Chief Financial Officer

Howard University, one of the nation’s leading research institutions and an historically Black private university, seeks a creative, collaborative, and forward-thinking leader to serve as its next Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer (CFO). Reporting to the President and serving as a key member of the university’s senior leadership team, the CFO will join the university at a critical time marked by significant growth and forward momentum. As such, the CFO will be charged with overseeing and strengthening the university’s financial position as it navigates the opportunities and risks associated with reaching for ambitious goals. As Howard continues to capitalize on its existing strengths and strong market presence, the university will need an astute leader adept at leveraging the institution’s collective assets, building a sustainable infrastructure, effectively overseeing fiscal resources, fostering a diverse and welcoming environment, and collaborating with key internal and external stakeholders. 

A culturally diverse, comprehensive, research-intensive university and HBCU, Howard provides an educational experience of exceptional quality, with particular emphasis upon educational opportunities for Black students. The university offers a broad range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs, including law, business, medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, engineering, divinity, and architecture. In addition, it owns the teaching hospital. Howard is one of only two nonmilitary schools in the U.S. that are federally chartered and receive an ongoing direct federal appropriation.  

Reporting directly to the President, the CFO is responsible for the financial operations of the university with oversight of the following areas: the controller’s office; treasury operations; student accounts; budget; procurement and contracting; accounts payable; investments; insurance and risk management; and real estate development. As CFO, they will oversee the university’s annual operation budget of $784.4 million. In addition to serving as a key member of the President’s Cabinet, the CFO also liaises with the chair of the Board of Trustees and co-chairs the Tuition Rates Advisory and Budget Advisory Committees. In addition, the CFO is expected to serve on other committees as needed.

Howard’s next CFO will serve as a trusted, strategic partner to the President, Board of Trustees, Cabinet, and Deans in sustaining financial sustainability for the university along with its schools and component units, ensuring responsible fiscal stewardship for current and future generations. The ideal candidate will be a seasoned financial leader who is well versed in all facets of strategic resource management and fiscal oversight. The CFO must be an accomplished financial executive with strong technical knowledge coupled with the capacity to assess and improve business processes. They will have a proven track record of effective fiscal management in support of key strategic initiatives and priorities. The CFO must be an excellent communicator committed to the highest ethical and professional standards, a strong team leader and manager, and a collaborative colleague who thrives in a diverse academic community.  

Dan Rodas is leading this search with Amble Ryan. 

Howard University is committed to providing equal opportunity in employment as well as in its education programs and activities. To maintain a workplace in which all employees are treated with respect and decency, Howard University prohibits any discrimination or harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, family status and responsibilities, personal appearance, political affiliation, marital status, gender identity, or expression, genetic information, matriculation, unemployed status, or any other classifications, activities or conditions protected by applicable law.