Vice President for Operations & Finance

Covenant College Job Description

Vice President for Operations & Finance

Join a team of faculty and staff who are committed to an exciting mission to offer the world biblically grounded men and women equipped to live out extraordinary callings in ordinary places. Covenant College is a community committed to the Bible as the inerrant Word of God, and everything we do is grounded in our Reformed theology and worldview.

Covenant has a beautiful 400-acre campus that stretches atop Lookout Mountain, Georgia on the Georgia/Tennessee border, just outside of Chattanooga. The community is a hub of vibrant cultural, educational, business, high-tech and entertainment activity and is an affordable place to live or raise a family. The campus enjoys incredible vistas of the Smoky Mountains and the Cumberland Plateau with views that span across several states. The region is widely known as an outdoor recreational paradise for campers, boaters, cyclists, climbers, cavers and hikers, all this while being conveniently located within two hours of Atlanta, Nashville and Knoxville.

Position Summary:

The Vice President for Operations & Finance (VPOF) is responsible to the President for setting direction for, and overseeing execution in, all financial and operational aspects of Covenant College. The VPOF is responsible for developing and ensuring implementation of the College's strategic financial plan as well as its annual budget. In addition, the VPOF serves as a member of the College Cabinet, providing a finance and business perspective on the educational services offered by the College and functioning as an integral member of the senior leadership of the College. The VPOF oversees the strategic direction and management of Finance & Accounting, Business Operations, Facilities/Maintenance & Operations, Human Resources, and Technology Services.

Major Duties:

1. Oversee the following operational functions:
   1. Finance, Accounting and Investments
   2. Facilities/Maintenance & Operations
   3. Business Operations
   4. Human Resources
   5. Technology Services
2. Lead and develop direct reports to ensure organizational health and operational effectiveness within their areas of responsibility. Continue to build and manage effective and streamlined administrative/financial systems, including financial, accounting, information technology (IT), human resources (HR), and physical infrastructure.
3. Provide overall financial leadership for the College
   1. Manage the preparation and review of the annual budget.
   2. Monitor the College's financial activity. Ensure that timely and accurate financial reports are provided to senior administration, the Board of Trustees, and appropriate directors.
   3. Maintain proper financial controls. Ensure compliance with all government regulations.
   4. Develop and review a multi-year budget/financial forecast.
   5. Ensure proper management of College assets, including cash and capital budgets.
   6. Function as the College's primary liaison in banking and investment relationships.
   7. Carry out the responsibilities of the Business Officer of the Corporation as defined in the college's bylaws.
4. Oversee the facilities and physical operations of the College
   1. Oversee facilities management, including campus maintenance and development.
   2. Oversee the selection of architects, contractors, and vendors.
   3. Make recommendations for acquisition or disposal of property.
5. Oversee the human resources functions of the College
   1. Work closely with the HR Director to design and implement benefits and compensation programs, policies, and practices that support the goals and objectives of the College.
   2. Ensure compliance with all government regulations pertaining to hiring, employment, compensation, etc.
   3. Act as fiduciary for the College's 403(b) retirement plan.
6. Oversee the College's business operations
   1. Ensure that all auxiliary enterprises serve to support the mission of the College.
   2. Ensure the operational effectiveness and financial viability of all auxiliary enterprises and independent operations (e.g., food service, rental properties, campus store).
7. Oversee the technology services functions of the College
   1. Work closely with the Director of Technology Services to establish strategic goals, policies, and procedures for the information technology department.
   2. Work closely with the Director of Technology Services to determine the College's long-term systems needs and any acquisitions necessary to accomplish the College's educational or business objectives.

Competencies:

• Accounting and financial experience
• Demonstrated ability to manage teams well, achieving results through collaborative efforts and developing direct reports
• Track record of thinking and acting strategically
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with internal and external constituencies
• Demonstrated experience leading or facilitating the development and implementation of business projects
• Strong analytical skills to interpret/adapt system procedures or operating concepts to fit new situations
• Ability to motivate and direct the activities of others and the ability to work in a diverse group
• Courage to challenge established practices, lead change, and make difficult decisions for the good of the College

Required Education / Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, management or related field
• Significant experience in accounting, budget/finance, management, business operations

Preferred Education / Experience:

• CPA, MBA or appropriate professional certification
• Experience in higher education
• Experience in both not-for-profit and for-profit business/finance
• Experience in facilities management and/or real estate development/finance

Additional Eligibility Requirements:

• An acceptance of and commitment to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, borne out in oral and life testimony and demonstrated in part by membership in a local church.
• A clear understanding of, and commitment to, the doctrinal standards of the Presbyterian Church in America. Must be able to subscribe to the Westminster Confession of Faith and the inerrancy of the Bible.
• Must be able to assent to Covenant College's Statement of Community Beliefs and Staff Commitments.
• Must demonstrate a strong understanding of the commitments of Covenant College as a Christian liberal arts college.

Physical Work Environment:

• This role is expected to be performed on campus unless otherwise directed or arranged for and operates primarily in a professional office environment using standard office equipment and other job-related technology.
• There is a mix of standing and sitting for this particular role.
• Expressing or exchanging ideas and conversation by means of the spoken word; needs to be fluent and conversant using the English language.
• Official college business hours for full-time staff are from 8:00am to 4:30pm, Monday through Friday. Alterations to one's work schedule may be made to suit job demands. Occasional evening and weekend work may also be required to meet job demands.
• A moderate amount of travel may be required for this position.

Position Classification:

To Apply:

Interested applicants should apply at https://www.covenant.edu/about/employment. Qualified candidates will have the opportunity to attach supporting documents to the application. Documents required for this position include:

• Letter of interest
• Résumé - including contact information for three references
• A statement or expression of your personal faith, sharing about your walk and the ongoing work of Christ in your life, and your understanding of and commitment to Scripture, the Westminster Confession of Faith (http://www.pcaac.org/resources/wcf/), and the doctrinal standards of the Presbyterian Church in America (http://www.pcanet.org/beliefs/).

11/8/2023