Vice President for Finance and Administration

University of the Ozarks; Clarksville (AR); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of the Ozarks in Clarksville, Arkansas, invites nominations for a Vice President for Finance and Administration (VPFA). The VPFA will oversee Finance, Financial Services, Financial Aid, Human Resources, Physical Plant, and Endowment Funds, and join a high-performing executive team to ensure fiscal stability and strategic vitality.

Reporting to the President, the VPFA will partner with campus leaders to advance the university’s mission, support teaching and student success, and

Responsibilities

• Oversee the Office of Finance, Financial Services, Financial Aid, Human Resources, Physical Plant, and Endowment Funds.
• Lead the university's financial operations to ensure fiscal stability and vitality.
• Collaborate with campus leaders and the executive team to advance the mission and support student success.

Job description

University of the Ozarks

Vice President for Finance and Administration

University of the Ozarks (Ozarks) invites nominations, inquiries, and applications for the position of Vice President for Finance and Administration (VPFA). U of O is a private liberal arts institution located in Clarksville, Arkansas, nestled in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains. Tracing its roots to 1834, it is the oldest institution of higher education in Arkansas and one of the oldest west of the Mississippi River, and it maintains a historic affiliation with the Presbyterian Church (USA). Known for its intimate learning environment and low student-to-faculty ratio, U of O offers a range of undergraduate programs grounded in a strong liberal arts tradition. Reporting directly to President Richard Dunsworth, the successful candidate is expected to begin no later than July 1, 2027.

Ozarks is consistently recognized for its academic quality, affordability, and student-centered programs. Ranked among the top comprehensive baccalaureate institutions in the Southern region by U.S. News & World Report, the University blends the liberal arts and professional preparation in an environment that emphasizes quality teaching and student learning. Serving approximately 800 undergraduate students who represent communities throughout the United States and more than 20 countries around the world, Ozarks is one of the fastest-growing universities in the region, with record enrollment that has increased nearly 50 percent over the past five years.

The next VPFA will build upon the sound financial foundation of the University, as reflected in its endowment and solid financial standing, focusing on the financial management and operations of the institution to ensure fiscal stability and vitality. The VPFA oversees the Office of Finance, Financial Services, Financial Aid, Human Resources, Physical Plant, and Endowment Funds, along with other duties assigned by the President. The successful candidate will be a collaborative, forward-thinking financial leader who embraces the University’s mission and joins a strong executive leadership team committed to serving the academic, spiritual, social, physical, and emotional needs of students while upholding exceptionally high academic standards.

Applications received by January 4, 2027 can be assured full consideration.

Academic Search is assisting the University of the Ozarks in this national Vice President for Finance and Administration search. Conversations are encouraged as our consultants want to get to know you and share information that might be helpful in discerning your interest and preparing application materials.

Knowing that diversity contributes to academic excellence and rich and rewarding communities, Ozarks is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse faculty, staff and student body. The University is especially interested in applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences and those with a successful record of teaching and working with diverse students, including historically underrepresented minority students and other underserved populations. For additional information about the University of the Ozarks, please visit ozarks.edu.