Senior Vice President for Business and Finance, and Chief Financial Officer
About the role
The Senior Vice President for Business and Finance and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is a pivotal role at SMU, helping to translate institutional ambition into sustained financial strength, operational excellence, and long-term impact. Reporting to President Jay C. Hartzell, this role serves as a key member of the President’s Executive Council.
Responsibilities
- Oversight of Finance and Planning
- Human Resources
- Facilities Planning and Management
- Campus Services
- Risk Management
- University Police
- Contracts Administration
Requirements
An advanced degree in finance, business administration, or a related field is preferred. The successful candidate will be an intellectually nimble, strategically oriented, and highly collaborative executive with financial acumen, sound judgment, operational leadership, and a service mindset towards the academic enterprise.
Qualifications
- Intellectually nimble
- Strategically oriented
- Highly collaborative
- Financial acumen
- Sound judgment
- Operational leadership
- Service mindset towards the academic enterprise
Skills
- Strong communication skills
- Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders
- Experience in higher education finance
- Leadership in strategic planning and execution
Benefits
SMU offers competitive benefits including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. The University also provides a supportive work environment that values diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Pay
The salary range for this position is $250,000 - $350,000 annually, commensurate with experience.
Schedule
The role requires regular attendance and availability during normal business hours, with occasional evening and weekend work as needed.
Contact Information
To inquire about the position or submit a nomination, please contact Korn Ferry at SMU-CFO@kornferry.com. For more information about SMU, visit our website at www.smu.edu.