Posting DetailsApplications will be accepted until midnight (Eastern Time Zone) on the 'Posting End Date' shown below.
Position Information
Business Title Chief of Staff to the VP Finance and Administration
Applications Accepted From Public: Open to the Public
Special Instructions to Applicants Please complete the online application and attach the required documents. Required documents include a detailed cover letter, current resume, and a list of at least three (3) professional references with current contact details, including email addresses.
For full consideration, please submit your materials by position closing date.
This position is eligible for the following benefits: medical, vision, dental, basic and supplemental life, winter break closure, paid holidays, educational benefits for you and eligible dependents, sick leave, vacation, and retirement.
Posting Number 2016563T
Job Description SummaryDepartment Summary This position is a trusted advisor and strategic partner, providing guidance on complex divisional issues while ensuring the Finance and Administration division operates efficiently and in compliance with laws, regulations, and university policies. This role requires expertise in data analysis and financial management to support decision-making and advance strategic initiatives. Acting as the eyes and ears for the Vice President, the position oversees critical projects, fosters collaboration, and manages sensitive information with the highest level of discretion. A wide degree of creativity and latitude is expected.
Primary Accountabilities:- Strategic Support and Planning: Serve as a trusted advisor to the Vice President for Finance and Administration, providing insights and recommendations on sensitive and complex matters. Support the development and execution of the Finance and Administration division's strategic goals and initiatives. Prepare reports, presentations, and strategic briefs for internal and external stakeholders. Stay informed on federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and university policies, ensuring the Finance and Administration division's practices and initiatives remain compliant, and initiate policy edits or updates as necessary to maintain alignment with legal and institutional requirements. Identify risks, opportunities, and areas for improvement across the Finance and Administration division.
- Budget and Data Management: Develop, manage, and forecast the Finance and Administration division's budget, prepare detailed financial analyses and identify cost-saving opportunities. Prepare detailed budget reports, projections, and financial analyses to support short- and long-term planning. Collaborate with university finance teams to ensure timely submission of budget requests and compliance with financial regulations. Coordinate strategic procurement initiatives and cross-functional evaluation processes in collaboration with appropriate university stakeholders. Utilize data systems to analyze workforce and financial data, generate reports, and provide actionable insights to support strategic decision-making. Ensure compliance with governance policies while optimizing system functionalities.
- Project Management: Plan, execute, and oversee high-priority Finance and Administration division projects, ensuring they are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget. Develop and maintain project charters, timelines, and management plans. Coordinate cross-functional teams and manage stakeholder communication to ensure project alignment with strategic objectives. Provide leadership in process improvement initiatives to streamline workflows and enhance service delivery.
- Communication and Relationship Building: Coordinate executive priorities, facilitate leadership engagement, and ensure appropriate follow-up on strategic initiatives and decisions. Act as a liaison between the VP and university leadership, ensuring effective communication and follow-up on key initiatives. Build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders, vendors, and government agencies, representing the Finance and Administration division in various forums. Organize and lead leadership meetings, including setting agendas, preparing materials, and documenting outcomes. Prepare reports and presentations for the VP, ensuring professionalism and confidentiality.
Position Profile Manages a variety of highly complex administration processes, such as development and implementation of strategic plans, continuous improvement projects, and stakeholder engagement. May serve on institution-wide committees on behalf of leadership requiring detailed content knowledge and expertise. Utilizes independent judgment and discretion to formulate and manage operational and strategic planning processes. Provides input on financial and strategic viability for initiatives. Ensures effective management of institutional operations through strategic coordination of critical resources. Serves on various department, division, and/or University committees.
Level Summary Leads significant programs or functions with a high level of strategic importance. Works as a technical leader to address highly challenging processes with broad and significant implications for the University. Collaborates closely with senior management to deliver impactful business results and long-term strategies.
Supervisory Responsibilities Provides subject matter expertise to internal and external stakeholders. May have a limited number of direct reports.
Fiscal Responsibilities May manage budget in work area or multiple project budgets.
Problem Solving Resolves highly complex problems, often with no clear precedent.
Independence of Action Self-directed with minimal supervision and high decision-making autonomy.
Communication and Collaboration Leads major collaborations and represents the University at higher levels.
Physical Requirements This position is primarily office-based and requires extensive use of computers and other standard office equipment. Duties involve prolonged periods of sitting, frequent communication with internal and external stakeholders, and participation in meetings. The position requires the ability to manage competing priorities, respond to time-sensitive matters, and exercise discretion when handling confidential information. Occasional travel and work outside normal business hours may be required to support university operations, meetings, and special initiatives.
Minimum Qualifications Requires a Bachelor's degree in a related field and 10 or more years of related professional experience, or equivalent education and experience.
Preferred Qualifications - Master's degree in business administration, public administration, higher education administration, finance, or a related field.
- Experience working in higher education, government, or another large, complex organization.
- Demonstrated experience supporting executive leadership in strategic planning, organizational initiatives, and complex decision-making.
- Experience with financial analysis, budget development, forecasting, and resource allocation.
- Demonstrated success managing complex projects and leading cross-functional initiatives involving multiple stakeholders.
- Strong analytical, communication, and relationship-building skills, including experience preparing executive-level reports, presentations, and recommendations.
- Knowledge of organizational governance, policy development, and regulatory compliance.
Department VP For Finance and Administration
Pay Rate Competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. Employees enjoy a generous benefits package
https://www.ohio.edu/hr/benefitsTotal Compensation Estimator (For Full-Time Benefits Eligible Employees)Discover the full value of joining Ohio University by clicking this link:
https://www.ohio.edu/hr/compensation/total-compensation-estimator
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Estimates are informational only; exact coverage is determined by eligibility policies and official plan documents.
Pay Grade 20
Pay Range $80,593.00-$138,208.00
FLSA Status Exempt
Job Category Administrative at-will appointment
Employment Type full-time regular
Job Family Administrative Management
Job Sub Family Administrative Strategy
Job Level IC5
Job Open Date 10/27/2026
Posting End Date 11/17/2026
Planning Unit Vice President for Finance & Administration
Work Schedule Typical work expectations are Monday - Friday, 8:00 - 5:00; however, candidates must be willing to work evenings and/or weekends if necessary.
Months 12 month
Campus Athens, Ohio
Expected hours worked per week 40 +
Expected duration of assignment on-going
Applicants may contact this person if they have questions about this position. Vickie Wortman, wortmanv@ohio.edu
