Position Title: Vice President, Administration & Finance

Employee Classification: Chief Business Officer,Univ

College/Division: Administration and Finance

Department: 530001-ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE

Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants

Location: Las Cruces

Offsite Location (if applicable):

Target Hourly/Salary Rate:  Commensurate with qualifications.

Appointment Full-time Equivalency:  1.0

Exempt or Non-Exempt:  Exempt

Summary:  New Mexico State University invites nominations and applications or expressions of interest to be submitted to the search firm assisting the University. Applications should include a cover letter, current resume or curriculum vitae, and a list of professional references.

Please follow application process clearly outlined below:  

Application Process
For full consideration, application materials should be submitted to WittKieffer’s website by October 9, 2025.

Click Here to See Leadership Profile and to Apply: 
https://wittkieffer.com/positions/201310

Confidential review of materials will begin immediately and continue until the appointment is made.

Application materials, nominations, and inquiries can be directed to:
Melody Rose, Ph.D., Senior Partner
Kim Migoya, Senior Associate
mrose@wittkieffer.com | kmigoya@wittfieffer.com
(630) 575-6708 | +1 (720) 739-7810
WittKieffer Executive Search

Classification Summary:
Reports to the President and is responsible for ensuring leadership, oversight and stewardship for all aspects of business and financial affairs for the New Mexico State University System. The position oversees an administrative organizational structure that includes all aspects of budget management, financial operations, business operations, stewardship of physical assets, information technology and communications, and facilities planning and management. Position serves in an advisory and support capacity to the President, Provost, Community College Presidents, Deans and Vice Presidents on all financial, administrative, facilities, information technology and budgetary matters.

Classification Standard Duties:
Provide oversight for the overall fiscal management and budgeting processes of the University. Review and analyze reports for trends and performance against established goals and work to set consensus goals. Develop and implement policies, procedures and sound business practices. Develop and maintain sound financial and internal control structure. Assess operational results, including benchmarking operations against peers and industry best practices. Provide oversight for annual external audit process including development and preparation of financial statements and audit reports. Provide financial and administrative compliance management in accordance with federal, state laws and regulations and University policies. Align resources with outcomes. Provide oversight of Physical Facilities and Capital Planning, Auxiliary Services, and Information and Communication Technology. Identify and cultivate new revenue streams for the university. Effectively lead staff through development and monitoring of goals and objectives for subordinate units; by reviewing performance of subordinates; by ensuring customer service and work quality expectations are defined and met; and, by striving for best practices and innovation. Develop and maintain effective process automation and decision management reporting for all assigned administrative data. Meet regularly with constituents to provide budgetary and operational information and related advice. Intercede in issue resolution. Interface with state officials and others to define funding opportunities and operational efficiency initiatives for New Mexico State University. Serve on state and regional task forces. Assist NM Higher Education Department and the Council of University Presidents in development and presentation of funding priorities. Make presentations to legislature and industry groups. Plan and lead improvement initiatives in all assigned areas.

Required Education, Experience, Certification/License, Equivalency
Required Education:Bachelor's degree or higher in a field such as Accounting, Business Administration, Management or Finance.; Required Experience:Ten (10) years of progressively increasing responsibilities and authority in business and financial management functions; Equivalency:10 years of experience as a Chief Financial Officer in a university or governmental agency with a bachelor's degree.; Required Certification/License:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
KNOWLEDGE:Direct knowledge of accounting, financial management, budgetary planning and management, logistical management, facilities planning and management, and administrative systems implementation and management. Understanding and experience with financial reporting standards and governmental accounting standards and reporting requirements. Extensive knowledge of applicable federal and state rules and regulations governing public research university funds and administrative functions. Knowledge of investment, cash management and capital financing principles and practices. Knowledge of industry best practices and standards for administrative operations.; SKILLS:Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with both internal and external constituents at all levels; Demonstrated skills in the development and management of strategic plans and complex administrative systems.; ABILITIES:Proven ability to innovate and apply analytical skills to problem solving; Ability to direct, evaluate, train, and supervise the work of assigned personnel.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Preferred Qualifications

Special Requirements of the Position

Department Contact:  Christian Kinsley

Contingent Upon Funding: Not Applicable

Bargaining Unit Eligibility: This is NOT a bargaining unit position with American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

Standard Work Schedule: Standard (M-F, 8-5)

If Not a Standard Work Schedule: 

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Environment: Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.

Physical Effort: No or very limited physical effort required.

Lifting Requirements: Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 10 pounds or some standing or walking.

Risk: No or very limited exposure to physical risk.