Cleary University Chief Financial Officer Academic Career & Executive Search ispleased to assist Cleary University in its search for Chief Financial Officer. Applications will be reviewed ona rolling basis, and screening and interviews may begin immediately. For best consideration, applicants are encouraged to apply as early aspossible and no later than November 6, 2026. This position may be filled before the best consideration date. ClearyUniversity seeks a strategic and entrepreneurial Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to guide the financial strategy of a growing and rapidlyevolving private university based in Howell, Michigan. With another year of growth and fall 2026 enrollment reaching an all-time high ofapproximately 1,200 students, the University continues building on this significant financial and enrollment momentum, enjoying anotherprofitable fiscal year in 2025-26, and a clean audit with no findings. In recent years, Cleary has strengthened its financialfoundation, doubled enrollment, and developed a distinctive reputation for accelerated degree pathways serving working adults. Theseofferings have generated thousands of incremental enrollments with a 78% retention rate and a strong job placement rate, reflecting thestrength of Cleary's workforce-aligned model and its growing regional reputation. Building on this progress, Cleary isadvancing a set of strategic initiatives requiring financial leadership, analysis, and investment, including: Nationalexpansion of Cleary's accelerated programs beyond Michigan, including Ohio and Wisconsin Development of the Siena Heights School ofNursing at Cleary University, expanding the University's academic portfolio as it progresses through the approvalprocess Development of new schools and academic programs aligned with labor market trends Rollout of an innovative careerdevelopment pathway model New philanthropy initiatives, including the development of a capital campaign Expansion of theUniversity's campus footprint Implementation of Jenzabar as the University's new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system,strengthening financial and institutional operations These initiatives are part of The Fourth Wave , Cleary's recently approved 2025-2028 strategicplan, which establishes a roadmap for the University's next phase. As Cleary scales its adult and online programs while reinvesting in itsresidential campus, the incoming CFO will bring rigorous financial analysis to decisions around segment-level economics, pricing anddiscount strategies, capital deployment, program expansion, and new ventures. The role offers the opportunity to help build the financialframework needed to support an increasingly complex and evolving institution. Reporting directly to President Alan Drimmer and serving as a key member of the executive leadershipteam, the CFO serves as a strategic partner and trusted advisor to the President, bringing sophisticated financial insight, sound judgment,and an enterprise-wide perspective to consequential decisions about the University's future. This is a senior-level strategicleadership role with responsibility for Cleary's overall financial strategy, capital and debt structure, long-range financial planning,major financial modeling, banking strategy, real estate considerations, and the financial evaluation of growth initiatives and newopportunities. Working closely with the President and Board, the CFO will help assess opportunities and risk, evaluate alternativescenarios, and provide the financial strategy and analysis necessary to support major institutional decisions and advance the University'slong-term priorities. With the Controller overseeing the Business Office and day-to-day financial operations, the CFO will have thecapacity to focus significant attention on forward-looking financial strategy and institutional decision-making while maintainingappropriate oversight of the University's overall financial function. The successful candidate will be an accomplished, collaborativefinancial executive who combines strategic perspective with the ability to work effectively in a lean, entrepreneurial environment. The CFOmust be comfortable operating at the highest levels of institutional leadership while remaining sufficiently hands-on to engage deeply whencircumstances require. The successful candidate will also share Cleary's commitment to practical, career-focused education for workingadults and diverse student populations. This is an on-site position with responsibility for the Controller and Business Office.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Candidates for the CFO position will also be expected to: Serve as a strategic partner and financial advisor to the President and executive leadership team in aligning financial planning withinstitutional priorities, program innovation, and long-term growth initiatives Lead long-range financial planning and scenariomodeling to evaluate growth initiatives, new programs, investments, and other strategic opportunities Provide strategic leadershiparound the University's capital and debt structure, banking relationships, financing strategies, and major capital and real estateconsiderations Develop and monitor financial models, analyses, and forecasts to assess institutional performance and financialsustainability Oversee the Controller and Business Office, ensuring effective financial operations, controls, reporting, andstewardship of University assets Coordinate and direct the preparation of the budget and financial forecasts Establish majorfinancial objectives and policies for the institution and provide clear, forward-looking financial reporting and analysis to the President,Board, and executive leadership Collaborate with advancement leadership to support evolving philanthropic efforts and ensure strongfinancial infrastructure for future fundraising initiatives

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of university administration and the principles and practices of financial management Strong analytical,problem-solving, and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and complex taskssimultaneously Experience with automated accounting systems and financial reporting tools Ability to build effective workingrelationships with diverse stakeholders across the university Demonstrated leadership ability, including supervising staff,delegating responsibilities, and fostering a collaborative team environment Strong written and verbal communicationskills Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain a high level of confidentiality, and uphold institutional policies andpriorities Demonstrated ability to connect financial strategy with institutional mission and student outcomes

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree in finance, business, accounting, or a relatedfield Minimum of five (5) years of professional experience in accounting or financial management in progressively responsiblepositions within a higher education institution; Or Five (5) years of progressively responsibleleadership experience in financial planning, budgeting, and financial operations

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Higher education experience Master's degree in finance, business, accounting, or a related field CPAcertification About the Institution Cleary University is a private institutionfounded in 1883 with a long-standing commitment to innovation, applied learning, and entrepreneurship in business education. Located inHowell, Michigan, the University offers associate, bachelor's, and master's degree programs designed to prepare students for immediate andsustained success in a rapidly evolving workforce. Cleary's main campus is in Livingston County, with an additional education center inDetroit that extends its reach into one of the region's major economic hubs. At the core of the academic experience is The Cleary Mind TM , a distinctive, data-informed curricularframework focused on developing eight attributes most valued by employers: critical thinking, problem solving, ethics, creative thinking,communication, persuasion, entrepreneurship, and leadership. Fully integrated across the curriculum and co-curricular experience, The ClearyMind TM reflects Cleary's commitment to aligning academic programs with workforce needs and ensuring graduates are prepared tosucceed and lead in dynamic organizational environments. Cleary serves a vibrant, career-focused student population, includingtraditional undergraduates as well as working professionals pursuing hybrid and fully online programs. Traditional undergraduate studentsmay live in university residence halls, off-campus housing, or commute from home. The University's emphasis on small class sizes,personalized support, and strong industry alignment fosters meaningful student engagement and career readiness. Cleary's athletic teams,known as the Cougars, are an integral part of campus life, competing at the NAIA level as a member of the Wolverine-Hoosier AthleticConference. Learn more about Cleary University at www.cleary.edu . Living in theArea Cleary's main campus is in Howell, Michigan, part of Livingston County, one of the fastest-growing regions in SoutheastMichigan. Howell offers a blend of small-town charm and access to major metropolitan opportunities, situated halfway between Detroit andLansing, within easy driving distance of Ann Arbor, and less than an hour from Detroit Metropolitan Airport, providing convenient regionaland national connectivity. The region is known for its highly ranked public schools and family-friendly communities; abundant outdoorrecreation, including lakes, parks, and trails; and a revitalized historic downtown featuring restaurants, arts venues, and year-roundcommunity events. Residents also benefit from proximity to major employers and innovation hubs across Southeast Michigan. The areaoffers a high quality of life, combining affordability, safety, and natural beauty with convenient access to the economic, cultural, andeducational assets of Michigan's leading cities. Learn more about the region at www.livgov.com. To Apply Applications will be reviewed on arolling basis, and screening and interviews may begin immediately. For best consideration, applicants are encouraged to apply as early aspossible and no later than November 6, 2026. This position may be filled before the best consideration date. Tobe viewed by the search firm, you must apply directly at: https://acesrch.applicantstack.com/x/detail/a21esjy30qw5 Please apply through the application link and do not email applications. Applications will be reviewed as they are receivedand should include a cover letter and curriculum vita. Ideally cover letters should not exceed two pages. All applications are treatedconfidentially. Inquiries, referrals, and nominations are also treated confidentially. Inquiries andquestions : Please send to ClearyCFO@acesrch.com Nominations andreferrals : Please send the nominee's name, title, and contact information if available to nominations@acesrch.com Institutional Information ClearyUniversity is committed to being a workplace that is not only free of discrimination, but one that genuinely fosters inclusion andbelonging. Cleary strongly believes that workforce diversity creates an environment in which its employees can thrive. Cleary understandsand embraces the variety through which people gain experiences whether through professional, personal, educational, or volunteeropportunities. Cleary University is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.