Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration

Stanford University seeks an accomplished and strategic leader as its Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration (SVPFA). The next SVPFA will have the opportunity to serve in a leadership role at a research university with a rich tradition of innovation, entrepreneurship, and discovery. Stanford finds itself entering an exciting new chapter in the institution’s history. With a new president and provost, a new generation of leaders is ready to bring fresh ideas and strategies to strengthen and advance the university’s mission of high-quality education and rigorous research. The SVPFA will work with a leadership group and university community that are optimistic about the future and cognizant of the many opportunities and challenges in the dynamic landscape of higher education. To meet them, Stanford will require an SVPFA who can bring creativity and a high level of competence to how the institution thinks about and manages its finances and operations. 

The SVPFA reports to President Jonathan Levin and Provost Jenny Martinez. They are a member of the president’s senior leadership team and have oversight of the office of Business Affairs, which has the primary responsibility for financial and administrative matters. The success of the next SVPFA will be determined by how well they provide sound strategic advice regarding financial and administrative matters and their ability to bring keen insights and good judgment to a diverse set of complex issues. They will also be an important voice on how to reduce administrative burdens that often impede timely decision-making or make straightforward tasks needlessly complex. Given Stanford’s large and decentralized nature, the SVPFA must assiduously build collaborative relationships, consult with a broad range of stakeholders, and communicate clearly and transparently regarding complex issues. The SVPFA oversees a large team, and they must effectively lead and manage a group of experienced and talented professionals. Continuing to ensure that Stanford has the right and most effective management systems and platforms will also be an important task of the SVPFA. 

All inquiries, applications, and nominations for this opportunity should be directed, in confidence, electronically below.

Daniel Rodas is leading this search with Kahn Lee, Amble Ryan, and Nicole Sancilio.

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of their job.