What are the responsibilities and job description for the Vice President of Finance position at The University Financing Foundation, Inc. (TUFF)?
About TUFF
The University Financing Foundation (TUFF) is a not-for-profit real estate development and advisory organization founded in 1982. TUFF partners with institutions of higher education and research to deliver mission-driven, financially sustainable facilities through an entrepreneurial and pioneering approach. With 85 completed transactions totaling $3.4 billion and approximately $100 million in annual revenue, TUFF is known for its integrity, long-term stewardship, and collaborative partnerships. The organization is guided by a commitment to accountability, excellence, confidentiality, and equal opportunity in education and research.
The Role
The Vice President of Finance will lead the financial strategy and execution for TUFF’s real estate development and investment initiatives. This role partners closely with the CEO and executive leadership team to drive long-term planning, guide investment decisions, and ensure the financial health of the portfolio. As the senior financial leader for the firm’s real estate investment and operating business, the VP of Finance will provide strategic oversight across development, asset management, and capital markets functions.
This role requires deep expertise in capital markets and structured financing, including public finance tools such as municipal bonds, tax increment financing, and incentive-based funding. The position reports to the Senior Vice President of Administration.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and execute financial strategies to support growth, value creation, and operational goals
- Advise leadership on capital projects, acquisitions, dispositions, and capital structure decisions
- Lead financial planning, modeling, forecasting, and long-range analysis for complex real estate projects
- Structure and manage public and private financing vehicles to optimize cost of capital and risk
- Partner with government agencies, investors, bond counsel, and underwriters on complex transactions
- Oversee cash flow planning, covenant compliance, and reserve management
- Provide clear financial insights and metrics to support executive decision-making
- Build and mentor a high-performing finance team
- Collaborate with the VP of Accounting & Compliance on reporting, GAAP compliance, internal controls, audits, and treasury functions
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance or Accounting (MBA and/or CPA strongly preferred)
- 10 years of progressive leadership experience in real estate finance or corporate finance
- Extensive experience in real estate investment, development, or asset-heavy organizations
- Proven expertise in capital planning, forecasting, and financial strategy
- Strong background in public finance, municipal bonds, or economic development funding structures
- Advanced financial modeling and analytical capabilities
- Experience working with lenders, banking relationships, and compliance requirements
- Demonstrated ability to present strategic financial insights to executive leadership
Salary : $100