Company Description
About Kean University Foundation:
With Kean University’s continued growth and an active capital campaign underway, Kean University Foundation (KUF) is entering an exciting period of momentum, opportunity, and organizational evolution. KUF is a dynamic, mission-driven organization dedicated to advancing Kean University’s impact and expanding access to higher education particularly for first-generation and underserved students.

In close partnership with University leadership, donors, and the Board of Directors, the Foundation plays a critical role in stewarding resources, strengthening institutional capacity, and supporting long-term student success.

This moment presents a unique opportunity for senior leadership to help shape the Foundation’s financial infrastructure and long-term sustainability during a period of growth and change.

KUF exists to ensure that philanthropy is leveraged responsibly, transparently, and strategically to support Kean University’s mission. The Foundation manages gifts, endowment funds, and financial resources with a strong emphasis on stewardship, accountability, and impact. Stakeholders consistently describe the Foundation as deeply mission-aligned, collegial, and energized by its role in supporting students and the University community.

Position Overview

The Vice President of Finance & Administration (VPFA) serves as the Foundation’s chief financial and administrative leader, responsible for ensuring financial integrity, operational excellence, and organizational credibility.

This role offers a rare opportunity to build, strengthen, and modernize financial and operational systems that support a growing foundation and inspire confidence among donors, board members, and University partners. It is both highly strategic and hands-on, balancing disciplined financial leadership with a collaborative, people-centered approach.

The VPFA partners closely with the CEO, Board of Directors, University leadership, and external partners to build systems, processes, and reporting that support trust, transparency, and informed decision-making.

This is a pivotal leadership opportunity and a defining moment for the Foundation. The VPFA will help establish day-to-day norms, strengthen financial infrastructure, and set a tone of consistency, professionalism, and accountability.

As the Foundation navigates ongoing institutional change and a major fundraising campaign, the VPFA will play a central role in positioning KUF as a well-run, highly credible organization that inspires confidence among donors, board members, and University partners.

The ideal candidate brings deep financial expertise as their primary strength, complemented by strong operational acumen and a collaborative leadership style.

This role is especially well-suited for a leader who enjoys building and improving systems, translating financial data into clear insights, and serving as a trusted advisor.

Reporting Structure & Location
The Vice President of Finance & Administration reports directly to the CEO of the Kean University Foundation and works closely with the Board of Directors and relevant committees.

The role partners extensively with Kean University’s Finance and Human Resources teams.

Location: Union, NJ.

This is a hybrid role requiring on site presence Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday with the option to work remotely Mondays and Fridays.

Requirements

Qualifications

The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong combination of technical financial expertise, operational discipline, and relational leadership. They will be energized by KUF’s mission and motivated by the responsibility of stewarding donor, University, and community trust.

Key qualifications include:

Demonstrated alignment with the Foundation’s mission and a commitment to advancing student success, particularly for first-generation students.
Proven ability to serve as a trusted financial advisor to senior leadership and the Board.
A track record of building credibility through transparency, accuracy, and follow-through.
Comfort operating in an evolving environment, balancing change with collaboration and thoughtful execution.

Requisite Experience, Skills, and Personal Characteristics
Financial & Strategic Leadership

Deep expertise in nonprofit financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, audits, investment oversight, and expense management.
Experience developing clear, timely, and accurate monthly and quarterly financial reports, including P&Ls and budget-to-actual analyses.
Ability to translate complex financial information into actionable insights for non-financial stakeholders.
Strategic mindset to support long-term sustainability during periods of growth and change.

Operational Excellence & Systems Improvement

Demonstrated success strengthening financial systems, policies, procedures, and internal controls.
Experience improving reporting consistency, audit readiness, and year-end close processes.
Familiarity integrating financial data with fundraising, donor, and expense systems to improve visibility and decision-making.
Comfort rolling up sleeves to assess current-state operations and implement practical, scalable improvements.

Leadership, Communication & Collaboration

Experience leading and developing finance, accounting, and/or data teams with a focus on accountability and continuous improvement.
Strong communicator with confidence presenting to Boards, committees, and senior University leaders.
Collaborative leadership style-curious, flexible, and inclusive, who brings others along through change rather than operating rigidly.
High degree of professionalism, integrity, and responsiveness.

Personal Attributes:

The ideal VPFA will be described as:

Steady, trustworthy, and highly credible.
Detail-oriented while able to see the big picture.
Proactive and solutions oriented.
Approachable, collegial, and team focused.
Comfortable establishing structure without being overly bureaucratic.

This leader will complement the CEO’s externally focused fundraising strengths by providing strong internal financial and operational leadership, ensuring the Foundation runs as a well-oiled, transparent organization.

Benefits

Kean University Foundation offers a competitive salary, a flexible hybrid schedule, robust benefits, and the opportunity to contribute to the growth and impact of a mission-driven university community.

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Vice President of Finance & Administration