🚀 Cleveland Institute of Art - Vice President for Business Affairs and Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Overview

Cleveland Institute of Art (CIA) seeks a dynamic and visionary leader to serve as Vice President for Business Affairs and Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Academic Career & Executive Search is pleased to assist CIA in its search for this position. The CFO will join CIA at a moment of institutional strength, creative momentum, and bold transformation, working with the President to steward the College’s financial future while shaping a reimagined business model rooted in innovation, sustainability, and student success.

CIA is launching new initiatives such as the Interactive Media Lab and is pursuing its Transformation Campaign and Strategic Plan. The CFO will lead financial strategy and operations with vision, empathy, and adaptability—balancing fiduciary responsibility with openness to new ideas and unconventional solutions. The role is highly visible and collaborative, requiring strategic thinking across technical, relational, and human dimensions of financial leadership.

Reporting to the President and CEO, the CFO provides strategic oversight of all financial operations, including operating and capital budgets, long‑term financial planning, and resource allocation. The CFO leads financial reporting, accounting, tax compliance, investment strategy, cash and debt management, financial systems, internal controls, regulatory compliance, audits, and legal/contract coordination. In partnership with College leadership, the CFO designs and implements financing strategies that support capital projects, renovations, and institutional initiatives, ensuring CIA’s financial health and alignment with its mission and strategic goals.

• Develops and implements financial systems to support budgeting, forecasting, analysis, decision-making, and financial reporting in a complete and business-like fashion
• Oversees short- and long-term budgets and forecasts, with goal and performance target setting for operations, capital and cash management, and development of financial objectives and business plans
• Prepares and presents financial reports, prepared in accordance with GAAP, for the CIA Board of Directors and CIA management stakeholders
• Directs the preparation of all internal and external financial reports and long-range financial planning materials
• Manages financial regulatory processes and reporting in accordance with federal, state, and local programs and policies
• Oversees the process for review and deployment of institutional contracts
• Liaises with external legal counsel on risk management matters
• Oversees financial audits, including financial statements and financial compliance audits
• Implements controls and directs the process of collection, management, and disbursement of funds
• Develops and implements financing plans for capital projects, major renovations, and programmatic investments
• Collaborates with Institutional Advancement and other departments on key philanthropic campaigns tied to CIA’s mission and strategic plan
• Provides leadership to develop the financial long-range strategic plan in support of CIA’s overall strategic plan
• Implements key initiatives to support the business model transformation and multi-year financial resilience planning
• Recommends, implements, audits, and enforces CIA financial policies; establishes financial philosophy, policies, and safeguards on internal control, billing practices, and financial activities
• Works as a strategic partner and fiduciary, linking the organization’s mission to measurable financial goals and sustainable operating results
• Generates financial data to support analytical strategic planning and business development
• Maintains ongoing corporate and investment banking relationships including banks, investment officers, creditors, rating agencies, and insurance companies
• Serves as Treasurer to the Board of Directors and as liaison to Audit, Risk, Finance, and Investment committees

• Broad knowledge of operations and finance including contract negotiations, public bond financing, and lease vs. purchase analysis
• In-depth knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles for nonprofit organizations
• Knowledge of federal, state, and city tax laws and Department of Education regulations
• Exceptional financial and administrative leadership with strong analytical and management skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills and experience building and leading teams
• Project management, personnel management, and strategic planning capabilities
• Business management, marketing, and analytic skills
• Ability to learn and utilize various software and technology tools
• Agility and openness to new ways of operating to support business model transformation
• Commitment to the mission and values of the college; strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills
• Flexibility, courage, and honesty in leadership; ability to positively impact strategic and tactical finance and administration initiatives
• Ability to provide insightful financial data to inform decision-making
• Experience maintaining relationships with external partners and auditors

• Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, accounting, or a related field
• 10 years of relevant financial experience
• Significant senior-level administrative experience in financial and business operations with a track record of stakeholder collaboration
• Demonstrated success in financial statement preparation and analysis, tax-exempt financing, and both short- and long‑term financial planning
• Technical acumen

• Master’s degree or other advanced degree in a related field
• CPA certification
• Substantial experience in strategic financial and facilities planning
• Experience planning and overseeing capital projects
• Prior experience in higher education

The Cleveland Institute of Art is a nationally recognized college of art and design committed to nurturing creativity, innovation, and artistic excellence. Founded in 1882, CIA offers a rigorous studio-based education across multiple majors. CIA emphasizes interdisciplinary learning and prepares students to become professional artists and designers in a rapidly evolving creative economy.

CIA is consistently ranked among top art and design colleges and has earned recognition from various outlets. The college is expanding its facilities, including the 14,300 sq ft Interactive Media Lab opening Fall 2025 as part of its growth and transformation efforts.

CIA supports a close-knit community of approximately 600 students and a dedicated faculty. The institution is active in public programming, exhibitions, and community engagement initiatives, reinforcing its mission in visual arts and design education.

CIA emphasizes community engagement and outreach programs, including the Reinberger Gallery and Pre-College Program, contributing to its role as an economic engine and urban anchor in Cleveland.

Living in the Area

Cleveland offers access to renowned cultural institutions, parks, and a vibrant Uptown area. The region includes extensive public transit options and a favorable cost of living relative to many U.S. metropolitan areas.

To Apply

Please apply through the application link. Do not email applications. Applications should include a cover letter and curriculum vitae. Cover letters ideally should not exceed two pages. All applications are treated confidentially. Inquiries, referrals, and nominations are also treated confidentially.

Inquiries: ; Nominations:

Institutional Information CIA is committed to diversity and equal opportunity in all educational programs and employment, and complies with applicable laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, sex, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or national origin.