Job Listings

ABOUT EDWARD WATERS UNIVERSITY

Edward Waters University (EWU/University) is distinctively the state of Florida’s first independent institution of higher learning as well as Florida’s first institution established for the education of African-Americans. With a distinguished higher education lineage spanning over 155 years, EWU is primed to continue its Emerging Eminence as a premier urban, private, Christian, historically black, liberal arts university offering high quality degrees and preparing students holistically to advance in a global society through the provision of intellectually stimulating academic programs of study. The university offers a close-knit, collegial, intellectual community that draws students and scholars from around the world. True to its historic mission the EWU’s academic program provides access and opportunity to a high-quality 21st century undergraduate and graduate education consisting of a reinvigorated, practical, and engaged liberal arts curriculum buttressed by an array of comprehensive academic services to support high academic scholarship, achievement, and overall student success.

The university’s liberal arts curriculum is designed to provide students with a program that is rigorous, inclusive, pragmatic, socially relevant and responsible. As such, EWU is an institution of purposeful intention that employs its resources and aligns its practices to provide students with an impactful academic and experiential program of study. The institution’s graduates are pioneering leaders, insatiable learners, critical thinkers, and are highly skilled in navigating new environments, integrating knowledge from diverse sources, and becoming agents for positive change in every sector of our increasingly expanding society and world. In addition, the academic program at EWU embraces and places high value upon inclusivity and diversity and recognizes that students come to the university from a wide ranging and diverse array of backgrounds.

EWU AT A GLANCE

Buttressed by a recent period of phenomenal transformation, Edward Waters University’s enrollment has skyrocketed by 27.4% since 2019 having welcomed its largest ever class of new students (540) in 2021 and achieving its highest enrollment in almost two decades at nearly 1200 students in fall 2022 and fall 2023 (1181) respectively. EWU’s recent remarkable growth has made it the fastest growing college or university in Jacksonville and the fastest -growing historically black college or university (HBCU) in the State of Florida per published reports.

Beginning Fall 2023 Florida’s most historic university began offering a total of fifteen degree programs including eleven bachelor’s programs comprising of Business Administration, Biology, Criminal Justice, Mass Communication, Psychology, Forensic Science, Public Health, Social Work, Sports Management, Accounting, and Computer and Information Science as well as a four graduate degree programs all of which are offered 100% online including the Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Education Policy and Advocacy (MEPA), Master of Cybersecurity (MS-Cybersecurity), and Master of Public Administration (MPA). The university also offers a distinguished accelerated, nontraditional adult degree program (CLIMB - Credentials for Leadership in Management and Business) and is a member institution of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) and is proud of its founding progeny and continuing tradition in the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) church.

Additionally, EWU recently earned NCAA Division II membership (provisional) and competes athletically in eleven varsity sports including football, men’s and women’s basketball, baseball, softball, men’s and women’s volleyball, cross country, men’s and women’s indoor and outdoor track and field, women’s soccer, competitive cheerleading, and women’s golf as a member institution of the NCAA Division II Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC).

CITY OF JACKSONVILLE – THE FIRST COAST OF FLORIDA

At 840 square miles, Jacksonville is the largest city in the continental United States by landmass. With Florida’s youngest population at an average age of 35 – and one of its hippest – Jacksonville, or Jax as locals call it, is the getaway that leaves you feeling refreshed yet accomplished because while there’s plenty to do, there’s never any rush to get it done. It's always sunny in Jax as the city gets 270 days of sunshine on average per year and boasts the largest urban park system in the country.

In Jax, you can experience a different side of Florida, combining both relaxation and adventure, and letting you choose just how active you want to be. Enjoy our 22 miles of beaches, world-class fishing, historic neighborhoods, sporting events featuring NFL football and the hometown Jacksonville Jaguars, a vibrant street arts scene, creative coastal cuisine, delicious craft beer, vibrant nightlife and amazing shopping including boutiques in eclectic neighborhoods, bargain outlets, and upscale open-air shopping malls like St. Johns Town Center which offers 1.1 million square feet of shopping space. A central travel hub by land, sea, and air Jax’s travel accessibility is outstanding as over 30 U.S. cities feature non-stop flights to Jacksonville. Lonely Planet ranked Jacksonville on its list of the worlds “10 Best Value Destinations for 2018”, the only U.S. city to make the list, and Expedia recently named Jacksonville as one of “21 Supercool U.S. Cities”.

POSITION SUMMARY & OVERVIEW

Under the progressive leadership of President & CEO, A. Zachary Faison, Jr., J.D. Edward Waters University seeks a Vice President of Finance, Administration, and Business Innovation (VP-FABI) to serve as the University’s chief financial officer and a leading voice of the institution. Reporting to the President, the VP-FABI will perform the following duties and responsibilities:

• • Provide leadership in planning and developing the University's $34 million operating budget; Be accountable and responsible for ensuring ethical administrative, financial, and business practices in keeping with National Association College and University Business Officers (NACUBO) standards and General Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
  • Provide leadership and oversight of the following offices: Budget and Compliance, Human Resources, Procurement, Facilities Management, Information Technology, Auxiliary Services, Controller, Student Accounts (Bursar), Campus Post Office, Campus Dining Services, University Bookstore, Real Estate, and Payroll.
  • Serve as a highly engaged and participatory member of the President’s executive cabinet. Work collaboratively with the Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness, Operations, Systems Management, and Process Optimization in providing oversight to the university's master planning process and the capital improvement program;
  • Maintain primary responsibility for the comprehensive effective management of the university’s budget and finances to include timely processing of accounts payables and receivables. Ensure overall compliance with health and safety regulations and policies for the campus.
  • Oversee university audits and ensure compliance with university, state and federal standards and policies;
  • Work collaboratively with the President and members of the executive cabinet and to enhance university resources and revenue;
  • Work effectively with local, state and federal agencies and businesses to advance the priorities of the institution; and
  • Perform other duties as required.

Qualifications and Preferred Qualities and Skills

The Vice President for Finance, Administration, and Business Innovation (FABI) will play an integral role in advancing the mission and vision of Edward Waters University and is a key member of the senior administrative team. The FABI must be a creative, collaborative leader and innovative thinker with a strong commitment to transparency and accountability. Additional qualifications, experience and personal characteristics include:

• • At least five years of experience as a proven senior administrator in a higher education, foundation, government or business organization of relevant size and complexity;
  • Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance required; Master's Degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or a related academic discipline required; CPA or terminal doctorate degree in education, business, or a related field preferred;
  • Expertise and a strong record of success in budget development and implementation and familiarity with business and finance operations in a private higher education setting;
  • Innovative and entrepreneurial thinker with the ability to focus strategically on opportunities and as well as outcomes;
  • Outstanding leadership and management skills; Ability to communicate effectively complex financial information in lay terms to different stakeholders.
  • Keen understanding of the changing landscape and trends in higher education; • Proven success managing large-scale organization that includes financial services and facilities professionals.
  • Experience with major construction, renovation and maintenance programs; Understanding of facilities management, capital construction, and campus master planning.

An understanding of and genuine commitment to the mission of a private, urban, comprehensive historically black higher education institution.

• • Record of successful leadership and accomplishment in managing and implementing major business and financial systems, auxiliary enterprises and human resources;
  • Demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion, and ability to attract and lead a diverse workforce; Collaborative work style and commitment to data-driven decision-making; Highest standards for personal and professional excellence and unquestionable integrity.

Salary & Benefits

The salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications/experience. Edward Waters University offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the well-being and professional growth of our employees. This includes:

• Annual paid vacation and holidays
• Health, dental, and vision insurance plans
• Retirement benefits with employer contributions
• Professional development opportunities
• Tuition remission for employees and their dependents

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• The Vice President for Finance, Administration, and Business Innovation is responsible for the leadership and management of the Business and Finance Division, including executive guidance, direction and policy formulation for the fiscal, logistical and administrative support functions of the University. Specific duties and responsibilities include the following.
• Establish, manage, and supervise units by functional lines to administer the various responsibilities of the division. These units are: Controller’s Office, Procurement/Contracts and Risk management, Bursar’s Office, Financial Aid Office, Administrative Information System, Facilities management, Capital Improvement, Campus Security and Safety;
• Prepare and monitor various budgets (operating and capital) of the University. Evaluate current financial, student, and administrative information systems to determine whether these systems still meet the needs of the University. Prepare specifications for writing programs and related interfaces if necessary. Provide leadership in all areas of the University.
• Provide advice and counsel to the President and the campus community regarding resource management and regulatory compliance. Advise other vice presidents, department and unit heads on financial and administrative issues affecting their respective units.
• Assist the President in making financial presentations to the Board of Trustees as requested and required. Analyze interpret and advise the President and administration on relevant rules regulation policies and procedures from all external agencies. Review periodically, the financial resources available to the University and make necessary changes in consultation with the President as required;
• Serve as the investment officer of the University in providing lead support in managing the university’s financial investments including the institutional endowment;
• Work with local banks and other financial institutions to ensure that financial resources are readily available to meet the University’s operating and capital needs;
• Work with the Federal, State, and Local agencies to promote the University’s mission. Review current space and facilities needs of the University and implement strategies to meet those needs.
• Revise and update current business policies and procedures of the University. Formulate policies and procedures as process change and/or various governmental agencies introduce new rules and regulations.

PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL QUALITIES

The ideal candidate will have the following professional qualifications and personal characteristics:

Alignment with mission: A deep resonance with the mission and possibilities of an Edward Waters University Education and experience; a drive that is consistently student-centered; a commitment to proactively advance student success and diversity in all its forms;

Vision: Vision to achieve optimum administrative and operational functionality for an institution like Edward Waters University; an entrepreneurial outlook and an eye to new possibilities and emerging challenges;

Institutional leadership: Readiness to be an active, valued member of the President’s leadership team and partner closely with the college units and departments; honesty and integrity in advising the president on critical issues; ability to see and embrace the importance of being a college leader with an eye toward the greatest success of the college; an understanding of how to accomplish much in a centralized and decentralized institutional environment; proven effectiveness in change management; the ability to build consensus and a sense of teamwork; and the ability to inspire joy in one’s work;

Experience in the leadership and administration of a college/university: Significant

experience participating in leadership, administration, and management within a college or university setting; the ability to build an appropriate and effective strategic plan that reflects institutional goals; the capacity to lead and manage the complex interplay of interdependent college/university divisions and units including finance, athletics, fundraising and development, enrollment management, student success, etc.; the ability to optimize financial resources to ensure high quality outcomes;

Quantitative sophistication: Experience and a demonstrated record in being facile in quantitative reasoning in order to ensure the generation of reliable data and rigorous analysis; strategic and analytical ability; and the ability to ask the right questions, uncover meaning and harness research for its predictive results;

Technological sophistication: Ability to understand the potential value of technological innovations and to lead the process of recommending emerging technologies that can best support the process optimization and operational efficiency;

Exceptional communication skills: Ability to be articulate, persuasive and precise in communicating with internal audiences including both highly invested leadership including faculty and staff and external audiences including parents, prospective students, and alumni; desire to interact with a wide range of constituencies, administrators and institutional partners, engaging many in the dialogue so as to move the college forward together;

Personal qualities: An organizational leader with peerless integrity and an ability to drive a vision through engagement, transparency, hard work, and a sense of urgency; strong values aligned with high ethics, collaboration, compassion, transparency; sound judgment backed by self-confidence and a sense of perspective; ability to work effectively in a campus culture that is relationship-oriented; and capacity to navigate a highly complex institution with political savvy, patience, tolerance for ambiguity, possess high professional dexterity sufficient to ably adapt in a dynamically changing fast paced work environment.

Travel is required within the metropolitan Jacksonville area, the state of Florida, and nationally, as well as frequent participation and attendance at evening and weekend functions.

Note: This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties and responsibilities required or assigned to an employee in this position.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

Please submit a letter of interest detailing relevant administrative experience, full contact information (name, phone number and email) for four professional references, demonstrable examples of leadership acumen, and related skills along with a comprehensive cv/resumè to complete your application. The email address to send cv/resumé and letter of interest is careers@ew.edu.