Vice President of Administration and Finance Category:

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North Adams, MA Posted:

Sep 16, 2026

Closes:

Open Until Filled Type:

Full-time Salary Type:

Annually Salary Range:

$235,000.00 - $250,000.00

Position ID:

204854

Share About Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts:

At MCLA, we're here for all, and focused on each of our students. Classes are taught by educators who care deeply about teaching, and about seeing their students thrive on every level of their lives. In every way possible, the experience at MCLA is designed to elevate our students as individuals, leaders, and communicators, fully empowered to make their impressions on the world. In addition to our 130-year commitment to public education, we have fortified our dedication to equitable academic excellence. MCLA has appeared on U.S. News & World Report's list of Top Ten Public Colleges for 11 consecutive years, earning the No. 6 spot on the list of Top Public Liberal Arts Schools in the nation for 2026. The College's focus on affordable education and economic prosperity is reflected in additional 2026 U.S.

News rankings:

No. 6 for Top Performer on Social Mobility for liberal arts colleges in the state and No. 4 for Top Performer on Social Mobility for public liberal arts colleges in the country. These rankings measure how well schools graduate students who receive Federal Pell Grants. Learn more at www.mcla.edu

Job Description:

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES

The Vice President of Administration and Finance provides executive leadership of financial and administrative operations of the college. Primary responsibilities include providing leadership to administrative services at the college, leading development and management of the budget, allocation of fiscal resources, and implementation of elements of fiscal accountability to accomplish the college's mission. Develop and provide innovative solutions to institutional challenges through continuous assessment and improvement of operations. Serves as the chief financial officer for the college and is a member of the President's Executive Staff. The Vice President spearheads alignment of financial operations, business support functions, physical plant management and auxiliary services with strategic planning objectives. Provides management and direction to the departments of Information Technology, Facilities, Fiscal Affairs (Budgeting, Accounting, Purchasing), Shipping/Receiving and Mailroom/Copying, Capital Planning, Auxiliary Services, Risk Management, Emergency Planning, Human Resources and Student Financial Services.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

: Reports directly to the President.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

: Exercises supervision over professional and classified staff assigned to the Administration & Finance Division.

DETAILED STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Develop, implement and enforce policies and procedures through financial and administrative systems that will improve the overall operation and effectiveness of the college. Partners with public safety leadership and other campus stakeholders to ensure effective emergency management planning, compliance, training and response coordination. Plan, develop, organize, implement, direct, and evaluate the organization's fiscal functions. Ensure timely and accurate budget analysis and financial reporting for the management team, President, and Board of Trustees. Ensure continual review and improvement of the budgeting process through education of management on financial issues impacting their budgets. Responsible for the planning, preparation, supervision, and presentation of the college's annual budget to the President and Board of Trustees, and the constituents of the college. Responsible for disseminating information within the college on budgetary processes and procedures related to operating and capital expenditures. Advise the President and management team on the impact of long range financial and organizational planning. Provide strategic financial leadership and support on potential alliances, investments and other issues affecting the college's business. Participate in the negotiation of union contracts. Provide leadership and guidance regarding the development and implementation of capital planning and operations projects as well as the safe maintenance of physical plant and grounds. Provide leadership and guidance to ensure the campus-wide technology strategy is responsive to the needs of the college community. Provide leadership and guidance to ensure effective and efficient function of the Human Resources and Payroll Department is being followed in accordance with state and federal guidelines. Establishes credibility throughout the organization and with the Board as an effective problem solver. Evaluates the finance/administrative services structure and team plan for continual improvement of the efficiency and effectiveness of the department as well as providing professional development opportunities. Collaborate with internal departments and external agents and constituencies to provide financial information/reports and to work toward the realization of cost efficiencies in line with the college's goals and strategic plan. Assist the President in aligning strategic priorities with Massachusetts Department of Higher Education strategic initiatives. Responsible for the accounting of all funds collected from all sources of the college and the dispersal of such funds under the applicable laws and regulation of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Provides leadership and guidance to ensure effective and efficient function of Student Financial Services, including financial aid administration, student accounts, billing, collections, and customer service operations following all federal, state, and institutional regulations governing student financial assistance programs, including Title IV financial aid requirements. Oversee the management and monitoring of the College's investments and reserve funds in accordance with the Investment Policy approved by the Board of Trustees. Develop policies, procedures and engages in the procurement of goods and non-personnel services. Other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the President.

Requirements:

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree in finance or related field required. Master's degree preferred Certified Public Accountant or Certified Management Accountant preferred Experience in public higher education fiscal management An experienced leader and financial executive with at least seven years of full-time progressively responsible management experience related to administrative and fiscal affairs in a complex organization Demonstrated understanding of the importance of diversity of staff and ability to work collaboratively with a diverse faculty, staff, and student body Extensive experience with budget development and management, business accounting, risk management, contract/procurement A strategic thinker with sound technical skills, analytical ability, and strong operations and systems focus Demonstrated ability to utilize data and identify risks to analyze strategic issues and inform decisions Outstanding communication skills; a team player who can relate to a variety of constituencies. Able to explain complex financial information in understandable terms Prior administrative experience in a collective bargaining environment preferred

Additional Information:

This is a full-time, permanent, benefited position starting on 1/01/2027. Salary for this position is between $235,000 and $250,000 per year. Applications received by 10/28/2026 will receive preferential treatment.

Employee Benefits:

Health Insurance:

MCLA offers a variety of HMO, POS, and PPO-type health insurance plans for eligible employees. Coverage is effective on the 1st of the month following the date of hire. Exceptions to employees hired on the 1st of the month, coverage is effective immediately.

Retirement:

The MA State Employee Retirement System provides eligible employees with a retirement pension following a 10-year vesting period. In lieu of the retirement pension, eligible employees may select the Optional Retirement Plan with a maximum 5% employer matching contribution.

Tuition Waivers & Discounts:

eligible employees, including spouses and dependent children, receive reduced tuition at MA state colleges, community colleges, and universities.

Paid Time Off:

employees receive 12 paid holidays and generous vacation, personal, and sick leave benefits. Until further notice, in response to the Presidential proclamation, issued on September 19, 2025, imposing a significant fee on the entry of individuals with new H-1B visas, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities. Should you need to request a reasonable accommodation for the application process, please email Brenda Stokes, Executive Director of Human Resources. Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts is deeply committed to fostering a community of excellence, equity, diversity, and inclusion. We provide equal access to educational, co-curricular and employment opportunities for all applicants, students, and employees regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, marital or parental status, veteran status, or membership in any other legally protected class. Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts does not discriminate on the basis of sex in any educational program or activity that they operate, which extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about Title IX, Equal Opportunity, or ADA/504 and other non-discrimination policies may be directed to MCLA's Interim Title IX and Equal Opportunity Coordinator, to the Assistant Secretary of the Department of Education Office for Civil Rights, or both. Lucas Morrill Interim Title IX and EO Coordinator 375 Church Street, North Adams, MA 01247

Telephone:

(413) 662-5103 Titleix@mcla.edu U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights 33 Arch Street, 9th Floor Boston, MA 02119-1424

Telephone:

(617) 289-0111;

FAX:

(617) 289-0150; TDD (877) 521-2172 OCR.Boston@ed.gov

Application Instructions:

Applicants are required to submit a resume, cover letter, online application, and 3 professional references to be considered for this position. Candidates should click the apply now button to submit application materials. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Powered by