Description
The Opportunity
Mary Baldwin University seeks a forward-thinking and collaborative Executive Vice President for Finance and Operations / Chief Financial Officer (EVP/CFO) to help shape the institution’s next chapter of innovation, sustainability, and mission-centered growth. This is a pivotal cabinet-level role for a strategic leader who understands that finance is about stewardship and enabling possibility.
The EVP/CFO will partner closely with the President, Board of Trustees, and senior leadership to advance the institutional vision through financial strategy, ensuring that resources, infrastructure, and operational systems support a dynamic academic environment and a strong future for the university. The successful candidate will bring both analytical rigor and strategic imagination, guiding the university through evolving higher education challenges while strengthening its financial foundation.
Leadership Context
As higher education continues to evolve, Mary Baldwin University is positioned to advance innovative academic programs and strengthen student-centered initiatives. The EVP/CFO will play a central role in translating institutional ambition into sustainable action — balancing strategic investment with responsible fiscal management.
This leader will oversee a broad portfolio that includes financial planning and budgeting, Human Resources, the Controller’s Office, Information Technology, Facilities Management, including Security, and Investment Management. Through these areas, the EVP/CFO will help shape the university's operational backbone, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Strategic Priorities
The next EVP/CFO will have the opportunity to:
Partner with the President and Cabinet to develop and implement a long-range financial strategy that advances institutional priorities and strengthens financial resilience.
Position budgeting as a strategic planning tool, aligning resources with academic innovation, enrollment realities, and student success initiatives.
Guide investment management and financial stewardship to support long-term sustainability and institutional growth.
Strengthen institutional operations through strategic vendor negotiation and contract oversight while partnering proactively with legal counsel to support sound governance, mitigate risk, and advance mission-aligned decision-making.
Foster strong, service-oriented administrative divisions that operate as strategic partners to academic and student-facing units.
Lead thoughtful modernization across operational areas — including technology infrastructure, facilities planning, and organizational effectiveness.
Strengthen cross-campus collaboration by building trust, transparency, and shared understanding around financial decisions.
The Leadership Profile
Mary Baldwin University seeks a leader who brings a blend of financial expertise, institutional perspective, and relational leadership. The EVP/CFO will be both a strategist and a partner, someone who listens carefully, communicates clearly, and approaches challenges with creativity and integrity.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate:
Significant executive leadership experience in finance, business operations, or institutional administration.
A strong understanding of financial modeling, budgeting, compliance, and investment strategy.
The ability to translate complex financial concepts into accessible, mission-driven conversations.
Experience leading diverse operational teams and fostering collaborative cultures.
A leadership style grounded in transparency, shared governance, and respect for the university’s mission and community.
An advanced degree in a related field is preferred, along with experience in higher education or a similarly complex mission-driven organization.
Why Mary Baldwin
Located in the historic Shenandoah Valley, Mary Baldwin University offers a distinctive educational experience grounded in innovation, leadership, and community engagement. The EVP/CFO will join a university that values collaboration, creativity, and forward-thinking leadership, and will have the opportunity to influence institutional direction during a transformational moment.
How to Apply
All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include as separate documents, a CV or resume, a detailed letter of interest addressing the candidate’s professional experience, given the expectations of the position, and a list of three professional references with contact information and a brief description explaining the working relationship of each (references will not be contacted until the semi-finalist stage of the search).
Blue Rock Human Capital is assisting Mary Baldwin University with this search. Review of applicants begins immediately. For full consideration, candidate materials should be received by March 2, 2026. To apply click here.
