Marymount University Vice President for Finance & Operations

​Marymount University stands at a pivotal moment in its 75-year history. Founded in 1950 by the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary, Marymount has grown from a small, regional women’s college into a nationally recognized, globally connected Catholic university recognized for its academic excellence, commitment to serving others, and preparing its 4,300 students for success. Located in Arlington, Virginia—just minutes from downtown Washington, D.C.—Marymount was the first Catholic university and the first Hispanic-Serving Institution in the Commonwealth, proudly representing the region's diversity and vibrancy.

Today, Marymount is a university on the rise. The institution recently earned dual national distinctions from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education and the American Council on Education—placing it among just 33 universities nationwide recognized for both research excellence and expanding access and opportunity. Marymount has also been named a Best National University and the top-ranked private institution in Virginia by U.S. News & World Report, and one of Forbes’ 2026 America’s Top Colleges—a testament to its growing reputation and transformative impact.

As the University welcomes its largest and most diverse incoming class in history and launches Momentum: The Campaign for Marymount, a vital $50 million initiative to advance its mission and priorities, the institution is set for an exciting new chapter. With growing research efforts, innovative academic programs, and a track record of social mobility that transforms lives, Marymount offers an environment where purpose and progress intersect.

This is a key moment to join a vibrant leadership team guiding a successful institution into its next chapter of growth, innovation, and service. At Marymount, you’ll help shape a university that not only prepares students for success but also inspires them to Learn with Purpose.

About the Position

The Vice President for Finance & Operations and Treasurer serves as Marymount's Chief Financial and Operating Officer, a key member of the President's Cabinet, and is responsible for developing the university's financial strategy, ensuring operational excellence, and maintaining institutional sustainability. Reporting directly to the President, the VPFO offers executive leadership and strategic oversight of the university's financial affairs, facilities, human resources, and auxiliary services.

The VPFO collaborates with campus leaders, the Board of Trustees, and senior administrators to develop innovative financial strategies, optimize operations, and ensure fiscal stability while advancing Marymount's mission to prepare workforce-ready students. This senior leader will steward the university's resources with integrity and vision, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and strategic investment that supports institutional growth and student success.

Marymount's finance and operations enterprise includes multiple functional areas:

• Finance & Treasury – encompassing budgeting, accounting, audit, investments, purchasing, real estate, insurance, and treasury operations
• Human Resources – led by the Associate Vice President for Human Resources, supporting faculty and staff recruitment, development, benefits, and organizational culture
• Facilities, Planning & Operations – including campus facilities management, planning, public safety, and transportation services
• Auxiliary Services – comprising culinary and retail operations, dining services, and related campus amenities

Direct reports to the VPFO include: Associate Vice President, Finance; Associate Vice President, Human Resources; Associate Vice President, Facilities, Planning and Operations; Assistant Vice President, Culinary and Retail Operations; and an Executive Assistant.

The successful candidate must possess the highest caliber of character, integrity, and trustworthiness, combined with vision, initiative, and energy to promote financial stewardship and operational excellence. Serving as a strategic advisor to the President and a collaborative partner across the institution, the VPFO will help guide Marymount through a period of significant growth—leading with purpose, innovation, and a steadfast dedication to institutional sustainability and mission fulfillment.

Key Attractors:

• Transformational Leadership Opportunity: An influential role to lead, strengthen, and optimize the financial and operational foundation of a top private university in the Washington, D.C., area—an institution with record enrollment, nationwide recognition, and historic momentum.
• Strategic Influence & Impact: As the Chief Financial and Operating Officer, the VPFO will play a crucial role in shaping the future of a dynamic, mission-driven university, whose fiscal health and operational excellence enable its faculty, staff, students, and alumni to make a significant impact locally, nationally, and globally.
• Financial Innovation & Sustainability: Lead institutional efforts to assess and enhance existing revenue streams, identify and develop new sources of revenue, and stabilize finances through strategic debt management. Collaborate with enrollment management, advancement, and academic leadership on initiatives related to student recruitment, retention, fundraising, external partnerships, and innovative programming.
• Empowered Leadership & Strategic Partnerships: Ability to develop and mentor high-performing teams while identifying nontraditional financing approaches built on strategic partnerships, including Public-Private Partnerships (PPP). Work closely with the Board of Trustees’ Investment Committee to ensure the appropriate stewardship of the university's financial assets, and with the Office of Sponsored Programs to maximize grant opportunities.
• Operational Excellence & Compliance: Oversee treasury, budgeting, audit, investments, accounting, purchasing, real estate, insurance, facilities operations, auxiliary services, and human resources. Maintain robust procedures and systems that ensure adequate financial controls, accurate reporting, and regulatory compliance while supporting the university's academic mission.
• A Community and a Place to Thrive: Located in Arlington, Virginia—just minutes from downtown D.C.—Marymount offers the ideal blend of professional opportunities and quality of life. The region's exceptional schools, cultural vitality, and diverse neighborhoods create an outstanding environment for both professional and personal growth. The VPFO will join a collaborative leadership team and a warm, inclusive community where ideas are heard, innovation is encouraged, and purpose drives progress.

Qualifications/Competencies/Skills

A minimum of a master’s degree or MBA from an accredited institution is required, along with at least 7 years of senior-level experience in negotiating, finance, and operations. Non-profit experience is preferred. Necessary skills include: strength in fund accounting, debt structuring, contract management, internal controls, project management, financial forecasting and planning, financial analysis, change management, negotiations, and operating efficiencies.

• A strong track record of success in financial administration. Extensive experience in and knowledge of financial management practices. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) preferred.  (Marymount uses Workday)
• Current and knowledgeable on changing and emerging trends in higher education and finances, including financial aid leveraging and net-tuition revenue enhancement.
• Decisive, able to make difficult decisions, and execute them effectively.
• A forward-thinking, positive nature with an entrepreneurial and strategic mindset.
• Demonstrated ability to develop trust and to operate with fairness, integrity, and diplomacy.
• Experience in supporting governing boards and in staffing committees or subgroups on matters of a financial, capital investment, or administrative nature.
• A capacity to manage a diverse portfolio and represent and balance the needs of multiple constituencies.
• Ability to synthesize and use data to make informed decisions.
• Experience recruiting, managing, leading, developing, retaining, and empowering a talented and diverse staff.

Qualified candidates are invited to submit a cover letter addressing their qualifications related to the responsibilities and competencies, along with a CV to the executive search firm conducting this search at [email protected].  Please do not apply directly to Marymount University.

The salary will be commensurate with the overall qualifications of the selected candidate. The offered salary is only one aspect of an employee’s total compensation. Benefits include comprehensive health insurance, a tuition remission program, a generous contribution to the University’s 403B retirement plan, and a generous time off plan. Employment is contingent upon successful completion and clearance of a background check and employment verification.

Please note that this role is an in-person position based in Arlington, VA. Position will be open until filled. Marymount is an E-Verify employer.

Marymount University is an equal opportunity employer. Marymount University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status or any other protected bases under applicable federal and local laws and regulations in any of its programs or its activities, including employment and admission.  The university also expressly prohibits any form of sex discrimination and sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, dating and domestic violence, rape, sexual assault, sexual exploitation and stalking in any of its programs or activities, including employment and admission.  For more information, please visit:  https://marymount.edu/student-life/health-wellness/title-ix-2/