Chief Financial Officer

Chief Financial OfficerAbout PLC DetroitPensole Lewis College (PLC) is the Creative Northstar and premier Historically Black College or University (HBCU) that is Rebranding Education and Blacklighting the Industry. We are the pipeline for career-focused learning and professional development serving all students of the game. To be a student of the game is to prepare and empower yourself to enter the industry and make it better for the next generation.At PLC, we offer a new path to do just that—break into the world of product creation and change the scope of what it looks like to navigate within educational and career pathways.We believe in carrying the vision together. We put trust in our partners and creative community to drive change in providing access to the tools and opportunities needed to succeed in the future we are designing.Make the choice to bear the torch to lead the way forward. Learn more about PLC Detroit at HistoryPLC Detroit’s story begins in 1928, when Violet T. Lewis—a visionary Black educator and entrepreneur—founded Lewis Business College in Indianapolis with a $50 loan. At the invitation of the Detroit Chamber of Commerce, she opened a branch in Detroit in 1938, which soon became the college’s primary campus. Her goal was bold and practical: to equip Black women with the office and business skills needed to thrive in corporate America. By 1987, Lewis College of Business became Michigan’s only Historically Black College, serving generations of students with excellence, purpose, and pride until it closed its doors in 2021, this legacy was reignited by Dr. D’Wayne Edwards, a celebrated footwear designer and former corporate executive. Under his leadership, the college reopened as Pensole Lewis College of Business & Design, honoring the legacy of Black educational excellence while embracing a bold, forward-looking mission to serve the design economy.Today, PLC Detroit is more than a college—it’s a movement. Backed by leading philanthropic and corporate partners like the Gilbert Family Foundation and Target, PLC is the only HBCU in the country solely dedicated to design, and the only academic institution in Detroit aligned with the city’s UNESCO "City of Design" designation.Our ProgramsPLC Detroit is reimagining what accessible, industry-informed education looks like for students of color. Through degree and certificate programs, PLC prepares students to lead and create across fashion, footwear, product design, and business. Our offerings include:• Degree Programs:PLC offers a Bachelor of Arts in Design with specializations in Product Creation, Marketing, Color and Materials, and Functional Apparel and Accessories. These programs center mentorship, industry access, and real-world experience to prepare students for creative leadership roles.• Certificate Programs:Short-term, high-impact certificate programs like Design Essentials, LEAD, and Masterclass intensives are developed with partners including Nike, New Balance, and Target. These immersive experiences connect students directly to brands through design briefs, hands-on training, and career pipelines.Together, PLC’s programs form the foundation of its vision: to be the pipeline for career-focused learning and professional development that serves all students of the game.The OpportunityAt this pivotal time, Pensole Lewis College seeks a mission-aligned, dynamic, and hands-on Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to lead the organization through this vital period of growth, accountability, and re-accreditation. As a key member of the executive team, the CFO will be responsible for building and leading a high-performing finance team while overseeing all financial functions—including budgeting, forecasting, accounting, reporting, audits, and compliance.Reporting to the President and working closely with the Board of Directors, the CFO will ensure the financial health and operational integrity of the institution. This is a rare opportunity to shape the financial infrastructure of a fast-growing institution with deep historical roots, high-profile funders, and a mandate to innovate in education.Primary Position ResponsibilitiesFinancial Leadership:• Lead all aspects of the college's day-to-day financial operations, including budgeting, payroll accounts payable, accounts receivable, forecasting, financial reporting, and analysis, and general ledger functions.• Develop and implement clear financial strategies, policies, procedures, and internal controls to support the college's long-term stability and strategic objectives.• Ensure compliance with nonprofit accounting standards and best practices, particularly in preparation for higher education accreditation.• Oversee audit readiness and collaborate with external auditors, grantors, and regulators.• Spear-head initiatives to improve financial performance, including cost management, revenue enhancement, and investment strategies.• Implement strong systems for contract management and fund tracking.Executive Leadership and Constituent Engagement:• Serve as a thought partner and advisor to the President, Board of Directors, and senior leadership team to bring financial clarity and financial vision and recommendations to execute the college's strategic plan.• Communicate financial insights and information transparently and accessibly to internal and external constituents—including donors, grantors, financial institutions, and regulatory bodies—to foster a culture of transparency and trust.• Collaborate in the institutional strategic planning and long-term financial modeling.Team Development:• Build and lead a high-performing, scalable finance team, fostering a culture of excellence, team building, and continuous improvement.• Recruit, train, lead, mentor and develop finance staff, providing opportunities for professional growth and development while building operational excellence.• Develop systems and tools to improve financial reporting and decision-making.Financial Reporting and Analysis:• Prepare and present accurate and timely financial reports to the President, Board of Directors, and other constituents.• Conduct financial analysis to identify trends, risks, and opportunities, and provide actionable insights to drive informed decision-making.• Lead or support development of financial models for earned revenue and philanthropic revenue streams focused on optimizing the college's financial resources, ensuring efficient allocation and utilization.Risk Management:• Identify and mitigate financial risks, ensuring the college's financial stability and sustainability.• Oversee insurance programs and manage relationships with external auditors and regulatory agencies.• Ensure compliance with 501(c)(3) nonprofit regulations, government and philanthropic grant requirements, and procurement policies. #J-18808-Ljbffr

Created: 2025-09-17