Chief Operations and Chief Financial Officer en American Jewish University

American Jewish University

Chief Operations and Finance Officer

AJU has retained WittKieffer to facilitate this search. To learn more about this opportunity, and for instructions on how to inquire or express interest in the position, please visit https://wittkieffer.com/positions/201375.

The COO/CFO is responsible for overseeing the daily operations, ensuring efficiency, and creating and implementing business strategies and systems to achieve AJU's goals. They will oversee the management of the University, its diverse programs, and multiple locations. They will be responsible for its financial strategy and management and contribute to the development and implementation of its 2050 strategic plan. They will be charged with developing and instituting policies and procedures to support AJU and its operations. They will be responsible for AJU's budget and all fiscal and fiduciary responsibilities. They ensure all compliance and risk management. They will manage teams overseeing all accounting, finance, financial aid, investments, HR, and facilities/auxiliary services. 

The position currently has nine direct reports and approximately 150 total FTEs in their indirect reporting line, including Brandeis Bardin staff, which expands to a much larger number in the summer. AJU’s annual operating budget approximates $25M, and the University has an endowment of approximately $100M. The COO/CFO will also serve as the staff liaison to the following committees of the Board of Trustees: Audit, Facilities, Finance, and Investment. 

The COO/CFO must possess a combination of education, experience and leadership qualifications to successfully manage the responsibilities required for this position. The ideal candidate will have the following professional qualifications and personal characteristics.  

Educational Background 

▪ A bachelor's degree is required, preferably in business or a related field.  

▪ An MBA and/or CPA is preferred.  

Experience/Knowledge/Skills/Capabilities   

▪ Five or more years of progressive operational and financial leadership experience, preferably within a combination of relevant for-profit and not-for-profit organizations. Ideal candidates will bring sufficient experience within higher education to gain the respect of the faculty. 

▪ Strong business acumen encompassing a broad range of entities and/or lines of business; a thorough understanding of strategy, operations, finance, and technology. 

▪ Experience implementing a strategic plan focused on organizational growth, impact, and/or fundraising success.  

▪ A proven track record of complex problem solving and change management. 

▪ Leadership experience at a C-suite level, demonstrating: 

- Broad oversight responsibilities across multiple areas and departments 

- Operational excellence, financial stewardship, and transformational leadership 

- A commitment to transparency, forging trust, and open communications 

- Exceptional communications skills, including a track record of effectively interacting with a board and board committees 

- The ability to collaborate effectively across teams and constituencies 

- The ability to build culture, develop talent, and align teams around common goals 

- A proven track record of success in leading and motivating high-functioning teams 

Leadership Attributes 

▪ Leads with honesty, integrity, trustworthiness, respect, and fairness 

▪ Strategic mindset and strong business acumen 

▪ Abiding commitment to AJU’s mission, vision, and values, and the ability to communicate those effectively across a broad array of constituencies 

▪ Ability to appreciate the history and traditions of AJU, yet is continually looking for ways to innovate and lead into the future 

▪ Ability to quickly establish credibility and earn the trust of diverse constituents 

▪ A critical thinker and decisive leader, who exercises good judgment in making decisions based on the appropriate inputs and situational considerations 

▪ A strong personality, skilled in persuasion and influence, including knowing when to stay firm and when to concede 

▪ Effective at aligning people and teams toward execution