Chief Financial Officer - Law School

POSITION SUMMARY

The University of Minnesota Law School seeks a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to join the leadership team. The ideal candidate will be a strategic, collaborative, creative, and expert fiscal leader with significant financial planning and management experience in a complex organizational setting.

The CFO is the Law School's senior leader responsible for managing the college's fiscal and budgetary functions, and reports directly to the dean. Working with the dean and senior leadership of the University, the CFO develops financial strategies that advance the academic priorities of the Law School, leads the Law School's short- and long-term financial management, and enhances administrative systems and structures in support of the Law School's mission and goals in coordination with University policies.

The CFO serves as a primary liaison between the Law School, the Office of Budget & Finance, and related University units, and as the Resource Responsibility Center (RRC) and Chief Finance Manager (CFM) contact for the Law School within the University structure.

This vacancy was created when the previous CFO was recruited for a senior position as the associate budget director for the University. The new CFO will become an integral part of a leadership team working with Dean William McGeveran, who has served as interim and permanent dean for the last three years and as a Law School faculty member for 20 years, and alongside highly talented and professional senior leaders, many of whom have been at the Law School for a decade or more.

In-person: Due to nature of this role, this position will be required to be in person most days of the week with flexibility

Visa Language: Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship.

APPOINTMENT

The CFO is a full-time, 12-month academic professional and administrative (P&A) position appointed by the dean of the Law School. The position is open until filled. Salary is commensurate with education and experience. A comprehensive benefits package is provided. (See our benefits page for more information.)

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Planning and Budget & Financial Management (60%)

• Work directly with the dean to align fiscal and strategic priorities through annual budget planning and long-range financial planning
• Lead financial analysis and modeling to provide actionable insights for the dean and leadership team
• Manage the utilization of endowment and annual (demand) funds, working across departments to develop strategic spending plans that align with donor intent
• Communicate with senior Law School leadership, empowering them to make fully informed decisions related to the Law School's fiscal and budgetary strategy
• Foster strong collaborative working relationships with University budget and finance leadership and staff, ensuring mutual understanding and enabling pragmatic problem-solving when needed
• Serve as liaison to senior staff and faculty in the Law School to support strategic budgetary decisions related to their activities
• Work closely with Human Resources to align budget and resource planning, including the implementation of annual merit increases, appointment updates, and payroll budget oversight
• Oversee the development and implementation of monthly financial reporting to faculty and staff
• Forecast collegiate revenues, including tuition, endowments, internal/external sales, and other income
• Manage course tuition and fee process for Law School, ensuring course inputs are submitted, reviewed, and approved through the University's Tuition Fee and Management System (TFMS)
• Provide oversight to Law School-wide processes, including effort certification, scholarships and fellowships, endowment fund management, credit cards, exception reporting, and ICR redistribution

Team Management and Service Delivery (30%)

• Provide leadership and foster a professional and positive working environment committed to principles and practices of respect, inclusivity, continuous improvement, excellent customer service, and teamwork
• Supervise up to five employees on the Finance team in varied job classifications, providing effective leadership, training, evaluation, and talent management
• Manage the processes and activities of the finance team, including training, assigning and delegating work, monitoring workflow and special projects, and ensuring deadlines are met
• Prepare annual budget and fiscal year close processes and work with team members to meet deadlines for the budget process and fiscal year-end closing
• Develop and implement sound financial management and accounting policies and procedures that support day-to-day operations
• Ensure prompt responses to inquiries from Law School and University personnel and appropriate interpretations of Law School and University policy and procedures, and intervene to problem-solve as necessary
• Partner with leadership of Law School departments to ensure Finance staff meets their service needs
• Meet regularly with the Finance team to communicate policy and procedural changes, facilitate discussions, answer questions, and solicit input
• Meet regularly with individual Finance team members to discuss performance, train, answer questions, provide feedback, and implement disciplinary action as appropriate
• Conduct annual performance reviews and professional development planning for each employee
• Select and hire staff if new positions are created or current positions are vacated

Policy, Process, and Procedures Development and Compliance (10%)

• Ensure compliance with University policies and procedures in all tasks and demonstrate ethical behavior in conducting all position responsibilities
• Assist in developing and documenting operational procedures and processes on behalf of the Law School
• Create monitoring processes to ensure ongoing review and reconciliation activities are conducted by financial staff in compliance with University policies and procedures
• Respond to inquiries from internal audits and external organizations related to the financial activities of the Law School and assigned units
• Resolve problems within the Law School related to policy, procedures, and compliance for assigned units
• Represent the Law School on University-wide committees and task forces and work collaboratively with internal and external units to improve and leverage shared knowledge and best practices
• Serve on or lead internal collegiate committees to improve Law School processes
• Continue professional development and awareness of University policies and procedures by attending courses, workshops, seminars, and other meetings

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• BA or BS degree in finance, accounting, or related field, or CFA, and at least 10 years of experience
• In place of a degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field, relevant experience in higher education finance and operations will be considered

Additional Requirements

• Demonstrated ability to successfully lead a team and foster a professional and positive working environment committed to principles and practices of respect, inclusivity, continuous improvement, excellent customer service, and teamwork
• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and effectively about financial and budgetary matters with a wide range of leaders and stakeholders, both with and without specialized expertise
• Demonstrated financial modeling skills (Excel) and presentation skills (PowerPoint)
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks and work both independently and as part of a team
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and effectively with multiple stakeholders (including administrators, faculty, and staff)
• Commitment to the mission of the Law School, including fostering innovative research, providing first-rate legal education, contributing to the welfare of Minnesota and our community, and welcoming and including people of diverse backgrounds

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• MBA or another advanced degree
• Minimum of three years of supervisory experience
• Expert Excel modeling skills
• Demonstrated ability to formulate and implement financial strategies to meet academic priorities
• Experience navigating the political and financial landscape in higher education
• Experience with fund accounting principles
• Experience working with tuition, endowments, and research grants
• Experience with University of Minnesota Enterprise Financial System (PeopleSoft)

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA LAW SCHOOL

The Law School is financially well-positioned and committed to careful stewardship of its resources. The annual operating budget of $72 million is supported by a diverse funding model that includes tuition and fees, state appropriations, payouts from the endowment, and research grants. Strategic fundraising activity and the generosity of our donors have enabled the Law School to exceed its philanthropic goals in recent years and helped endowment balances grow 34% over the past four years, to a total of $280 million.

Recognized as one of the country's preeminent public law schools, the University of Minnesota Law School leads in preparing students to solve our time's complex social, economic, and business issues. Our exceptional faculty, innovative curriculum, and unmatched clinical and experiential learning opportunities equip students for the demands of the 21st century. View our degree programs.

We are distinguished by a rare collegial culture emphasizing teamwork, problem-solving, leadership, and persuasion. Our faculty includes some of the world's most accomplished and productive scholars in business law, criminal justice, international law and human rights, and law, science, and technology, among other areas. A large, active network of alumni in the Twin Cities and around the globe is eager to mentor, teach, and hire our students. The Law School draws a talented, diverse student body from across the United States and the globe.
The Law School benefits from being part of one of the world's largest research institutions and from its location in vibrant and diverse Minneapolis/St. Paul, which regularly ranks as one of the country's most affordable, livable, and literate metropolitan areas. With headquarters for 16 Fortune 500 companies, federal and state courts, and the state capitol just minutes away, the University of Minnesota is one of the best places in the country to experience law in action.

Minnesota Law's Mission

• Educating exceptional future lawyers,
• Studying and improving the law through research and expertise, and
• Providing legal services that uphold the rule of law in our communities and around the world

Pay Range: $130,000 - $180,000 per year; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

APPLICATION AND NOMINATIONS

Applicants must submit a cover letter and resume. To ensure full consideration, submit your complete set of materials by October 25, 2026.

Nominations may be directed to the Talent Acquisition Consultant, Brad Earney, earne018@umn.edu. Review of nominations and applications for the position will commence immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Priority Deadline Note: The application review will begin on 11/05/2026

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail jobcentr@umn.edu.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.