Vice President of Finance and Administration

About the Role

Northwood University seeks an entrepreneurial, strategic, and mission-driven leader to serve as its next Vice President, Finance and Administration. Located in Midland, Michigan, Northwood is a private, nonprofit university founded on the principles of free enterprise, personal responsibility, limited government, and earned success (The Northwood Idea). The university is entering an exciting new phase of growth and innovation, marked by its recently adopted 2026-2031 Strategic Plan and the near completion of its $100M comprehensive fundraising campaign.

The Vice President of Finance & Administration serves as the University's chief financial and business officer, reporting directly to the University President and working closely with the Executive Vice-President & COO. The position also serves as Treasurer to the Board of Trustees and plays a central role in aligning institutional resources with mission, strategy, and student success.

The Opportunity

Northwood University is at a pivotal moment, known as America’s Free Enterprise University and dedicated to democratic capitalism. The university is about to embark on its most substantial capital transformation in its history. This role is designed for an entrepreneurial, innovative leader to guide—not just manage—this next phase, anchored in The Northwood Idea.

The next Vice President for Finance and Administration will:

• Drive execution of Northwood’s growth-oriented 2026–2031 Strategic Plan.
• Build innovative financial and business systems and strategies that fuel enrollment growth and long-term sustainability.
• Align finance, technology, facilities, and administration around institutional priorities.
• Oversee the largest capital infrastructure investment in Northwood’s history, transforming the Midland campus.
• Champion an entrepreneurial culture of creativity, accountability, and results.
• Partner closely with trustees, senior leaders, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders.
• Steward one of higher education’s most distinctive missions and philosophies.

Leadership Portfolio

The Vice President provides executive oversight for:

• Finance and Accounting
• Budgeting and Financial Planning
• Information Technology
• Facilities and Capital Projects
• Auxiliary Services
• Risk Management and Insurance
• Compliance and Legal Coordination
• Strategic Business Operations

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will bring both strategic vision and operational excellence, balancing innovation with sound financial stewardship.

Desired Characteristics

Northwood seeks a leader who:

• Embraces and champions the principles embodied in The Northwood Idea.
• Possesses exceptional financial and business acumen.
• Demonstrates integrity, transparency, and sound judgment.
• Thrives in entrepreneurial and mission-driven environments.
• Builds trust through collaboration and exceptional communication.
• Is energized by strategic thinking, problem solving, and continuous improvement.
• Provides clear, candid counsel to executive leadership.
• Understands how to align financial strategy with institutional outcomes and growth objectives.

Qualifications

• A record of progressively responsible executive leadership in finance, administration, business operations, or related fields is required.
• Experience in higher education is preferred, though leaders from nonprofit, corporate, or other mission-driven organizations with comparable complexity are encouraged to apply.
• A CPA credential and advanced degree are highly desirable.

About Northwood University

Northwood University is unlike any other institution in higher education. For more than six decades, it has advanced a philosophy that champions free enterprise, limited government, ethical leadership, entrepreneurship, and personal responsibility. The University's commitment to innovation, fiscal stewardship, and student success continues to guide its future. Learn more about The Northwood Idea.