Strategic VP & CFO - Higher Education Finance

Boise State University; Boise (ID); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Boise State University seeks a Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer (VP-CFO) to lead the university's financial strategy and operations from Boise, Idaho. The role requires strong leadership and collaboration with the President's Executive Team to advance the Blueprint for Success strategic plan.

The candidate should have a bachelor's degree in accounting, business, public administration, or a related field, with a master's degree preferred and at least five years in public

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, business, public administration, or a related field.
• Master's degree preferred.
• At least five years of recent experience in public higher education or a related field.
• Experience in executive roles such as CFO, vice president, or associate vice president.

Responsibilities

• Report to the President and serve on the Executive Team to lead the University's fiscal operations.
• Collaborate with external stakeholders and campus leadership to advance Boise State's mission.
• Provide strategic financial leadership and drive innovation and operational excellence across fiscal operations.

Skills

Leadership

Collaboration

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Analytical skills

Financial management

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree (accounting)

Master's degree preferred

Job description

Boise State University invites applications and nominations for the position of Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer (VP-CFO).

As Idaho's largest state-supported University and a rapidly ascending research institution, Boise State is positioned for transformational growth. This opportunity comes at a pivotal moment in the University's trajectory following the appointment of Dr. David W. Hahn as Boise State's eighth president, ushering in a new era of leadership and strategic advancement.

Located in the scenic, vibrant capital city of Boise, Idaho, Boise State University is growing and progressing in many positive ways. Having recently achieved R2 classification with aspirations for R1 status, the University has expanded its research portfolio by 43% over the past five years. Enrollment reached a record 28,500 students in fall 2025, reflecting its strong appeal in the dynamic capital city of Boise. Boise State is also ahead of schedule in its $500 million Unbridled fundraising campaign, already securing more than $477 million toward its 2028 goal. Nationally recognized for its Division I athletics, the Broncos officially joined the Pac-12 Conference on July 1, 2026, further elevating the University's profile as a catalyst for innovation, economic development, and community impact.

Reporting directly to the President, the VP-CFO serves as a key member of the President's Executive Team, providing strategic financial leadership for all aspects of the University's fiscal operations. The VP-CFO partners closely with the University's Administrative Council to gain insights and develop alignment with leaders across campus. This leader also plays a key role in collaborating with external stakeholders through the Idaho State Board of Education, the Idaho Division of Financial Management, and the Legislative Finance Committee to advance Boise State's mission of student success, research excellence, and community engagement. This role demands a collaborative leader who can navigate the complexities of public higher education finance while driving innovation and operational excellence in support of the University's ambitious Blueprint for Success strategic plan.

The successful candidate will demonstrate strong leadership, collaboration, and interpersonal skills, along with proven organizational, analytical, financial, and communication abilities. Candidates should be forward-thinking, enthusiastic, and entrepreneurial. A bachelor's degree in accounting, business, public administration, or a related field is required, along with at least five years of recent experience in public higher education or a related field. Preferred qualifications include a master's degree and 10 years of experience in fiscal management, with at least five years in an executive role, such as CFO, vice president, or associate vice president.

All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in this profile. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by September 14, 2026.

Please direct inquiries and nominations to [e-mail].

All applications should be submitted to Zachary A. Smith, Ph.D., Kim Migoya, and Julia Bradley through the WittKieffer Candidate Portal by clicking here. Candidates can also find this portal via the WittKieffer website at www.wittkieffer.com.

Boise State University is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants for employment as provided for by federal, state, and local law. The university does not discriminate in employment opportunities or actions on the basis of any status or class protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. The University endeavors to recruit, hire, train, and promote the most qualified employees in all job titles. All other personnel actions are administered without regard to protected class under federal, state, or local law.