Chief Business Officer (CBO)

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Closing Date

Type of Position:

Administrative Strategy

Workstudy Position

No

Job Type

Regular

Work Shift

Day Shift (United States of America)

Sponsorship Available

Yes

Institution Name

University of Arkansas, Fayetteville

Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas is a land grant institution, classified by the Carnegie Foundation among the nation’s top 2 percent of universities with the highest level of research activity. The University of Arkansas works to advance Arkansas and build a better world through education, research and outreach by providing transformational opportunities and skills, promoting an inclusive and diverse culture and climate, and nurturing creativity, discovery and the spread of new ideas and innovations.

The University of Arkansas campus is located in Fayetteville, a welcoming community ranked as one of the best places to live in the U.S. The growing region surrounding Fayetteville is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies and one of the nation’s strongest economies. Northwest Arkansas is also quickly gaining a national reputation for its focus on the arts and overall quality of life.

As an employer, the University of Arkansas offers a vibrant work environment and a workplace culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance. The benefits package includes university contributions to health, dental, life and disability insurance, tuition waivers for employees and their families, 12 official holidays, immediate leave accrual, and a choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5 to 10% of employee salary.

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions, you should review before applying for the opening.

If you have a disability and need assistance with the hiring process, please submit a request via the Disability Accommodations | OEOC | University of Arkansas (uark.edu) : Request an Accommodation. Appli­cants are required to submit a request for each position of which they have applied.

For general application assistance or if you have questions about a job posting, please contact Human Resources at 479.575.5351.

Department

Fulbright College Dean's Office

Department's Website

https://fulbright.uark.edu/

Summary Of Job Duties

The University of Arkansas, Fulbright College of Arts & Sciences seeks a collegial, creative, and strategically agile individual as its Chief Business Officer (CBO). This pivotal leadership role will support a distinguished college recognized for its academic diversity and nationally renowned programs. Reporting to the Dean of Fulbright and maintaining a dotted-line reporting relationship to the Vice Provost for Planning, the CBO will oversee and enhance the College’s business and financial operations, strategic resource planning, and data-informed decision capabilities in support of its educational mission. As a key member of the leadership team, the CBO will be a trusted partner to the Dean, other senior leaders, faculty, and staff of the College while also engaging with the broader University community.

Interfacing with College leadership to develop and implement annual budgets for 19 schools and departments and 43 centers and programs, the ideal candidate will be an effective leader, natural collaborator, and skilled communicator who builds trusting relationships across Fulbright and beyond. The next CBO will have a strategic, decision-enabling mindset and keen financial acumen that will allow them to effectively advise and partner with College leadership and key stakeholders.

The CBO serves as the primary advisor to the Dean on all financial and business operational matters of the College. This includes assisting the Dean in the oversight and stewarding of College budgets, which encompass over $110 million in instructional and research funds, and an endowment exceeding $350 million. The CBO will play a critical role in implementing the College’s strategic vision, with an emphasis on planning, accountability, and resource stewardship.

In this capacity, the CBO will lead a dedicated team responsible for analyzing financial data and coordinating departmental requests while ensuring internal controls. These teams, include Business Operations, Financial Affairs, and Budget/Payroll Administration. The CBO will also collaborate with human resources and technology services at both the college and institutional levels. They will uphold the principles of sound financial management and ensure compliance with budgetary policies and applicable financial regulations.

Regular, reliable, and non-disruptive attendance is an essential job duty, as is the ability to create and maintain collegial, harmonious working relationships with others.

KEY OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES

• Partner closely with the Dean and senior leadership to advance the Fulbright mission.
  
  

The CBO will provide forward-thinking insights about the College’s financial, facilities, and technological needs to the Dean and fellow members of the leadership team. They will anticipate and provide forecasts and models required for strategic decision-making, presenting alternatives, options, and comparisons. The ideal candidate will identify potential issues and propose new approaches or initiatives to further Fulbright’s short- and long-term goals. They will be a strategic thought partner and collaborator as the content expert for the administration, faculty, and staff concerning financial and operational planning.

• Lead financial strategy, analysis, planning, and budget management in accordance with the priorities and policies of the College and university.
  
  

The CBO will bring expert knowledge and best practices in integrated budget planning and management to advance the College’s academic mission and financial health. They will ensure the stability of the College’s overall financial model and provide technical advice and counsel to key stakeholders. The CBO will lead comprehensive and strategic budgeting processes, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities. Additionally, the CBO will continuously evaluate current business operations and update systems, procedures, and processes as needed to reflect best practices, ensuring they are coherent, accessible, and recognized as essential support for all operating units.

• Collaborate and build relationships with partners across Fulbright and the broader University to lead innovation and develop best practices.
  
  

The CBO must build and maintain credibility as a trusted partner to all members of the Fulbright community and beyond. They will be a strong and transparent leader, circulating widely to learn from leaders across the campus, including other colleges, units, CBOs, faculty, and staff. They will work to identify current and potential issues, best practices, and opportunities for improvement. Ultimately, the College and the University, especially University financial leadership, will see the CBO as a thought-leader and innovator in whom they hold high confidence to financially direct the University’s largest academic unit. The CBO will be recognized as a valued colleague and trusted expert who works to develop solutions and opportunities related to business operations throughout the College.

• Support and develop a strong team within business operations.
  
  

The next CBO will foster a culture of collaboration, transparency, mutual respect, integrity, service, and accountability. They will motivate and develop a strong, talented team, positioning them as a valued and highly sought-after partner that the Fulbright community turns to for quality data and decision-support strategy. The CBO’s team will also provide a high level of customer service in support of the College’s critical, everyday financial functions. Additionally, the CBO will define and implement an appropriate organizational structure - one that facilitates knowledge-sharing and encourages creative thinking to advance the goals and priorities outlined by the Dean and other senior leadership. The CBO will be an effective delegator of responsibilities, encouraging strategic goalsetting for each department they oversee.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, business, or related field from an accredited institution of higher education
• At least 5 years of experience in financial management and budgeting
• At least 5 years of progressive responsibility in a complex institution
• At least 5 years of supervisory experience
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Master's in Business Administration (MBA) credentials
• Advanced proficiency in financial software and data analysis tools
• 10 years of directly related budget or finance experience
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Knowledge and deep understanding of the Workday financial module
• Knowledge and deep understanding of accounting principles and financial reporting
• Knowledge of control and compliance practices
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong critical thinking skills
• Excellent communication and presentation skills to effectively convey financial information to diverse audiences
• Leadership skills to manage a team of budget and financial analysts and coordinate cross-functional collaborations
• Ability to interpret complex financial data
• Ability to guide and influence cross-functional teams
• Ability to accurately assess the impact of expenditures and say no when there is financial risk
• Ability to build consensus
• Ability to manage in a higher education institution and ability to interact with faculty and administrators in a team environment
  
  

Additional Information

Salary Information:

Salary Is Commensurate With Experience And Qualifications.

Required Documents to Apply:

Cover Letter/Letter of Application, List of three Professional References (name, email, business title), Resume

Optional Documents

Proof of Veteran Status

Recruitment Contact Information

Stephanie Schulte, Associate Dean, at sschulte@uark.edu

All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Site https://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS

Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.

Special Instructions To Applicants

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Completed applications received by March 28th, 2025, will be assured full consideration. Late applications will be reviewed as necessary to fill the position.

For more information, please contact Stephanie Schulte, Associate Dean, at sschulte@uark.edu.

Applicants Must Submit

• A Resume/CV,
• A Cover Letter, and
• A List of Three Professional References (name, title, email address, and contact number).
  
  

Pre-employment Screening Requirements

Criminal Background Check, Financial Credit Check, Sex Offender Registry

The University of Arkansas is committed to providing a safe campus community. We conduct background checks for applicants being considered for employment. Background checks include a criminal background check and a sex offender registry check. For certain positions, there may also be a financial (credit) background check, a Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR) check, and/or drug screening. Required checks are identified in the position listing. A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication or adverse financial history information alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absence of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background check information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.

The University of Arkansas seeks to attract, develop and retain high quality faculty, staff and administrators that consistently display practices and behaviors to advance a culture that embeds inclusion, opportunity, educational excellence and unparalleled access for all.

The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of any category or status protected by law, including age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, sex, sexual preference, or pregnancy. Federal law prohibits the University from discriminating on these bases. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University's Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.

Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

All application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.

Constant Physical Activity

N/A

Frequent Physical Activity

N/A

Occasional Physical Activity

N/A

Benefits Eligible

Yes