Vice President of Finance and Operations

Wichita State University Foundation and Alumni Engagement (WSUFAE) is seeking a strategic, mission-driven leader to serve as our next Vice President of Finance and Operations. Reporting directly to the President and CEO, this executive will serve as a trusted advisor on key matters including financial planning and performance, investments, internal controls, governance, IT, and organizational operations. As a member of the senior leadership team, the Vice President will play a critical role in shaping institutional strategy, strengthening infrastructure, and advancing WSUFAE’s long-term fiscal health and operational excellence.

This role oversees a broad portfolio that includes accounting and financial reporting, investment management, gift processing, records compliance, facilities, and information technology. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in nonprofit finance, strong investment acumen, and proven records of leading high-performing teams across administrative functions. A commitment to the core values of integrity, excellence, and collaboration, and service is essential, as is the ability to foster trust and build strong relationships with university leaders, board members, donors, and external partners.

With a team of more than 50 dedicated individuals working to support fundraising and donor and alumni relationships, the WSUFAE is proud to champion the continued growth of Wichita State University. With nearly $400 million in managed assets and thousands of alumni spread around the world, it is an exciting time to be a part of advancing Shocker Nation.

The job duties for this position include:

Strategic and Executive Leadership:

Serves as a strategic partner and advisor to the President and CEO on financial, operational, and governance-related issues.

Actively contributes to WSUFAE leadership team, helping to shape strategy and institutional decision-making.

Foster collaborative relationships with WSUFAE leadership and management team, university leadership, volunteer leadership, and external partners.

Evaluate organizational needs, proactively develop systems and procedures, and effectively resolve issues and concerns.

Financial Management and Accounting:

Oversee all accounting operations, including financial reporting, internal controls, cash flow management, and compliance with applicable regulations and standards.

Prepare and manage annual budgets and forecasts in alignment with strategic goals.

Ensure sound fiscal policies and practices to support short- and long-term organizational sustainability.

Investment Oversight

Provide fiduciary oversight of WSUFAE’s investment portfolio in coordination with the Board of Directors and the Investment Committee

Assist with the selection and evaluation of investment consultants and fund managers.

Monitor investment performance against benchmarks and provide regular reports to stakeholders.

Gift Processing and Records Management

Oversee the accurate and timely processing of all charitable gifts.

Ensure that gift documentation complies with donor intent, audit standards, and IRS regulations.

Maintain strong internal systems for donor records and reconciliation with development functions.

Information Technology Oversight

Provide strategic direction and operational oversight of IT infrastructure, systems, and cybersecurity.

Ensure technology resources meet the current and future needs of the organization.

Supervise IT team and manage third-party service providers where applicable.

Facilities Management

Oversee the management and maintenance of physical office space and facilities.

Ensure facilities are safe, functional, and conducive to staff productivity.

Manage vendor relationships and capital improvements related to physical infrastructure.

Governance, Compliance, and Board Support

Support the activities of the Investment, Operations, real Estate, and Audit Committees and providing fiduciary oversight.

Coordinate meeting schedules, prepare materials, and ensure follow-up on committee decisions.

Prepare reports and documentation for executive committee and board meetings.

Ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations, policies, and donor agreements.

Audit and Risk Management

Serve as the primary contact for annual audits.

Coordinate audit planning, fieldwork, and reporting processes with external auditors.

Address any audit findings and implement recommended improvements.

Team Leadership and Administration

Provide leadership to the finance and operations team by mentoring, supervising, and evaluating staff.

Promote a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and service excellence.

Keep the department informed of organizational priorities and university developments.

Provide backup support for administrative staff when needed.

Maintain computer and paper files as necessary

Job Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field from an accredited institution

Minimum ten years of progressive leadership experience in accounting (preferably fund accounting), finance, or operations

Advanced knowledge of investments

Strong leadership and team management skills, with a focus on collaboration and professional development.

Proven experience overseeing accounting, investments, IT, facilities, and gift processing

Strong understanding of nonprofit financial standards, investment strategy, and compliance

Commitment to the WSUFAE core values of Integrity, Service, Excellence and Collaboration

Project professional image at all times

Skills

Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills

High degree of professionalism, ethical sensitivity, and discretion; ability to maintain a commitment to confidentiality; good judgment and proven responsible decision-making skills.

Ability to understand computer logic and analysis

Highly motivated and demonstrated ability to be an effective leader

Ability to collaborate with colleagues from a variety of disciplines.

Excellent organizational, interpersonal, oral and written communication skills

Highly motivated and ability to work effectively independently and as part of a team

Physical Requirements

Frequent and sudden movements from sitting, standing, bending, reaching, and walking

Frequent standing or sitting for prolonged periods

Occasional climbing of stairs

Occasional lifting up to 40 pounds

Occasional exposure to outdoors and hot and inclement weather

Frequent ability to travel (fly/drive/train or other public transportation – day and overnight)

Preferred Requirements and Skills

Master’s Degree from an accredited institution

Certified Public Accountant certificate

Experience working in higher education or foundation settings

Knowledge of Wichita State University and a commitment to higher educationWSUFAE offers outstanding benefits including medical/dental/vision (100% premium paid for employee/50% for dependents), term life insurance, tuition reimbursement, 8.5% company matching on retirement accounts after one year, and more.

WSUFAE believes in the power of education. Since 1965, we have worked to connect the students, faculty, and staff of Wichita State University with the resources they need to transform their communities. Our dedicated staff includes members of the development, annual fund, finance, support, and student teams. We have accomplished big goals in the last few years and don't plan to slow down anytime soon.

With a mission built on our core values of integrity, collaboration, excellence, and service, we strive to be an inclusive and equitable work environment. Managers are expected to model this behavior by clearly setting expectations and directly addressing non-inclusive behavior. In our pursuit to build and maintain a high-performing team, it is every individual’s responsibility to contribute to our culture of belonging.

Advancing the mission and vision of Wichita State University takes a strong team, and it is our core values that unite and empower us to reach our goals together. Collectively, we are passionate about education and opening doors to new opportunities by working together to “elevate, celebrate and advance Wichita State University through engagement and philanthropy.”

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the ADA Amendments Act of 2008, the Wichita State Foundation and Alumni Engagement will provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with a disability in completing the application form or in the interview process. Please notify the Human Resources Office at or email [email protected] in advance so necessary arrangements can be made.

To Apply:

Please fill out an application, submit your resume and a cover letter explaining your interests in, and qualifications for, the position.

WSUFAE is an EOE employer