Cleveland Institute of Art - Vice President for ...

OverviewCleveland Institute of Art (CIA) seeks a dynamic and visionary leader to serve as Vice President for Business Affairs and Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Academic Career & Executive Search is pleased to assist CIA in its search for this position. The CFO will join CIA at a moment of institutional strength, creative momentum, and bold transformation, working with the President to steward the College’s financial future while shaping a reimagined business model rooted in innovation, sustainability, and student success.CIA is launching new initiatives such as the Interactive Media Lab and is pursuing its Transformation Campaign and Strategic Plan. The CFO will lead financial strategy and operations with vision, empathy, and adaptability—balancing fiduciary responsibility with openness to new ideas and unconventional solutions. The role is highly visible and collaborative, requiring strategic thinking across technical, relational, and human dimensions of financial leadership.Reporting to the President and CEO, the CFO provides strategic oversight of all financial operations, including operating and capital budgets, long‑term financial planning, and resource allocation. The CFO leads financial reporting, accounting, tax compliance, investment strategy, cash and debt management, financial systems, internal controls, regulatory compliance, audits, and legal/contract coordination. In partnership with College leadership, the CFO designs and implements financing strategies that support capital projects, renovations, and institutional initiatives, ensuring CIA’s financial health and alignment with its mission and strategic goals.KEY RESPONSIBILITIESDevelops and implements financial systems to support budgeting, forecasting, analysis, decision-making, and financial reporting in a complete and business-like fashionOversees short- and long-term budgets and forecasts, with goal and performance target setting for operations, capital and cash management, and development of financial objectives and business plansPrepares and presents financial reports, prepared in accordance with GAAP, for the CIA Board of Directors and CIA management stakeholdersDirects the preparation of all internal and external financial reports and long-range financial planning materialsManages financial regulatory processes and reporting in accordance with federal, state, and local programs and policiesOversees the process for review and deployment of institutional contractsLiaises with external legal counsel on risk management mattersOversees financial audits, including financial statements and financial compliance auditsImplements controls and directs the process of collection, management, and disbursement of fundsDevelops and implements financing plans for capital projects, major renovations, and programmatic investmentsCollaborates with Institutional Advancement and other departments on key philanthropic campaigns tied to CIA’s mission and strategic planProvides leadership to develop the financial long-range strategic plan in support of CIA’s overall strategic planImplements key initiatives to support the business model transformation and multi-year financial resilience planningRecommends, implements, audits, and enforces CIA financial policies; establishes financial philosophy, policies, and safeguards on internal control, billing practices, and financial activitiesWorks as a strategic partner and fiduciary, linking the organization’s mission to measurable financial goals and sustainable operating resultsGenerates financial data to support analytical strategic planning and business developmentMaintains ongoing corporate and investment banking relationships including banks, investment officers, creditors, rating agencies, and insurance companiesServes as Treasurer to the Board of Directors and as liaison to Audit, Risk, Finance, and Investment committeesKNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIESBroad knowledge of operations and finance including contract negotiations, public bond financing, and lease vs. purchase analysisIn-depth knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles for nonprofit organizationsKnowledge of federal, state, and city tax laws and Department of Education regulationsExceptional financial and administrative leadership with strong analytical and management skillsExcellent interpersonal skills and experience building and leading teamsProject management, personnel management, and strategic planning capabilitiesBusiness management, marketing, and analytic skillsAbility to learn and utilize various software and technology toolsAgility and openness to new ways of operating to support business model transformationCommitment to the mission and values of the college; strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusionExceptional communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution skillsFlexibility, courage, and honesty in leadership; ability to positively impact strategic and tactical finance and administration initiativesAbility to provide insightful financial data to inform decision-makingExperience maintaining relationships with external partners and auditorsMINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSBachelor’s degree in business, finance, accounting, or a related field10 years of relevant financial experienceSignificant senior-level administrative experience in financial and business operations with a track record of stakeholder collaborationDemonstrated success in financial statement preparation and analysis, tax-exempt financing, and both short- and long‑term financial planningTechnical acumenPREFERRED QUALIFICATIONSMaster’s degree or other advanced degree in a related fieldCPA certificationSubstantial experience in strategic financial and facilities planningExperience planning and overseeing capital projectsPrior experience in higher educationAbout the InstitutionThe Cleveland Institute of Art is a nationally recognized college of art and design committed to nurturing creativity, innovation, and artistic excellence. Founded in 1882, CIA offers a rigorous studio-based education across multiple majors. CIA emphasizes interdisciplinary learning and prepares students to become professional artists and designers in a rapidly evolving creative economy.CIA is consistently ranked among top art and design colleges and has earned recognition from various outlets. The college is expanding its facilities, including the 14,300 sq ft Interactive Media Lab opening Fall 2025 as part of its growth and transformation efforts.CIA supports a close-knit community of approximately 600 students and a dedicated faculty. The institution is active in public programming, exhibitions, and community engagement initiatives, reinforcing its mission in visual arts and design education.CIA emphasizes community engagement and outreach programs, including the Reinberger Gallery and Pre-College Program, contributing to its role as an economic engine and urban anchor in Cleveland.Living in the AreaCleveland offers access to renowned cultural institutions, parks, and a vibrant Uptown area. The region includes extensive public transit options and a favorable cost of living relative to many U.S. metropolitan areas.To ApplyPlease apply through the application link. Do not email applications. Applications should include a cover letter and curriculum vitae. Cover letters ideally should not exceed two pages. All applications are treated confidentially. Inquiries, referrals, and nominations are also treated quiries: ; Nominations: Information CIA is committed to diversity and equal opportunity in all educational programs and employment, and complies with applicable laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, sex, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or national origin. #J-18808-Ljbffr

Created: 2025-10-02