Strategic Finance & Operations Leader – Higher Ed

Vanderbilt; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 180,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

Vanderbilt Law School seeks a Chief Business Officer (CBO) to lead its financial and business operations, including budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and capital planning. The role requires strategic leadership, strong collaboration with university offices, and oversight of sponsored projects and internal controls.

The CBO reports to the Dean and AVP for Finance, serving as a trusted advisor on financial, HR, and operational topics while guiding policy development and organizational

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, finance, economics required.
• Master's degree in a related field preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in strategic finance or operational leadership, ideally in higher education.
• Experience with sponsored project administration and grant lifecycle.
• Strong financial acumen across budgeting, planning, and reporting.
• Proven ability to advise executives and manage complex programs.

Responsibilities

• Oversee financial and business operations for Vanderbilt Law School (VLS).
• Develop and manage annual operating budget, forecasts, and management reporting.
• Lead capital planning, gift and endowment utilization, and contract/grant administration.
• Implement internal controls and ensure compliance with university policies and sponsor guidelines.
• Collaborate with university offices (Finance, HR, General Counsel, Risk, IT) and senior leadership.
• Manage human capital processes, procurment oversight, and faculty-related funding.
• Drive organizational change, process improvements, and effective decision support.

Skills

Strategic finance

Budgeting

Forecasting

Financial reporting

Grant administration

Capital planning

Policy development

Compliance

ERP systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in business/finance/economics

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Oracle ERP

Workday

Job description

Vanderbilt Law School seeks a Chief Business Officer (CBO) to lead its financial and business operations, including budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and capital planning. The role requires strategic leadership, strong collaboration with university offices, and oversight of sponsored projects and internal controls.

The CBO reports to the Dean and AVP for Finance, serving as a trusted advisor on financial, HR, and operational topics while guiding policy development and organizational