The posting
Job Description
The University of Tulsa – Tulsa, Oklahoma
The University of Tulsa is pleased to announce a national search for Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration (VPFA) to serve as the institution’s Chief Financial Officer. This is an exceptional opportunity for a strategic and technology-forward financial leader to play a major role in shaping the future of The University of Tulsa as it embarks on its next chapter. Serving as a partner and trusted advisor to incoming President Stacy Leeds, the successful candidate will be committed to innovation, operational excellence and transparency. The VPFA will steward and maximize financial resources in ways that strengthen academic excellence, enrich the student experience, and optimize research impact and industry partnerships. The VPFA will be an important institutional and broader community partner that significantly contributes to the shared successes and vitality of the University, the vibrant City of Tulsa, and other key partners and investors.
Institution Overview
Founded in 1894, The University of Tulsa (TU) is a private research and doctoral-granting institution located in a vibrant metropolitan area of 1.1 million residents. TU is known for academic rigor and excellence, small class sizes, a deep commitment to student success and NCAA Division I athletics. The university offers more than 130 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across a beautiful 209-acre campus, supported by an endowment of approximately $1 billion.
Position Summary
The Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration reports directly to the President and is a key member of the executive team. The VPFA provides strategic leadership and oversight of the institution’s finances and a portfolio of other administrative operations in support of TU’s academic mission and long-term sustainability. The VPFA serves as the University’s chief financial steward, proving advice, accountability and transparency to both the President and Board of Trustees.
Reporting Relationships
The VPFA reports to the President and is also responsible for providing detailed information and sound advice to the Board of Trustees, while working closely with Board committees, including but not limited to Finance, Audit, Investment, and Facilities. Direct reports include various senior staff across campus-wide departments that intersect with finance, budgeting, treasury, contract management, risk management, information technology, and campus services.
Key Responsibilities (Summary)
Financial Leadership & Strategy: Lead financial operations, budgeting, forecasting, accounting, treasury, investments, and audit; develop long-term financial strategy; ensure compliance with industry standards, higher education best practices and all legal and regulatory requirements.
Strategic & Board Engagement: Serve as principal financial advisor; present financial insights; support planning, decision-making and execution.
Risk, Compliance & Stewardship: Oversee enterprise risk, compliance, audit, insurance, and sustainable business practices.
Leadership & Culture: Build high-performing and highly effective teams; foster collaboration, inclusion and transparency; represent the University to internal and external constituents.
Required and Preferred Qualifications
Advanced degree in finance, accounting, business, or related field; minimum of 10 years of financial leadership experience including executive roles; demonstrated success managing complex budgets; experience advising boards; strong knowledge of financial reporting, compliance, and audit. Preferred: higher education executive and leadership experience; CPA/CFA, and oversight of multiple administrative functions.
Application Process
Review of candidates will begin immediately and continue until filled. Candidates should submit a letter of interest, current CV or resume, and contact information for five professional references.
About Us
The University of Tulsa is a student-centered research university that cultivates interconnected learning experiences to explore complex ideas and create new knowledge in a spirit of free inquiry. Guided by our commitment to service and inclusion, we prepare individuals to make meaningful contributions to our campus, our community, and our world.
The University endeavors to create and nurture an informed and inclusive environment in its workplace and educational programs. Affirmative action and equal employment opportunity are integral parts of the University not just because they are legally mandated, but because we recognize that the present and future strength of the university is based primarily on people and their skills, experience, and potential. The University does not discriminate in access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, veteran status, disability, genetic information, ancestry, or marital status. The University seeks to recruit, select, and promote students, faculty, and all other employees on the basis of individual merit.
