Vice President for Finance and Chief Financial Officer
About the role
Salem Academy and College is seeking a Vice President for Finance and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to join their leadership team. The CFO will provide strategic financial leadership and oversight to both Salem Academy and Salem College, working closely with institutional leadership to guide the future of these two distinctive institutions.
Core Duties And Responsibilities
Advise the President and collaborate with the senior leadership team to advance the mission, long-term sustainability, and strategic priorities of Salem Academy and College.
Steward the institution's financial resources to support academic excellence, student experience, and institutional vitality.
Oversee core financial functions including budget planning and forecasting, endowment, accounting, cash management, grant administration, debt, banking relationships, contracts, risk management, compliance, auxiliary business operations, internal controls, and vendor contract negotiation and review.
Provide strategic leadership and oversight for investment management, regulatory and financial reporting, liquidity planning, audit and compliance functions, and the development and management of high-performing finance and operational teams.
Support the President and Board of Trustees with timely, accurate financial information, forecasting, and strategic financial analysis to inform decision-making and long-range planning.
Chair the College Faculty Fiscal Affairs Committee.
Leadership Opportunities
Advancement of long-term financial sustainability and strategic growth.
Signature program support.
The Academy Hotel project.
Integrated enrollment, capital, and financial planning.
Optimization of contractual arrangements.
The Ideal Candidate
A commitment to the mission and values of Salem Academy and College as a women’s institution.
A track record of success in financial planning and budgeting processes, including decision-making clarity and stakeholder communication.
Understanding of financial relationships with banks, debt holders, contractual partners, and other financial institutions.
Knowledge and experience with financing options for capital planning and real estate development projects.
Strong negotiation skills and ability to navigate business opportunities such as corporate partnerships and contractual relationships.
Expertise in multi-year financial strategic planning and modeling with diverse stakeholders.
Understanding of the higher education landscape and common issues faced by institutions like Salem Academy and College.
Experience at an institution comparable in size, culture, and complexity to Salem Academy and College, preferably in an education setting.
Prior experience working with governing boards or equivalent.
Professional training in business and finance, or equivalent.
About The New President
Dr. Jill Fleuriet is the President-elect of Salem Academy and College and a nationally recognized higher education leader, scholar, and educator with extensive experience in advancing student success, academic innovation, and mission-centered leadership.
About Salem Academy And College
Salem Academy and College is the oldest continuously operating educational institution for girls and women in the country. Founded in 1772, the institution has a rich history of innovation in women's education and serves as a beacon for academic excellence and leadership development.
Application and Nomination Process
The Search Committee is currently accepting and reviewing applications until the position is filled. The deadline for best consideration of applications is July 3, 2026. Candidates should submit a letter of interest, résumé, and five professional references through the AGB Search portal system at [link: bit.ly/3PwSboi]. For any questions or difficulties with the application process, candidates can contact: Salem_CFO@agbsearch.com. The Search is being assisted by AGB Search. For nominations, expressions of interest, or questions regarding the application process, candidates can reach out to: Salem_CFO@agbsearch.com or the AGB Search team below:
- Larry Ladd, Executive Search Consultant, AGB Search: (508) 274-0910
- Margaret “Peggy” Plympton, Principal, AGB Search: (484) 554-4542
AA/EO STATEMENT: Salem College is an equal opportunity employer.