Vice President for Financial Innovation

WARTBURG COLLEGE Vice President for Financial Innovation Position Overview The Vice President for Financial Innovation at Wartburg College will serve as a transformative leader responsible for reshaping the College's financial framework and business model in anticipation of the evolving higher education landscape. This executive role will focus on leveraging cutting-edge financial strategies, disruptive technologies, and data-driven insights to position Wartburg for long-term sustainability, financial resilience, and competitive differentiation. The successful candidate will be forward-thinking, embracing opportunities for modernization and innovation, while also fostering an environment that values agility, adaptability, and continuous improvement. Primary Responsibilities Strategic Leadership & Business Model Innovation • Lead the development and execution of a financial transformation strategy that aligns with Wartburg College's mission and vision, driving a sustainable and future-ready business model. • Innovate and implement new financial paradigms to ensure long-term institutional viability while advancing academic excellence and enhancing the student experience. • Identify and evaluate disruptive revenue streams, partnerships, and business opportunities to diversify and strengthen the College's financial base, embracing non-traditional sources of income. • Collaborate with the President, the Wartburg College Board of Regents, and the Senior Leadership Team to set bold strategic priorities and initiatives that foster growth, sustainability, and innovation across the institution. Technology & Systems Transformation • Spearhead the modernization of the College’s financial systems, leveraging emerging technologies to optimize operational efficiency and enhance decision-making capabilities. • Lead the strategic selection and implementation of next-generation financial management platforms, integrating AI-driven analytics and automation to streamline processes, improve transparency, and provide real-time insights. • Oversee the integration of financial systems with other institutional technologies to create a seamless, future-proof infrastructure that enhances cross-functional collaboration and operational agility. Data Analytics & Decision Support • Champion the adoption of data-centric financial decision-making, establishing predictive analytics models and machine learning tools to forecast financial outcomes, identify risk factors, and optimize resource allocation. • Drive the development of sophisticated financial modeling tools and dashboard systems to support strategic planning, risk management, and operational efficiencies, providing real-time, actionable insights to key stakeholders. • Implement advanced scenario planning techniques, utilizing big data to navigate uncertainties in enrollment trends, tuition revenue, and government funding, positioning Wartburg College to proactively respond to challenges and opportunities. College Operations & Risk Management • Provide empowering leadership to Human Resources, Operations, and Finance and Accounting, designing and implementing an agile operational framework that balances efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and innovation. • Provide executive oversight of annual audit process and external auditor relationships. • Lead institution-wide risk management initiatives to safeguard the College’s financial health, incorporating cutting-edge risk analytics and scenario-based approaches to anticipate and mitigate financial risks. • Foster a culture of continuous improvement through the adoption of process optimization strategies, reducing inefficiencies and aligning resources with high-impact academic and operational priorities. Change Management & Team Leadership • Inspire and lead a high-performance finance team dedicated to driving the transformation agenda, nurturing a culture of creativity, adaptability, and collaboration. • Champion organizational change initiatives, ensuring effective implementation of new financial technologies, processes, and business models, while maintaining strong engagement with faculty, staff, and other stakeholders. • Develop and implement comprehensive training programs that build financial and technological literacy across departments, ensuring all stakeholders are empowered to contribute to the College’s innovation goals. Qualifications Education & Experience • A minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in financial management, including demonstrable success in leading large-scale transformations, especially in higher education. • Experience with the application of emerging technologies such as AI, machine learning, blockchain, and predictive analytics to financial operations. • Master’s degree preferred, MBA or a similar advanced degree. Required Skills & Competencies • Working knowledge of contemporary financial management principles and best practices within higher education, with a focus on innovation and sustainability. • Proficiency in data analytics, predictive modeling, and the application of advanced business intelligence tools to financial operations and strategic planning. • Proven track record of successful business model innovation, revenue diversification, and expense optimization strategies in a complex organizational environment. • Expertise in leading change management efforts, fostering an innovation-centric culture, and aligning diverse teams toward a shared vision. • Exceptional leadership and team-building capabilities, with a proven ability to motivate, engage, and inspire teams through periods of transformation and growth. • Advanced problem-solving and analytical skills, with a strong capacity for strategic thinking and scenario-based planning in complex financial environments. • Outstanding communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to influence and engage both internal and external stakeholders at all levels. Working Conditions & Physical Requirements • Full-time, executive-level position requiring occasional evening and weekend work • Travel as needed for professional development and institutional representation Compensation & Benefits • Competitive salary commensurate with experience • Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement plan, and educational benefits • Professional development opportunities About Wartburg College Wartburg College is a selective liberal arts college of the Lutheran Church (ELCA), located in Waverly, Iowa. With a commitment to challenging and nurturing students for lives of leadership and service as a spirited expression of their faith and learning, Wartburg College is dedicated to providing a high-quality education that integrates a liberal arts foundation with career preparation. To Apply Qualified candidates should submit: • A detailed cover letter addressing qualifications and vision for financial transformation • Current resume/CV • List of three professional references • Statement of leadership philosophy WARTBURG COLLEGE is committed to creating and maintaining a mutually respectful environment that recognizes and celebrates diversity among all students, faculty, and staff. As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from candidates who will contribute to the cultural and ethnic diversity of our college. Screening begins immediately and continues until position is filled. .