Nominations and inquiries can be sent to hrd@hartford.edu.
The University of Hartford invites nominations and applications for the next Vice President and Chief Financial and Administrative Officer (VP/CFAO) to join the President's leadership team.
The next VP/CFAO will join UHart at an exciting moment of growth and momentum as the campus community celebrates new beginnings and initiatives. Under the new leadership of Lawrence P. Ward; a broad-based strategic action plan; new facilities; and several new programs and partnerships, the University is poised to refine and differentiate its position as a leader in higher education.
The Role
The Vice President and Chief Financial and Administrative Officer provides strategic leadership and executive management in all areas of finance and administrative operations including facilities, information technology, human resources, and auxiliary services, legal and payroll. A trusted member of the president’s senior leadership team, the VP/CFAO works closely with the president, provost, others cabinet members, academic deans, and departmental leaders to develop, implement, and achieve the University’s strategic priorities.
The VP/CFAO plays a critical leadership role in shared governance and engages directly with the Board of Regents in support of their fiduciary responsibilities. The VP/CFAO supports several board committees including finance, investment, and audit.
Key Responsiblities
- Establishes and executes strategic priorities that contribute to the financial stability of the University of Hartford. Evaluates the effectiveness of strategic priorities and directs the adjustment of budget and financial investments accordingly.
- Advises the President and Board of Regents on all financial matters regarding the fiscal health of the University. Conducts annual and interim audits and assessments, and produces financial reports which inform management decisions affecting institutional policies, procedures, and/or practices.
- Directs all financial planning and budget management functions, and establishes benchmarks for measuring the financial and operating performance of the University. Manages the financial forecasting by reviewing performance at established intervals and recommends adjustments as appropriate. Prepares financial analyses for the Board of Regents and President that outline sound financial decisions and recommendations. Works closely with departments to develop business plans which adhere to established policy.
- Supports the President and Board in the development, implementation, and proactive monitoring of appropriate financial controls to maintain the University’s financial integrity. Assesses University financial requirements and evaluates capital needs in an effort to strategically meet University established goals and priorities.
- Manages cash flow through the University to maintain the integrity of funds, securities and other financial resources.
- Provides direction and oversight for the university’s major administrative operations and related functions including information technology, human resources, payroll, facilities management and infrastructure planning, dining, contracts management, legal and procurement.
- Oversees enterprise risk management for the university and ensures that the highest areas of risk are appropriately identified and prioritized. Proactively develops risk mitigation plans in collaboration with relevant department leaders.
- Establishes metrics and goals for financial and administrative operations in an effort to position the university as an educational institution and employer of choice. Communicates with the university constituencies in a transparent manner, style, and frequency that fosters confidence and trust.
- Establishes, cultivates and maintains effective relationships with financial institutions. Ensures compliance with local, state, and federal financial reporting requirements. Administers banking arrangements and loan agreements. Maintains custody of the University’s moneys and securities, and ensures adequate sources for borrowings from lenders. Provides oversight to the investments of the University’s funds. Approves all agreements concerning financial obligations including, but not limited to, contracts for products and services.
- Serves on planning and policy-making committees and represents the University externally to government agencies, auditors and the general public. Serves on the University Resource Planning and Priority (budget) Committee. Creates both short and long-term operational efficiencies to further strengthen the University’s financial position by diversifying sources of revenues as well as by introducing and overseeing lean management concepts and technologies.
About UHart
Since its founding, UHart has been innovating and adapting to meet the needs of students and society. It has long offered a rich mixture of outstanding programs—from business, electronics, engineering, technology, and education to music, the visual arts, and the arts and sciences.
UHart continues to invest in its future by launching many new and in-demand academic programs, including nursing, aerospace engineering, business analytics, robotics, data science, occupational therapy (master’s), computer science (master’s), animation and game art, and digital media and journalism. There are increased online offerings and newly created ventures in corporate programming, professional certificates, and combined or accelerated degree programs.
Our Location
Top 100 Places to Live
Surrounded by green spaces and wooded trails, UHart's 350-acre campus runs alongside Connecticut's capital city of Hartford and its crossroads with the vibrant towns of West Hartford and Bloomfield.
Only two hours from both Boston and New York City, our central location provides plenty of opportunities to fully explore New England’s vibrant culture, cities, beaches, and mountains. In Connecticut’s capital city, you can cheer on the Hartford Yard Goats in downtown’s nationally recognized baseball stadium, visit local museums, catch a Broadway show or performance, and grab dinner at award-winning restaurants. Hartford also has all the diverse professional opportunities of a big city. UHart’s proximity to the capital means big possibilities. The University has forged relationships with many different companies and organizations, making internships and other professional options readily accessible to students.
Strategic Vision
UHart Start—the University's five-year strategic action plan—was launched in 2020 to guide UHart’s efforts through 2025 to transform the institution, ensure excellence, and sustain success. During this time, the University has raised $75 million through impactful fundraising and many new partnerships. UHart's undergraduate and graduate enrollment continues to have solid momentum, reaching more than 6,000 students enrolled in Fall 2024—the largest enrollment since Fall 2020. The University transitioned its athletics program to NCAA Division III status, which has contributed to three consecutive years of increases in applications and admitted students.
Application Procedure
All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications are encouraged to submit a cover letter, a CV or résumé, a diversity statement, and letters of recommendation. References will not be contacted without the candidate’s prior approval.
The University of Hartford is an open and welcoming community, which values diversity in all its forms. In addition, the University aspires to have its faculty and staff reflect the rich diversity of its student body and the Hartford region. Candidates committed to working with diverse populations and conversant in multicultural issues are encouraged to apply.