Ralston College · 2 days ago
Vice President of Operations and Finance
Savannah, GA
Full-time
Onsite
Director/Executive
10+ years expRalston College is a small and entrepreneurial institution seeking a Vice President of Operations and Finance to join their senior leadership team. This role is crucial for advancing the college's operational and financial health, managing major functions, and ensuring efficient operations in support of the academic mission.
Higher Education
Responsibilities
Manage daily operations in furtherance of revenue, academic, and mission-aligned objectives
Implement an annual operating plan to advance Ralston College’s strategic and operational priorities
Review operational and financial performance using KPIs to monitor progress, identify risks, and guide data-informed decision-making
Partner with senior leadership to translate operating and business results into actionable operational and financial strategies
Establish clearly defined goals and expectations for administrative units, communicating them through regular meetings and performance management processes
Support the President in ensuring seamless operation during periods when the President is externally engaged
Serve as a senior partner to the fractional Chief Financial Officer, supporting the College’s financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, analysis, and strategic financial planning
Project manage the annual budget process, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and long-term financial sustainability
Oversee accounts payable and receivable, reconciliations, audits, financial reporting cycles, and compliance in partnership with outsourced bookkeeping teams
Design and implement financial procedures that ensure transparent, timely, and accurate reporting
Monitor financial performance against budget, analyze variances, and recommend adjustments when necessary
Support the development of multi-year financial models and stewardship of institutional financial resources
Work collaboratively with fundraising staff and the President to prepare financial materials for donor meetings as needed
Support the Treasurer in preparing monthly financial strategy analysis and presentations at quarterly board meetings
Develop and maintain a comprehensive understanding of all operational units at Ralston College
Contribute meaningfully to strategic planning regarding operations, staffing, finance, technology, and administrative structure
Build strong collaborative relationships with internal stakeholders, community partners, vendors, consultants, and regulatory entities
Represent operational and financial perspectives in conversations with external partners
Provide oversight of human resources, encompassing hiring, onboarding, evaluation, professional development, and staff retention
Support recruitment and workforce planning aligned with the mission, values, and growth objectives of the College
Ensure HR policies comply with legal and accreditation requirements and contribute to a healthy, productive workplace culture
Accountable for campus facilities operations, including maintenance, logistics, space planning, and capital project support
Ensure strong procedures related to physical security, safety, emergency preparedness, and business continuity
Accountable for campus technology needs and ensure that technology planning aligns with institutional growth and academic needs
Maintain strong working relationships with key vendors
Qualification
Required
Master's degree required, along with a strong intellectual orientation compatible with the mission and ethos of Ralston College
Ten plus years of experience in business, higher education, nonprofit management, finance, operations, or a related field
Demonstrated leadership experience overseeing both operational and financial functions
Strong organizational, analytical, and project management skills; demonstrated ability to use data to inform decision-making
Demonstrated mastery in budget development, financial modeling, and long- and short-term financial planning
Demonstrated experience working with outsourced bookkeeping and accounting firms, with the ability to recruit and grow in-house capacity
Familiarity with higher education organizational structures, accreditation considerations, and regulatory frameworks
Understanding of nonprofit financial management, compliance, and labor and employment law
Experience with talent acquisition, leadership development, management training, and best practices
Ability to conduct effective meetings, communicate results clearly, and inspire action
Resourcefulness and problem-solving ability with the capacity to anticipate and address challenges
Commitment to the mission of Ralston College and its fundamental commitments: truth, freedom, beauty, and fellowship
Understanding of academic and collegiate culture and appreciation for Ralston College's ethos
Excellent strategic thinking and project management skills
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate across various cultures, teams, and constituencies
Receptiveness to feedback, with the ability to incorporate constructive input productively
A self-starter with initiative, sound judgment, adaptability, and the ability to work in a dynamic academic environment
High energy, positive attitude, strong work ethic, and resilience in a demanding setting
Unimpeachable integrity, maturity, and discretion in handling sensitive and confidential information
Benefits
Competitive compensation and benefits package
Company
Ralston College
Ralston College is both a revival and reinvention of the traditional academy, as well as a home for a broad range of intellectual seekers who are dedicated to humanistic inquiry: a fellowship for anyone, anywhere, who seeks the truth with courage.
11-50 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageCompany data provided by crunchbase