Vice President for Administration and Chief Financial Officer

California State University, Fresno (Fresno State), one of 23 campuses within the California State University system, seeks a dynamic, decisive, and creative leader to serve as its Vice President for Administration and Chief Financial Officer (VPA/CFO). Reporting to the President, serving on the President’s Cabinet, and working in collaboration with senior leadership, faculty, students, staff, and community members, the VPA/CFO oversees a broad and diverse portfolio and will be a key leader for Fresno State, firmly and genuinely committed to the University’s long-term success.

More than 24,000 students attend Fresno State’s 388-acre main campus, located at the northeast edge of Fresno, California, at the foot of the majestic Sierra Nevada Mountain range. A dynamic, community-engaged university, Fresno State has an annual budget of nearly $366 million and serves a highly diverse student body: more than 64% of its undergraduate students are the first in their family to attend college and more than half of its student population are from historically underrepresented populations. Fresno State was ranked No. 4 in the nation for social mobility in The Wall Street Journal/College Pulse 2024 Best Colleges in the U.S. rankings, reflecting the University’s ongoing commitment to offering affordable, high-quality education that improves students' socioeconomic status. The University is designated as a Hispanic-serving institution (HSI) and an Asian American Native American Pacific Islander-serving institution (AANAPISI), reflecting the ethnic and cultural richness of the Central Valley in California. Fresno State has been awarded the Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement and in 2024, was one of 25 institutions nationally—and the only public university in California—to receive the inaugural Leadership for Public Purpose Classification by the American Council on Education, the Doerr Institute for New Leaders at Rice University, and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. In 2022, the University was elevated to “Doctoral University - High Research Activity” or R2 status by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.

The VPA/CFO will join Fresno State at a critical moment, as it seeks to continue its legacy of service to the region while navigating a complex, highly dynamic public higher education landscape. The University seeks a VPA/CFO who can provide transparent, collaborative, and visible leadership and direction to an institution dedicated to advancing student success while ensuring long-term fiscal and operational vitality. Working closely with senior leadership and a highly collaborative, engaged divisional leadership team, the VPA/CFO will lead efforts in proactively and efficiently addressing short-term budgetary challenges to ensure long-term success. 

In this context, the next VPA/CFO will serve as a firm advocate for the University, building on its historic success, leveraging institutional assets, and deftly representing the University’s interests on a local, regional, and national scale. In doing so, the VPA/CFO will be instrumental in efforts to address the following opportunities and challenges:

• Provide exemplary counsel to the President and University Cabinet in support of Fresno State’s strategic plan;
• Transparently communicate information and decisions to the Fresno State community at all levels;
• Lead, develop, and support the talented administrators and staff across the Division of Administration and Finance;
• Enhance human resources, administrative operations, and support services to ensure compliance and drive efficiencies;
• Serve as a committed and visible external leader, effectively representing and advocating for Fresno State within the CSU system, across the Central Valley and beyond.

The anticipated salary range is $285,000-$325,000, commensurate with the background and experience of the individual selected. Fresno State offers excellent fringe benefits, including health, dental and vision insurance, participation in the Public Employees' Retirement System and educational benefits for eligible employees and immediate family members. All rights associated with the appointment are governed by the Management Personnel Plan adopted by the CSU Board of Trustees. 

Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process. Inquiries, nominations, referrals, and CVs with cover letters should be submitted below. 

Jay Torio is leading this search with Kendra Moleé.  

California State University, Fresno is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, medical condition, disability, marital status, or protected veteran status.