Description

The University of St. Thomas invites nominations and applications for the position of vice president for business affairs and chief financial officer (CFO). This is a pivotal leadership opportunity at one of the nation's leading Catholic universities—an institution committed to educating morally responsible leaders who advance the common good. The CFO will play a central role in shaping the financial and operational future of a mission-driven university poised for continued growth and transformation.

Founded in 1885 by Archbishop John Ireland, St. Thomas first began as the St. Thomas Aquinas Seminary to serve the region's growing immigrant population. Today, guided by its Catholic intellectual tradition, the University's mission is to educate students to think critically, act wisely, and work skillfully to advance the common good. Minnesota's largest private university and among the nation's largest Catholic universities, St. Thomas serves nearly 10,000 students across eight schools and colleges on campuses in St. Paul, Minneapolis, and Rome, Italy. The University benefits from net assets of $1.2 billion, a strong legacy of academic excellence, a dedicated Board of Trustees, robust philanthropic support, and an engaged alumni network of more than 115,000 worldwide.

St. Thomas is on an upward trajectory, marked by bold investments and increased national visibility. A groundbreaking transition from NCAA Division III to Division I athletics in 2021 continues to elevate enrollment, fundraising, and recognition. The University's current strategic plan, St. Thomas 2025, is in its final year, and under President Rob Vischer's leadership, planning for the next five years is underway. Recent fundraising successes include a historic $75 million gift for a multi-purpose arena and nearly $220 million for student financial aid—positioning St. Thomas to expand its reach and reputation beyond Minnesota.

As the University advances its ambitious goals, the CFO will serve as a key architect of financial strategy, institutional stewardship, and operational excellence. Reporting directly to President Vischer and serving on the president's cabinet and senior staff, the CFO oversees a broad portfolio including finance, facilities, auxiliary services, public safety, purchasing, and campus operations. The CFO leads a team of 289 staff and manages an operating budget of $297 million.

St. Thomas is a tuition-dependent institution with a discount rate near 56%. Following several years of enrollment growth, including the largest first-year class in the University's history in fall 2025, this role is critical to sustaining momentum. The University has invested nearly $500 million in facilities over the past five years and continues to expand its academic footprint through new colleges, interdisciplinary initiatives, and a growing national profile. The CFO will be expected to bring rigor and realism to financial forecasting, modernize systems, and foster trust through transparent communication with the Board, senior leadership, faculty, and staff.

The ideal candidate will be a strategic, collaborative leader with deep expertise in financial planning, budgeting, and operational management. They will possess the presence and credibility to engage effectively with trustees and stakeholders; the emotional intelligence to build a culture of partnership and inclusion; and the vision to align financial decisions with institutional priorities. A technology-forward mindset, commitment to innovation, and ability to lead through complexity will be essential.

This is a moment of extraordinary opportunity—for St. Thomas and for the next CFO—to shape the University's future with integrity, creativity, and a steadfast commitment to its Catholic mission, which is inspired by the Catholic intellectual tradition.

All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the leadership profile.

WittKieffer is assisting the University of St. Thomas in this search. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by February 9, 2026.

Applications, nominations, and inquiries can be directed to Robin Mamlet, Jen Meyers Pickard, Ph.D., and Lauren Bruce-Stets at UST-CFO@wittkieffer.com.

Salary Range: $315,000-$355,000. The University of St. Thomas has provided a salary range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The specific salary offered will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information. The University of St. Thomas offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits program, which includes:

• Tuition Remission for employees, spouses, and dependents
• Generous Retirement Contributions to support your future
• Comprehensive Health Coverage including medical, dental, and vision
• Fully Paid Insurance: disability, life, and AD&D
• Paid Parental Leave to support growing families

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