Pennsylvania Western University

VICE PRESIDENT FOR FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION AND CFO PENNWEST UNIVERSITY For additional information, please see the full profile at the link below: Pennsylvania Western University (PennWest), with campuses in California, Clarion, Edinboro, and Global Online seeks an experienced professional and proven leader to serve as the Vice President for Finance and Administration and CFO. This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced and accomplished financial and administrative leader with substantial experience to guide, marshal, influence, shape, and advance the mission of the University. ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY PennWest is a next-generation university formed in 2022 through the integration of California, Clarion, and Edinboro universities-each with deep roots in Pennsylvania's higher education landscape. As the second largest institution in Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education (PASSHE), PennWest serves more than 10,500 students across three campuses and online, delivering high-quality, affordable education that meets the evolving needs of today's learners and tomorrow's workforce. Capitalizing on the strengths of four unique campuses-California, Clarion, Edinboro and Global Online -with one shared vision, PennWest gives students more opportunities to thrive. Our reach spans from Lake Erie to the West Virginia border, with an annual economic impact exceeding $750 million. PennWest is a regional leader in providing career-relevant academic programs within a strong liberal arts foundation. We offer over 90 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across three academic colleges, supported by expert faculty and dedicated staff. PennWest students are diverse and driven: 34% are first-generation, 37% are Pell-eligible, and 30% pursue fully online programs. Whether on campus or online, students benefit from flexible learning options, student-centered support services, and a commitment to academic quality-every course is taught by credentialed faculty, never by graduate assistants. The university is proud of its vibrant campus life, NCAA Division II athletics, and its 204,000-strong alumni network. Recent investments in student success, campus facilities, and emerging technologies-including a new center for artificial intelligence-highlight our commitment to innovation and impact. Under the leadership of President Jon Anderson, PennWest is charting a bold course forward, marked by strong outcomes: 96% of graduates are employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation. We are expanding access through dual enrollment, pioneering workforce development programs, and strengthening pipelines in STEM, healthcare, and education. PennWest is one university with a shared mission: to serve students, communities, and the Commonwealth with excellence, equity, and purpose. PennWest California Home to the California Vulcans, PennWest California is situated along the scenic Monongahela River, less than an hour from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. With more than 100 student clubs and organizations, 18 NCAA Division II athletic teams, and women's flag football, the campus offers students countless opportunities to get involved, grow, and thrive. PennWest Clarion Home to the Clarion Golden Eagles, PennWest Clarion is nestled in a charming town amid the rolling hills of western Pennsylvania. Students enjoy access to more than 150 student organizations, 14 NCAA Division II athletic teams, Division I men's wrestling, and abundant outdoor recreation along the Clarion River and in nearby Cook Forest State Park. PennWest Edinboro Set on a picturesque 250-acre campus with a lake and natural surroundings, PennWest Edinboro is home to the Fighting Scots and located just 20 miles from Erie, Pennsylvania. A hub for artists, athletes, and outdoor enthusiasts, the campus offers more than 140 clubs and organizations, 18 NCAA Division II teams, Division I men's wrestling, and nationally recognized Wheelchair Basketball. PennWest Global Online PennWest Global Online delivers accessible, high-quality education through a dynamic platform that unites the strengths of its California, Clarion, and Edinboro campuses. With 20+ years of experience in online learning, PennWest offers flexible, affordable programs led by dedicated faculty who provide personalized support and engaging instruction. Serving a global community of learners, its interactive, tech-enabled environment prepares students for success in today's evolving workforce. MISSION, VISION, AND VALUES Our Mission Through innovation, academic excellence, and empowering environments, Pennsylvania Western University provides accessible education that cultivates career-ready, life-long learners and leaders, who enrich and engage each other, their communities, the region, and beyond. PennWest is a university centered on the student experience, where decision-makers consider students first. Deeply rooted in service to the people and communities of western Pennsylvania, our community of educators is committed to providing exemplary, career-relevant higher education for learners at all stages of life while supporting the region's economic and workforce needs. Our Vision Pennsylvania Western University empowers students to achieve meaningful goals through a broad array of nationally accredited undergraduate and graduate programs, career-focused learning, and support systems that foster lifelong success. PennWest's innovative four-campus model was designed to expand opportunities for students while positioning the university for a strong and sustainable future. We have a steadfast dedication to operational efficiency and utilize technology not only as a teaching tool, but also to align processes and procedures as we deliver services to students, faculty, and staff. As a state-owned university, PennWest embraces its role as the higher education option of choice for a population that includes many rural, urban, low-income, and first-generation students, including those who require substantial levels of financial, academic, and/or personal support to thrive in a university setting. We provide a strong scaffold of support for our students, empowering them to be successful in their studies and their lives. Our Values Learning: We are a community of educators who provide a learning environment where students thrive and achieve their educational, professional, and personal goals. PennWest is devoted to helping our students reach their goals. We encourage the personal, intellectual, and professional development of our students by supporting their academic needs; recruiting, mentoring, and retaining high-quality faculty and staff; cultivating a widespread culture of assessment; and providing a cohesive support system that utilizes a full range of stakeholders (students and families, faculty, staff, and administrators) to deliver student success. Growth: We are student ready, guiding our students towards personal, financial, and academic success. PennWest is invested in the personal and social development of our students. We work to create a welcoming, diverse campus culture that respects and celebrates a sense of belonging. Across our four campuses, we identify and implement best practices that support the student experience; encourage participation in co-curricular activities and leadership opportunities; and utilize a holistic well-being model that seeks student input and provides the support programs, services, and resources students need. Inclusion: We advocate for all members of our campus communities and provide an equitable, supportive environment that builds a sense of belonging and togetherness. PennWest is committed to an inclusive environment where all stakeholders are valued and supported. By prioritizing access, dignity, and a culture of respect, we foster a sense of belonging and drive student success. These principles are embedded in our strategic vision and reflected in our operational practices across the institution. Collaboration: We engage in innovative partnerships, programs, and opportunities to address the needs of our regional communities and the commonwealth . PennWest is focused on understanding western Pennsylvania's unique strengths and needs, and helping to transform not only our students, but our communities as well. We work to align our programs and partnerships to advance existing regional and commonwealth plans for economic, workforce, and community development. We seek to grow innovation, entrepreneurship, and small businesses on our campuses and in our region, and to build the university's reputation through mutually beneficial engagement with our communities and their leaders. Culture: We share a sense of purpose that unites the PennWest community at large and provides opportunities to learn, work, and thrive. PennWest is a people-first organization that promotes lifelong learning. Within a culture built on collaboration and a commitment to personal growth, we aim to ensure the wellbeing of our workforce and celebrate its accomplishments. We invest in the professional and leadership growth of our faculty and staff, recognize the accomplishments of our students and employees, and actively work to foster a culture of collaboration across our four campuses. THE OPPORTUNITY PennWest is seeking a proven leader . click apply for full job details