutional goals, enhances academic and administrative functions, and ensures cybersecurity, data integrity, and long-term adaptability in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Cultivate a high-performing administrative team, providing mentorship, leadership development, and opportunities for cross-functional collaboration and innovation. Partner with the associate vice president for auxiliary services to ensure that services align with strategic priorities, while focusing on data-informed continuous improvement, achieving high standards of service quality, student satisfaction, and fiscal accountability. Qualifications and Characteristics of the Successful Candidate A bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, public administration, or a related field and ten years of progressive leadership experience in finance and administration, preferably within higher education or a similarly complex nonprofit organization, are required. An MBA, MPA, or other relevant advanced degree, or a CPA license is strongly preferred. The ideal candidate will bring most or all of the following qualifications and qualities: Demonstrated success leading financial strategy, designing and implementing new budget models, and managing complex operations. A track record of leading cross-functional teams through change with integrity, empathy, clarity, and transparency. Strong knowledge of capital planning, debt management, financial systems, and regulatory compliance. Familiarity with HR and IT operations and a demonstrated ability to modernize administrative systems. A demonstrated ability to modernize administrative systems. Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to translate complex financial concepts to diverse stakeholders, including trustees, faculty, and staff. A collaborative spirit and the ability to build trust and shared accountability across organizational lines. A commitment to student-centered decision-making and an understanding of how financial strategy supports the academic mission and student experience. An unwavering commitment to fostering well-being and belonging in institutional practices and workplace culture. A deep belief in the transformational potential of higher education. Opportunities and Challenges of the Role The new VPFA will prioritize continuing to develop improved financial reporting systems. A restructured chart of accounts will be introduced in December to create increased transparency and accountability for budget managers. Two significant construction projects are currently underway on campus. The McConnon Discovery Center is on track for completion by fall 2026. The 32,000 square foot building's interactive study spaces, high-power research labs, and collaborative spaces will contribute to the @type of experiential learning that leads to higher levels of student success. This facility is the first and most intensive phase of the three-part plan to reimagine STEM learning at Roanoke College and create a state-of-the-art hub that will support advanced research and house one-third of all campus courses. Three of Roanoke's 10 most popular majors-psychology, biology, and environmental studies-will be in the McConnon Discovery Center. In addition, renovations to Crawford Residence Hall are in progress with a target completion date of fall 2026. The project focuses on upgrades to the HVAC system, windows, bathrooms, the kitchen, outdoor spaces, and accessibility features. The VPFA will encounter the following additional opportunities, priorities, and challenges, as shared by key campus stakeholders: Opportunity to work with a visionary president with a new strategic plan for the future, working within a strong leadership team. Develop a long-term plan to address deferred maintenance. The college restructured debt in 2020 to create approximately $2 million in annual cash flow for capital investments. The college's balance sheet is strong, with no covenants or restrictions. The college faces the challenges inherent in today's private higher education environment, but is well-positioned for innovation moving forward. Build a transparent and inclusive budget process. The vice president must be a strong communicator who can explain complex issues to stakeholders with limited financial experience. Bring an entrepreneurial spirit and student focus to the position. President Shushok has implemented new structures, communication methods, and programs during his tenure. Roanoke is committed to constantly changing and adapting to meet the needs of students and improve their experience at the college. Partner with leadership in building and grounds and auxiliary services to address hiring and retention challenges. Measures of Success The items listed below will define the VPFA's success throughout the first year of employment: Evidence shows that trust has been built with cabinet members, trustees, faculty, staff, and students. The budget and reporting process has improved, with evidence that it is more transparent and efficient. New and creative financial and operational strategies have been introduced to strengthen the college further. High levels of technology implementation and integration to manage day-to-day facilities work orders and consumer satisfaction are advancing. Leadership in reducing costs through identifying and recommending efficiencies. Effective management and implementation of the Campus Master Plan. Evidence of effectiveness in team building and supporting staff. There is evidence that this person is highly visible, well organized, eager to ask questions and listen, and a strong communicator capable of adapting. * The vice president exhibits strong financial skills, stays within budget, effectively utilizes technology in reporting, and explains data meaningfully to all stakeholders. IMPORTANT: If you are interested in this role, please do not apply through this platform. Instead, submit your application using the following link: https://spelmanandjohnson.com/position/vice-president-for-finance-and-administration-and-treasurer/
