Truman State University—Missouri’s only public liberal arts and sciences university— seeks a Vice President for Administration and Finance/Chief Operating Officer (VPAF/COO) who will serve as a key member of the President’s Executive Leadership Team and will collaborate with executive leadership to create and maintain essential services, infrastructure, and a physical environment that robustly supports the needs of the University through strong stewardship of resources and effective collaboration with faculty and staff. Reporting directly to the President, the VPAF/COO will function as a generalist and have the ability to deal with a wide array of issues in a collegial manner while maintaining a focus on institutional priorities.
Founded in 1867 in Kirksville, Missouri, Truman State University (Truman; the University) has evolved through several name changes, each reflecting a new institutional mission. In 1985, when the passage of Missouri House Bill 196 changed the University’s mission from an open-enrollment, regional, multipurpose university to Missouri’s only statewide public liberal arts and sciences institution, the University’s name was Northeast Missouri State University. In 1996, the name of the University was changed to Truman State University to reflect that mission.
A vibrant community of teacher-scholars engaged with an academically talented student body, Truman is a residential university providing its approximately 3,900 students with a distinctive blend of liberal arts and sciences and professional programs. Truman is nationally recognized for the quality of educational opportunities it offers and the pathways it has developed from college to career. The institution is committed to a strong focus on high-impact learning experiences, and more than one-third of Truman’s undergraduates go on to pursue graduate education. Truman is consistently ranked among the nation’s best colleges. For 29 consecutive years, U.S. News and World Report has recognized Truman as the No. 1 public university in the Midwest Region.
Located in Kirksville, Missouri, Truman plays a vital role in the thriving regional center of northeast Missouri. The campus spreads across 180 acres and is recognized as a Tree Campus USA School. As a nationally recognized public liberal arts and sciences university, Truman is a member of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges (COPLAC). Across an expansive academic portfolio that includes the liberal arts and sciences and professional studies, Truman offers 51 undergraduate majors and 74 undergraduate minors. Truman also offers 13 master’s degree programs and two graduate certificates. Outside the classroom, the Truman Bulldogs compete at the NCAA Division II level in the Great Lakes Valley Conference. Truman offers 16 Division II sports teams, as well as eSports and intramural athletics.
For more information about Truman State University, please visit www.truman.edu.
The VPAF/COO provides leadership for the University’s financial, human resources, facilities, and operational functions, ensuring effective stewardship of resources and alignment with institutional priorities. As such, the VPAF/COO is responsible for advancing operational excellence, guiding long-range planning, and fostering a campus environment that supports student success, faculty and staff effectiveness, and the University’s mission.
The successful candidate will possess a master’s degree in a discipline relevant to this position, along with progressive leadership experience in a complex organization, ability to manage complex initiatives, and relevant experience in the broad range of functions reporting to this position. Significant business acumen and judgment; substantial experience in budget planning and financial administration; and excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills are also needed. Compensation will be commensurate with experience and include a base salary and a competitive benefits package.
