What are the responsibilities and job description for the Vice President of Finance and Administration position at Northwood University?
Roles
Vice President, Finance and Administration
Shape the Future of a Distinctive University
America’s Free-Enterprise University
Northwood University seeks an entrepreneurial, strategic, and mission-driven leader to serve as its next Vice President, Finance and Administration.
Located in Midland, Michigan, Northwood is a private, nonprofit university founded on the principles of free enterprise, personal responsibility, limited government, and earned success (The Northwood Idea). Since 1959, Northwood has developed graduates who lead organizations, start businesses, strengthen communities, and advance economic opportunity. It is recognized for its fiscal management and leadership in higher education.
Today, Northwood is entering an exciting new phase of growth and innovation, marked by its recently adopted 2026-2031 Strategic Plan and the near completion of its $100M comprehensive fundraising campaign. The University seeks an experienced, forward-thinking executive who can help translate strategic priorities into sustainable financial models, drive operational excellence, and ensure long-term institutional success.
Reporting directly to the University President and working closely with the Executive Vice-President & COO, the Vice President of Finance & Administration serves as the University's chief financial and business officer and is an essential member of the executive leadership team. The position also serves as Treasurer to the Board of Trustees and plays a central role in aligning institutional resources with mission, strategy, and student success.
The Opportunity
Northwood University is at a pivotal moment. Known as America’s Free Enterprise University and dedicated to democratic capitalism and the nation’s leading educator for the $2.5 trillion automotive, mobility, and aftermarket industries. No other institution can match its unique position. The university is about to embark on its most substantial capital transformation in its history. This is not a passive role; Northwood is looking for an entrepreneurial, innovative leader to guide — not just manage — this next phase, anchored in The Northwood Idea.
The Next Vice President For Finance And Administration Will
The Vice President provides executive oversight for a broad portfolio that includes:
Responsibilities
Desired Characteristics
Northwood Seeks a Leader Who
A record of progressively responsible executive leadership in finance, administration, business operations, or related fields is required.
Experience in higher education is preferred, though leaders from nonprofit, corporate, or other mission-driven organizations with comparable complexity are encouraged to apply.
A CPA credential and advanced degree is highly desirable.
Expectations
About Northwood University
Northwood University is unlike any other institution in higher education. For more than six decades, it has advanced a philosophy that champions free enterprise, limited government, ethical leadership, entrepreneurship, and personal responsibility. The University's commitment to innovation, fiscal stewardship, and student success continues to guide its future. Learn more about The Northwood Idea .
Qualified candidates selected by the search committee will receive a detailed Leadership Profile outlining the position, strategic opportunities, institutional priorities, and desired leadership attributes.
Vice President, Finance and Administration
Shape the Future of a Distinctive University
America’s Free-Enterprise University
Northwood University seeks an entrepreneurial, strategic, and mission-driven leader to serve as its next Vice President, Finance and Administration.
Located in Midland, Michigan, Northwood is a private, nonprofit university founded on the principles of free enterprise, personal responsibility, limited government, and earned success (The Northwood Idea). Since 1959, Northwood has developed graduates who lead organizations, start businesses, strengthen communities, and advance economic opportunity. It is recognized for its fiscal management and leadership in higher education.
Today, Northwood is entering an exciting new phase of growth and innovation, marked by its recently adopted 2026-2031 Strategic Plan and the near completion of its $100M comprehensive fundraising campaign. The University seeks an experienced, forward-thinking executive who can help translate strategic priorities into sustainable financial models, drive operational excellence, and ensure long-term institutional success.
Reporting directly to the University President and working closely with the Executive Vice-President & COO, the Vice President of Finance & Administration serves as the University's chief financial and business officer and is an essential member of the executive leadership team. The position also serves as Treasurer to the Board of Trustees and plays a central role in aligning institutional resources with mission, strategy, and student success.
The Opportunity
Northwood University is at a pivotal moment. Known as America’s Free Enterprise University and dedicated to democratic capitalism and the nation’s leading educator for the $2.5 trillion automotive, mobility, and aftermarket industries. No other institution can match its unique position. The university is about to embark on its most substantial capital transformation in its history. This is not a passive role; Northwood is looking for an entrepreneurial, innovative leader to guide — not just manage — this next phase, anchored in The Northwood Idea.
The Next Vice President For Finance And Administration Will
- Drive execution of Northwood’s growth-oriented 2026–2031 Strategic Plan.
- Build innovative financial and business systems and strategies that fuel enrollment growth and long-term sustainability.
- Align finance, technology, facilities, and administration around institutional priorities.
- Oversee the largest capital infrastructure investment in Northwood’s history, transforming the Midland campus.
- Champion an entrepreneurial culture of creativity, accountability, and results.
- Partner closely with trustees, senior leaders, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders.
- Steward one of higher education’s most distinctive missions and philosophies.
The Vice President provides executive oversight for a broad portfolio that includes:
- Finance and Accounting
- Budgeting and Financial Planning
- Information Technology
- Facilities and Capital Projects
- Auxiliary Services
- Risk Management and Insurance
- Compliance and Legal Coordination
- Strategic Business Operations
Responsibilities
Desired Characteristics
Northwood Seeks a Leader Who
- Embraces and champions the principles embodied in The Northwood Idea.
- Possesses exceptional financial and business acumen.
- Demonstrates integrity, transparency, and sound judgment.
- Thrives in entrepreneurial and mission-driven environments.
- Builds trust through collaboration and exceptional communication.
- Is energized by strategic thinking, problem solving, and continuous improvement.
- Provides clear, candid counsel to executive leadership.
- Understands how to align financial strategy with institutional outcomes and growth objectives.
A record of progressively responsible executive leadership in finance, administration, business operations, or related fields is required.
Experience in higher education is preferred, though leaders from nonprofit, corporate, or other mission-driven organizations with comparable complexity are encouraged to apply.
A CPA credential and advanced degree is highly desirable.
Expectations
About Northwood University
Northwood University is unlike any other institution in higher education. For more than six decades, it has advanced a philosophy that champions free enterprise, limited government, ethical leadership, entrepreneurship, and personal responsibility. The University's commitment to innovation, fiscal stewardship, and student success continues to guide its future. Learn more about The Northwood Idea .
Qualified candidates selected by the search committee will receive a detailed Leadership Profile outlining the position, strategic opportunities, institutional priorities, and desired leadership attributes.
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