Position Description

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East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania (ESU) invites applications and nominations for the position of Vice President, Administration and Finance.

University Overview

Located in northeastern Pennsylvania, the university is one of the 14 institutions in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. Within two hours of New York City and Philadelphia, the university’s 61 buildings are located on approximately 258 acres.

ESU serves more than 6,355 undergraduates and 588 graduate students from 19 states and 22 countries. Students are provided a broad variety of activities and programs to assist them in participating in the ESU community and in developing their skills and knowledge of leadership, wellness, service and diversity. Over 100 organizations, activities and teams are available, including choices such as athletics, fine arts, community service, recreation, academic honoraries, student government, and publications.

The University faculty totals approximately 335 and there are approximately 495 management and non-instructional staff members. Faculty members are representative of many and varied institutions of higher education in both the United States and abroad. Ninety-one percent of the University's full-time permanent instructional faculty members hold the highest degree possible in their academic fields. The faculty and coaches are represented by APSCUF, the collective bargaining association for the faculty for all 14 members of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE.) Approximately 405 staff are represented by AFSCME, SCUPA, SPFPA and OPEIU. Information on the Collective Bargaining Agreements can be found at: Collective Bargaining Agreements.

ESU is comprised of five academic colleges - Arts and Sciences, Education, Business and Management, Health Sciences and Graduate. The University offers 59 undergraduate degree programs, one associate degree program, and 22 master’s degree programs as well as a doctoral program in Educational Leadership and Administration in partnership with Indiana University of Pennsylvania. For more information on the academic programs: University Colleges.

In 2010, ESU adopted a strategic plan that serves as a guide for the University while at the same time being flexible enough to capture new challenges and opportunities in serving students and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The detailed plans can be found at: Strategic Plans.

Recent Highlights

  • East Stroudsburg University welcomed a new president this year, Dr. Marcia Welsh, former Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs and interim President at Towson University. Dr. Welsh is ESU’s 13th president and first female president. Dr. Welsh is committed to working with the campus community to revitalize various initiatives and in advancing the mission of the University and strengthening the value of an ESU degree. Her highest priority is to ensure the students continue to have access to academic excellence in the classrooms and laboratories as well as the best possible life experiences, on and off-campus.
  • ESU brought two suite style buildings online with a combined bed capacity of 969 and 330,670 sq. ft. It is planned to continue moving forward with another 170,000 sq. ft. building, similar to the ones recently completed, with a bed capacity of 495. This is to be followed by a fourth building of similar description in the next five years.
  • ESU has recently acquired a five year leased space in historic Bethlehem (approximately 35 miles southwest of East Stroudsburg) in order to target an urban population of adult degree seekers. Along with the possibility for conference services, the 10,000 square foot facility offers accelerated undergraduate degree completion programs and graduate programs. Current undergraduate program offerings include Public Health, Computer Security and Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management with graduate programs in Reading and Athletic Training.
  • ESU is currently in the design phase for its Keystone Center, which will be the University's largest building at approximately 270,000 square feet. The Center will house various areas including the library and computer center as well as student services.
  • ESU spearheaded an expanded Marine Science Consortium Center to include a partnership with NASA’s new Wallop Island Flight Facility that opened in 2010. ESU is a lead MSC member among seven sister PASSHE universities.
  • The Northeast Wildlife DNA Laboratory, an affiliate of ESU, provides students with an opportunity to combine field and laboratory research and internship opportunities.
  • The Research and Economic Development division provides clear benefits to the ESU community and the region. ESU has been identified as a “best practice” model in community and economic development regionally and by the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. The University operates an award-winning Business Accelerator program that is creating high-tech jobs while University sponsored programs and research have generated over $14 million in grant funding over the past five years.
  • ESU has established a bi-lateral agreement with Shenyang Normal University in China to formalize an exchange program. ESU is also working with Shanghai Normal University on various exchange programs.

Location

East Stroudsburg University’s location in the heart of the scenic Pocono region provides students with convenient access to the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, including the Delaware River; pristine streams, ponds, and lakes; historic venues; family attractions for all seasons; as well as easy access to New York City and Philadelphia.

Visitors to the region can also enjoy outdoor activities such as skiing at premier ski areas, rafting on the Delaware and hiking the Poconos. Quaint local shops and antique stores and great entertainment at regional theaters and concert venues are also close by.

The East Stroudsburg University Foundation

Working with the Foundation Board of 18 members, and the Alumni Board of 30 members, the East Stroudsburg University Foundation is an independent affiliate of the University with the sole mission of soliciting, receiving and administering gifts and donations that promote the growth, progress and general welfare of ESU and its students. With a staff of 21, core areas within the Foundation include the ESU Annual Fund, Major Gifts, Planned Giving, Corporate and Community Relations, Stewardship, and Alumni Engagement.

In 2011, the Foundation, alongside the University, celebrated the completion of Today’s Dream, Tomorrow’s Reality, the Comprehensive Campaign for East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania. Support skyrocketed past a goal of $15 million with contributions surpassing the $20 million mark in the eight-year campaign. The effort saw the completion of the spectacular Warren E. ’55 and Sandra Hoeffner Science and Technology Center, a bolstered Annual Fund, increased endowments and improvements to arts and athletics programs and facilities.

Financial Resources

The University’s operating budget is approximately $136 million and has a budget of approximately $20 million for Auxiliary Services. The ESU Foundation has an endowment of approximately $13 million. The University receives approximately $21 million or 21.6% of the University’s total E&G revenue from state appropriations. The cost for full-time undergraduate tuition, room, board and fees for 2011-2012 is $15,236 for in-state students and $24,774 for out-of-state students. Approximately 72% of students receive financial aid.

Campus Master Plan

  • In 1996, there were 55 buildings. With completion of new student housing, the number of university buildings will total 70. Total campus acreage has increased from 160 to 256 since 1996.
  • Concepts for a Consolidated Campus:
    • Anticipates 1,500 additional students (8,500 total)
    • Timeframe—10-15 years
    • Improved academic space
    • Combined library and student center
    • Theater and fine arts in one location
    • Separate athletics programs from academic physical education
    • Multiple dining venues
    • New roadways and additional parking
    • Accommodating growth with 2,000 additional beds in four new residence halls
    • Adding 4-5 additional playing fields
    • New space for the hospitality and tourism program
  • The Keystone Center, projected to be completed in 2018, will bring critical elements of student life to the center of campus (i.e. University Library, Computer Center, University Center, and Student Services such as food courts, shopping, entertainment, etc.) The approved cost will be $109 million with 270,000 square feet, which will be the University’s largest building.
  • The Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship is Phase I of the ESU Research and Business Park being developed on 15-acres of property owned by East Stroudsburg University in Smithfield Township. The Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship includes:
    ESU Business Accelerator
    Wet labs for life sciences companies
    ESU Northeast Infectious Disease Diagnostic Lab
    ESU Entrepreneurial Leadership Center
    ESU Division of Research and Economic Development
    Computer Training Labs and Conference Rooms
    The Center is participating in ventures that position the University and its affiliates as international partners in education and business. An example of the Center's international outreach includes the Center for Research & Economic Development being featured in LE MOCI, the business development & investment magazine of the French Ministry of Finance.

For more information on the Master Plan: Campus Facilities Master Plan.

University Properties, Inc. (UPI)

The University has an affiliate, University Properties, Inc. (UPI),that builds and manages privatized student housing projects on our behalf. The UPI board is made up of local business persons and others who can add value to the mission of the corporation which is a 501c (3) entity. Basically, the model involves the University leasing land to UPI which then arranges with developers to build housing for us. There are two housing projects that have been completed with this partnership. The first is University Ridge on the eastern edge of campus and is comprised of 540 beds. The second project is in the core of campus and has nearly 1,000 beds with another 1,000 beds planned. All of the privatized housing has enjoyed excellent occupancy and has returned net revenue to the University.

ESU Student Activity Association Inc. (SAA)

The Student Activity Association, Inc. (SAA) is an affiliated operation that has been established to foster student activities, to support various purposes of the University and to engage in activities which further enhance and promote the educational and service objectives of the University. It is managed as a self-sufficient enterprise and administered in accordance with policies determined by its Board of Directors. The Board is composed of students, elected directors, and non-voting University administrators who serve in an advisory capacity. Departments or functions operated under the auspices of the SAA include the University Center, Office of Student Activities, Campus Card Services, Recreation Center, University Bookstore and a Business Services unit. The Association collaborates closely with the University Student Affairs Division to ensure the smooth and effective delivery of student programs and services.

Vice President, Administration and Finance

Reporting to the President, the Vice President serves as the Chief Financial Officer for the University. Core University operations reporting to the Vice President include the Business Office (Accounting and Budget), Purchasing and Contracting Management, Facilities Management, Computing and Communication Technologies, Public Safety, Human Resources and the Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity.

The Vice President oversees a divisional budget including approximately $10.2 million in salary and benefits and approximately $4 million in operating funds. The Administration and Finance unit consists of approximately 200 employees and an additional 50 student employees.

For more information on the Office of Administration and Finance: Office of Administration & Finance.

Duties and Responsibilities (Including, but not limited to):

  • Serve as the Chief Financial Officer of the University. This includes the oversight of all accounting and purchasing services, preparation of financial statements, coordination of all audit functions, administration of cash management and investment programs and the financing of equipment and facility needs through bond and other financing mechanisms.
  • Ensures all fiscal and administrative operations comply with Commonwealth, Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, and federal policies, laws and regulations.
  • Directs the budgetary operations of the University which encompass the Educational and General (E&G) budget and the auxiliary enterprise budgets. Oversee the development and preparation of the University’s E&G, auxiliary enterprise and other self-supporting and independent operations budgets. Implement adjustments to these budgets during the course of the year as internal and external influences impact revenue and expenditures.
  • Serves on the President’s Council as a senior administrator and assists in the overall policy direction of the University with particular leadership given in the areas of finance, purchasing and budget (E&G and Auxiliaries), facilities management and construction, computing and communication technologies, public safety, diversity and equal opportunity, and human resources. Facilitate the senior administration’s understanding of financial matters which enables responsible fiscal planning.
  • Provides fiscal support and serves as liaison to the various affiliated organization of the University including University Properties, Inc (UPI), ESU Foundation, and Student Activities Association (SAA).
  • Serves as the University’s Right to Know officer and as such is responsible for the University’s compliance with the Pennsylvania Right to Know law.
  • Responsible for the overall management of the University’s physical plant including construction planning, facilities financing and the University master plan. Makes recommendations to the President and President’s Council regarding utilization of University facilities. Responsible for the Capital Budget Request and Deferred Maintenance Appropriation reports. Is also responsible for the coordination with the Chancellor’s Office and the Department of General Services on all facility projects including capital projects.
  • Coordinates the development and documentation of requests for capital appropriations in consultation with senior administrators, the President and the Council of Trustees.
  • Responsible for the overall management of the Purchasing function for the University. As the President’s designee, serves as the contracting officer for University contracts, memoranda and letters of agreement, etc.
  • Responsible for the overall management of the University’s Computing and Telecommunication services. Oversee the coordination of technology needs and resources with Academic Affairs.
  • Responsible for the overall management of the University’s Public Safety services including health and safety as well as parking administration and management.
  • Responsible for the overall management of the University’s Human Resource Management program including labor relations. Provide input on labor relations activities including grievance proceedings and negotiations.
  • Responsible for the overall management of the University’s Diversity and Equal Employment Opportunity programs including sexual harassment training and compliance.
  • Serves as the Emergency Management contact for the University with the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.
  • Represent the University on the Vice President’s Fiscal and Administrative Officer Council and other Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education committees as well as other external and internal functions.
  • Performs other assignments as directed by the President.

Qualifications

The University seeks a candidate with significant senior leadership experience in the management of a complex institution or organization, and a genuine appreciation for ESU’s educational mission, culture and values. Candidates should demonstrate a strong record of using data and analytics to guide strategic resource allocation.

The successful candidate must have:

  • a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field;
  • administrative experience in fiscal management; strategic planning and budgeting;
  • knowledge of best business practices;
  • the ability to manage, direct, and lead personnel;
  • excellent organization and communication skills,
  • a strong commitment to ethics, and
  • the ability and willingness to proactively promote diversity within the division and the University.

Additional desirable characteristics include:

  • a willingness to attend to the good of the institution as a whole, and to be a strong contributor to the President’s senior leadership team;
  • a commitment to transparency and shared governance;
  • experience working with and an understanding of the operations of institutionally-related 501.3(c) organizations;
  • the ability to share information and educate a wide variety of constituencies about the University’s budget;
  • an accessible, collegial, consultative style;
  • the ability to establish and maintain strong relationships with community leaders including local and state government officials;
  • the ability and an interest in forging effective relationships within a state system; and
  • an interest in participating in the life of the University and its community.

Preference will be given to candidates with an advanced degree in a relevant field of study and a history of success, creativity, and innovation in higher education administration.

Contacts

The search process is underway and will continue until the position is filled. For best consideration, please electronically submit a resume or cv and cover letter before February 15, 2013. Nominations, inquiries and expressions of interest should be forwarded, in confidence, to:

Susan VanGilder, Principal
Storbeck / Pimentel & Associates, LP
610/565-2910, extension 315
ESUFinance@storbeckpimentel.com

East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and actively solicits applications from women and minority candidates