Senior Vice President For Administration & Finance/Chief Financial Officer

Job Summary

As the chief Financial Officer of the University, with executive responsibility for ensuring quality administrative and fiscal services, the Senior Vice President (SVP) reports directly to the university President for all matters related to the management and oversight of the business, operations, and financial affairs of the university. The SVP is responsible for the implementation of all fiscal policies and regulations; the fiscal oversight of the university's auxiliary organizations (Cal Poly Corporation, Associated Students Inc. and Cal Poly Foundation); and developing and supporting a quality service orientation and ethic within their areas of responsibility. These areas of responsibility include: financial services, accounting and university budget and planning; campus-wide information technology services; contract and procurement services; real estate; capital project planning, design and construction; facility maintenance; internal audit; mail and distribution services; risk management; administrative compliance services; public safety (university police, emergency management and transportation services); the Cal Poly Corporation; and the Performing Arts Center. The SVP is responsible for ensuring the sustainability, waste reduction, and stewardship of the natural resources needed for the continued efficient operations of the Cal Poly campus including facilities, campus grounds, energy usage and construction, and facilitating student learn-by-doing opportunities that take advantage of the physical campus.

The SVP, in partnership with the president and executive Vice President/provost, shares a major leadership role in defining resource allocation, developing priorities and strategies, and implementing campus-wide budget processes. As one of nine Vice Presidents, the SVP plays a key role in the development of university policy. The SVP represents and acts for the president on matters of established financial policy within the university and the California State University system, and they accept specific delegations and assignments requiring coordination at the senior administrative levels.

Department Summary

The Administration and Finance division is the steward of Cal Poly's resources, comprising several units that fulfill major operational roles for the University. With an annual budget of $101.4 million and approximately 650 total staff, Administration and Finance is responsible for the operation and maintenance of nearly six million square feet of space in the 150 major buildings on campus.

Key Qualifications

• Understanding of and commitment to the mission and values of Cal Poly
• Experience/familiarity with the role and function of information technology services in an educational/academic setting
• Proven ability to lead in a large, complex, high-demand environment, managing multiple priorities simultaneously and accustomed to setting and achieving goals
• Ability to apply critical, conceptual and strategic thinking to important financial, academic and administrative issues across the university
• Exceptional communication skills to convey the strategic goals and objectives of finance and administration programs; ability to crystallize complex financial information in lay terms and to effectively articulate the university's financial vision, strengths, goals, and requirements to a wide range of audiences, both internal and external

Education and Experience

• A Bachelor's degree in a relevant field is required, Master's degree or higher in a relevant field is preferred. A minimum of 5 years' senior management experience is required.

Salary and Benefits

The anticipated hiring range for this role is $300,000 -$360,000 per year.

Note that the offer is calculated based on the background and relevant years of experience of the individual selected.

Cal Poly offers a best-in-class benefits program, including health, dental and vision insurance, retirement participation in the Public Employees' Retirement System, and educational benefits for eligible employees. See our benefits website for additional information. 

Cal Poly

Cal Poly is a nationally-ranked public university located in San Luis Obispo, California, and known for its Learn by Doing philosophy. Each year more than 20,000 top-tier students come to San Luis Obispo to put knowledge into action, taking their learning outside the classroom as they prepare for careers in engineering, agriculture, science, business, humanities and the built environment. Cal Poly's hands-on philosophy, small class sizes and close student-faculty mentorships result in graduates ready from day one to impact their communities, California and the world. For more information, visit calpoly.edu.

Diversity Statement

At Cal Poly, we believe that cultivating an environment that embraces and promotes diversity is fundamental to the success of our students, our employees and our community. Bringing people together from different backgrounds, experiences and value systems fosters the innovative and creative thinking that exemplifies Cal Poly's values of free inquiry, cultural and intellectual diversity, mutual respect, civic engagement, and social and environmental responsibility.
Cal Poly's commitment to diversity informs our efforts in recruitment, hiring and retention. Cal Poly is an equal opportunity employer. 

Supplemental Information

Following a conditional offer of employment, a background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate may start work with Cal Poly. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may result in the withdrawal of the offer of employment. Current employees who are offered positions on campus will be required to undergo a background check for any position where a background check is required by law or that Cal Poly has designated as sensitive.

The person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

This position may be "Designated" under California State University's Conflict of Interest Code. This would require the filing of a Statement of Economic Interest on an annual basis and the completion of training within 6 months of assuming office and every 2 years thereafter.

Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo is not a sponsoring agency for staff positions (i.e. H-1B visas).