DEERFIELD ASSOCIATES has been retained by Assumption University, located in Worcester, Massachusetts, to conduct a national search for a Chief Financial Officer.  Assumption University was founded in 1904 as a Catholic, nonprofit, coeducational liberal arts university located in Worcester, Massachusetts on a 185-acre campus. Assumption offers an average class size of eighteen, where students’ study under the close mentorship of faculty and staff who are experts in their fields, with over ninety academic programs offered across five colleges. Assumption’s twenty-six sports teams compete in the Northeast-10 Conference, with our academic and athletic success resulting in the NCAA Division II President’s Award for Academic Excellence. Marked by gritty determination, relentless curiosity, and a lack of entitlement, Assumption graduates are in demand exactly because our understanding of Catholic liberal education knits enduring ideas and professional preparation into a single fabric.

On June 10, 2022, Assumption College became Assumption University. Approximately 2,000 undergraduates and graduate students attend the University annually. The University offers bachelor’s degrees in the liberal arts core and pre-professional programs with a liberal arts core, and professional master’s degrees on a full-time and part-time basis.

In 2022, Greg Weiner, was elected the 17^th President of the University, after serving as Interim President and prior to that Provost. Greg is the first Jewish President of Assumption University. There are approximately 400 full-time faculty and staff. The University’s financial profile includes an annual operating budget (2023) $75MM, $31MM of debt, an endowment of $108MM and $50MM in financial aid being awarded in 2023. The Advancement Office raises $2.1MM annually. The most recent Capital Campaign raised $53MM.

As the first year Assumption University’s ten-year strategic plan, “Thrive”, commences, the institution seeks a dynamic and experienced financial and business leader with superb financial, strategic, and operational skills and abilities to fill the key position of Chief Financial Officer. The new hire reports directly to the President and is a member of the senior administrative team. President Weiner seeks a transformational CFO who can work collaboratively with the senior administrative team and bring creative and innovative approaches for ‘best practices” to Assumption University. The CFO works in close and regular collaboration with the President, Trustees and other members of the senior administrative team (Cabinet) to ensure adequate resources--human, financial, and operational--are available to support the excellence of the program and its people by providing strategic direction and overseeing matters related to finance, budget, facilities, and related policies and procedures. The CFO must possess a collaborative, student-centric mentality when approaching budgeting, debt capacity, and expenditures. The CFO serves in a cabinet level capacity and leads the Finance Division, which includes the departments of Finance, Human Resources, Business Services and Public Safety while collaborating with all other divisions of the University. Direct reports to the CFO include members of the Business Office (controller, accounts payable, accounts receivables, and payroll), the Director of Facilities, Director of Human Resources, Director of Technology, Director of Food Services, outside vendors (e.g., general contractors, security staff, etc.), and an administrative assistant.

The ideal candidate will be a self-starter with impeccable integrity and an extraordinary work ethic. This person must possess a commitment to a Catholic liberal arts education. Must have an open, optimistic, and collaborative management style coupled with the ability and willingness to act decisively. This person has an enthusiastic commitment to the importance of building and sustaining a diverse, just, inclusive, and equitable academic environment.

For a copy of the full search description of this high visibility opportunity, which outlines in greater detail, the qualifications, work experiences, necessary skill sets and academic credentials, please visit: https://deerfieldassociates.com/assumption-university/

Assumption University offers a dynamic and supportive work environment, competitive salaries and a generous benefits package including a retirement plan, paid vacations, and a full complement of health benefits.

Assumption University is an equal opportunity employer. Assumption University does not discriminate in matters of hiring, training, promotion, transfer, wages, discharge, school benefits, or working conditions because of sex, race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ethnicity, citizenship, sexual orientation, age, disability, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, transgender status, military status, veteran status, marital status, familial status, genetic information, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law. A thorough background check including a criminal background check is required as a condition of employment.

This opportunity is available immediately, and will be filled following a comprehensive national search, and when the candidate of choice is identified and selected. The start date will be in the Fall of 2024, though interested individuals who are not able to start until a later timeline are still encouraged to explore. For more background on Assumption University, please visit www.assumption.edu

To explore this career opportunity on a confidential basis, please send your resume, a letter of interest and a list of 5 references (which will only be contacted if mutual interest is determined) to: Doug Cooney, Executive Search Consultant, DEERFIELD ASSOCIATES Executive Search, Inc. 572 Washington Street, Suite 15, Wellesley, MA 02482 Telephone: 781-237-2800. Email: jobs@deerfieldassociates.com