ABOUT THE NEW SCHOOLFounded in 1919, The New School is a major urban university housing six schools and colleges bound by a common goal: to inspire and prepare its 10,000+ undergraduate and graduate students to effect positive change in the world. Offering some of the nation’s most respected programs in their fields, the university’s schools and colleges include Parsons School of Design, Eugene Lang College of Liberal Arts, The New School for Social Research, the Schools of Public Engagement, and the College of Performing Arts (which includes three renowned schools: Mannes School of Music, the School of Jazz and Contemporary Music, and the School of Drama), and Parsons Paris. The university benefits from its primary location in New York City, alongside the Parson Paris campus, offering countless opportunities for students and faculty to engage in the life of the city.The New School, a distinguished progressive university located in the heart of New York City, seeks nominations and applications for the position of Executive Vice President for Business and Operations. Reporting to the President, the Executive Vice President for Business and Operations (EVP) oversees all business operations & optimization efforts, financial matters, human resources, facilities, and information technology. The EVP provides guidance and recommendations on both strategy and operations to the President, the senior staff, and the Board of Trustees in aligning and achieving the mission, goals, and objectives of the University.This is a critically important appointment for The New School and one that comes with a great opportunity to make a tangible impact and build upon its legacy. In addition to achieving the goals outlined in the university’s mission and strategy, the EVP will play a significant role in the continued evolution of The New School as a preeminent academic center for redefining the boundaries of intellectual and creative thought. The EVP will provide strategic and tactical leadership for The New School’s comprehensive financial and operational management and will partner and collaborate with the President, Provost, Deans, and other Vice Presidents to support the overall mission of the university. The EVP will enhance and improve The New School’s financial organization and operations and will be a catalyst and leader for organizational change. In partnership with the president and leadership council, the EVP will also ensure that the university’s financial and human resources services support the priorities and goals of the institution.The New School is strongly committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace and particularly seeks applications from members of underrepresented groups, as well as candidates who share this commitment.RESPONSIBILITIES
- Ensure that The New School’s finances, capital, information technology, human resources, facilities, and other operations are safeguarded and managed wisely, deployed with integrity, and aligned with university goals.Partner with the President, Provost, and Deans to develop integrated multi-year financial and operational assumptions and strategies that guide planning and decision-making.Oversee and support the full range of financial and accounting functions including financial planning, reporting and analysis, accounting, budget planning (in partnership with the Provost Office), cash control, treasury management, payroll, procurement, contracts, cashier, plus tax and sponsored research accounting. Determine and set capital structure in consultation with the President, Treasurer, and the Finance and Investment Committees of the Board of Trustees. Be responsible for the quality, accuracy, and timeliness of financial information provided to the internal and external parties; provide information to and manage the relationship with the university’s external auditing firm.Oversee human capital resources in order to ensure that our employees are carefully selected, well-trained, compensated and supported, effectively evaluated, and performing at the highest level; this includes ensuring that all service functions are customer focused.Oversee Information Technology, both academic and nonacademic, so that those resources are supporting the academic mission at the highest quality.Lead a creative and bold review of operations, and engage people in considering how to best structure the organization to achieve efficiency and responsiveness and to develop new revenue sources.Recruit, develop, and retain a high-performing team characterized by open communication, collaboration, and accountability.Develop and implement procedures, processes, and disciplines fundamental to maintaining a strong and dependable controlled environment in a decentralized setting.Facilitate the use of key performance indicators/metrics and institution-wide financial analysis to inform decision making by university leaders.Develop effective communication processes and build relationships at all levels of the organization.
- Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Finance or a related field.A minimum of ten years of progressive leadership experience is expected, with at least five years of experience as EVP/COO or a comparable leadership position in higher education reporting to the President, Chancellor, or similarly situated position.Knowledge and commitment to the goals and mission of the university and the demonstrated ability to interact with a diverse staff and faculty is required.Ability to coach and influence team members for positive outcomes and hold everyone accountable.Excellent communication, written, and interpersonal skills.Highly proactive, determined, and results-driven.The successful candidate will be a strong collaborator with demonstrated ability to build and lead teams, with a relationship-based approach with university leadership, faculty, staff, students, and community partners, balanced with business and operational acumen.Experienced negotiator and possess a keen understanding of the higher education landscape, and the challenges that higher education is currently facing to provide innovative ideas in approaching the future.The successful candidate will have the fortitude to make difficult choices when necessary and the ability to convey decisions with clarity.