Open Positions - Available Executive Staff Positions

Vice President for Administration and Finance

The Opportunity
Minot State University invites applications and nominations for the position of Vice President for Administration and Finance (VPAF), who is the chief financial and administrative officer of the university.

Reporting to the president and working collaboratively with university officers, the VPAF is directly responsible for the Business Office, Facilities Services, Information Technology Center, Publications and Design Services, Human Resources, as well as an outsourced Student-Center Food Services and Bookstore. The VPAF has six direct reports and a total of approximately 90 benefited employees. The VPAF also provides management for campus master planning, coordination and oversight of the budget process for the University, and finance and administrative campus alignment with the North Dakota University System and the State Board of Higher Education. This position serves as treasurer for the Minot State University Board of Regents and the Development Foundation. Major resources include appropriated and non-appropriated funds totaling $45 million. The campus has 22 buildings located on 102 acres.

The University
Minot State University was founded in 1913 to serve the citizens of northwest North Dakota. It is located in the city of Minot with 36,000 residents. With beautiful parks and neighborhoods, the city is served by Northwest/Delta Airlines and Amtrak. Abundant outdoor activities are available, including boating, fishing and camping at the nearby Garrison Dam on the Missouri River. Campus life is engaging and active, with cultural, community, and athletic events and activities. The arts include two theatre companies, three art galleries, choral groups, and a symphony orchestra and opera company. The University’s athletic programs have earned national championships in cross-country and conference titles in football and basketball, earning berths in national tournaments. Currently the University is transitioning from membership in the NAIA to NCAA Division II. Women’s soccer and men’s wrestling have recently been added.

A major U. S. Air Force base, responsible for one-third of America’s missile silos, is located north of the city of Minot and includes approximately 13,000 military personnel. Minot State primarily serves North Dakota, Montana, and several contiguous Canadian provinces. In 1996, Dakota College at Bottineau (formerly MSU-Bottineau), a community college seventy-five miles northeast of Minot became part of the University.

The University has evolved from a normal school to a Carnegie Master’s I institution. It is the third largest four-year higher education institution in the state, with a fall 2009 enrollment of 3,649. Three colleges comprise the school’s academic offerings: Arts and Sciences, Business, and Education and Health Sciences. Nine master’s degrees are offered in such areas as management, elementary education, and mathematics. There is a rich mix of liberal and professional programs offering 60 majors at the undergraduate level. Minot State University is an important member of the North Dakota University System, comprised of 11 institutions representing doctoral, master’s, baccalaureate, and community colleges. The State Board of Higher Education consists of nine members and is the governing board of the System. The Minot State University Board of Regents, with a membership of over 60 community leaders, acts as an advisory board and champion for the institution.

In fall 2009, Minot State realized a 6 percent increase in enrollment and notable increases in strategic areas such as graduate studies, international, Native American, Canadian, and transfers. Enrollments from North Dakota increased as well, including a sizeable increase in students from Ward County, in which the university is located. More than 304 graduate students are pursuing either the master’s degree or the joint criminal justice Ph.D. program with the University of North Dakota. The graduate enrollment represents a ten-year high, as does the 293 Canadian students and 1,318 on-line students enrolled in the fall. Thirty-six percent of the student body is registered for online and Interactive Video Courses (IVN) courses. The university is a leader in online deliveries and technology. Even with the state’s shift in demographics, the University is poised for future growth by aggressively recruiting students from wider regional and international sectors.

The faculty at Minot State consists of tenured, tenure-track, and special contract full-time positions and part-time positions. While faculty members are devoted to teaching, they increasingly contribute in the scholarship to their respective fields. A growing number of faculty conduct research with students as full-partners. This past year nearly $8 million came to the University through soft money. Approximately $5.5 million funded one of the University’s centers of excellence – the North Dakota Center for Persons with Disabilities. An increasing number of faculty are engaged in the economic improvement of the region and state.

Minot State has an active research and service agenda, which strives to engage students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels in research with faculty. The research enhances teaching and learning, addresses the needs of the community and region, and educates students to think critically, communicate effectively, and contribute meaningfully to the livelihood of our state, region, country, and beyond.

Mission

Core values:

Teaching and learning with excellence, integrity, and engagement.
Serving students and others respectfully and responsibly.
Following high ethical and moral principles.
Supporting the values of community and place, where all community members are valued and respected for their work, contributions, and freedom of expression.

Accreditation

Background
In July 2004, Dr. David Fuller became the eighth president of Minot State University following President H. Erik Shaar who served the University for 12 years until his retirement. Prior to Dr. Shaar, Dr. Gordon Olson served as the University’s president for 27 years. Under Dr. Fuller’s leadership, the University has developed a comprehensive strategic plan called Vision 2013, which focuses on the university’s Centennial in 2013. The university has made significant progress in meeting priorities and specific action steps of the plan, including new major programs, meeting campus salary goals, development of new first-year student programs and services, increase in grants and contracts, and campus and facility upgrades. A comprehensive master plan and landscape plan were completed and has led to campus renovations and landscape improvements. A renovation of the Student Center, the construction of the Beaver Dam, a new student activity center, a new multicultural center, a $5 million renovation of a residence hall into a living and learning center with four-person suites, and a multitude of program and classroom upgrades. Currently Swain Hall is undergoing a $13 million renovation into a modern home for the department of Teacher Education and the new athletic training program. The construction of a new health and wellness center will be started in the spring, and plans are underway for the renovation of the current athletic Dome and football field. Many improvements to campus landscaping and design have been undertaken, including the recent completion of a beautiful monument sign and campus frontage, as well as decorative lights and banners along the major thorough fares of the campus. A pre-campaign fundraising plan, developed by Bentz Whaley and Flessner, Minneapolis, has provided the campus with the direction to embark on a major capital campaign. The University has developed a means to link budget and fund raising to a new vision and set of goals focused on academic excellence, growth, student service, and regional service.

Mr. Ron Dorn, the current vice president for administration and finance, has served the university exceptionally well as a finance and administrative leader. He plans to retire in June 2010. He will leave the university in strong financial shape and in good condition for the new vice president for administration and finance.

Strategic Planning
Minot State University has achieved remarkable success in its academic programs, student services, administrative and campus infrastructure, athletics, and community and state relations. The University enjoys many strengths and faces challenges.

Strengths

A friendly and welcoming campus, focused on the University’s key core value of "students first."
A well-qualified and productive faculty devoted to student learning, individual student success, and quality education.
A beautiful campus with modern and attractive facilities.
Widely respected and recognized "centers of excellence" programs, including the North Dakota Center for Persons with Disabilities, the Rural Crime and Justice Center, and the Center for Extended Learning.
Strong support from the Minot community and the region.
Exceptional support from local legislators and the North Dakota congressional delegation.
A strong state revenue base, surplus, and proven commitment to higher education.

Challenges

Exceeding the average aspiration peers’ performance indicators to raise the University’s performance as a premier university in the Great Plains.
Broadening service areas and outreach.
New and enhanced forms of revenue generation, through fund raising, grant writing, and new partnerships.
Increased institutional and programmatic marketing.
Continuing to raise faculty and staff salaries in line with recommendations of a five-year compensation task force plan.
Remaining focused on continued excellence in teaching and learning.
Sustaining and building a vibrant campus culture.
Improving enrollment and retention through targeted and data-based recruitment and enrollment management; recruitment beyond the borders of North Dakota/ new retention strategies; and supporting a balance between on-campus and distance/e-learning programs.
Developing a culture attentive to data and reflection; responsive academic assessment, and one that values and supports multiculturalism and diversity.
Sustaining and building upon a positive relationship with the community of Minot and the region.

Future
Minot State University is proud of its 95-plus year successful history and vision for the future. The plan is to build on the institution’s notable strengths and respond proactively and effectively to its challenges and opportunities and to meet the Vision 2013 goal to become one of the premier regional universities in the Great Plains.

Qualifications
The University seeks a new vice president for administration and finance who is a strong and progressive leader capable of contributing meaningfully and effectively to the direction of the university. The vice president should be respectful and supportive of faculty, students, and staff, focused on institutional excellence and growth, a strategic and innovative thinker and planner, and a team-player. Toward those ends, the successful candidate should be collegial and willing to engage reports in the conversation about the direction of individual departments and the university, an individual with high integrity and principles, and possess a strong work ethic, and endorse the principles of shared governance, inclusive and research-based decision making. The vice president should possess a “can-do” attitude, approach problems and issues objectively, responsibly, while exploring cooperatively options and solutions. As the campus values high engagement in the life and future of the university, the successful candidate should be willing to be an active and visible participant in the life of the University and the greater community. The vice president should also be active professionally and aware of current developments in professional arenas, with the experience or interest in becoming an active participant in professional organizations

Minimum Qualifications:

Baccalaureate degree (graduate degree in finance, MBA, or CPA or related education preferred) in finance, administration, or accounting from a regionally accredited institution.
Minimum of five years successful and progressive experience and background in leadership and a variety of administrative roles, with direct and administrative fiscal experience in a college or university setting
Outstanding writing, speaking, and listening skills are essential.

Required Abilities:
The successful candidate should possess:

Successful experience in institutional planning and be capable of supporting and advancing the university’s vision, mission, core values, and strategic plan.
Strong and in-depth knowledge of fiscal management, financing, budgeting, and long-term planning.
The ability to interpret and enforce fiscal, administrative, and North Dakota University System policies and procedures.
The ability to work effectively with other finance leaders in the North Dakota University System and to respond to financial and administrative inquiries from the State Board of Higher Education.
Be capable of preparing formal and effective presentations for local constituents, legislators, and the State Board of Higher Education.
The experience and ability to make high-quality judgments and decisions based upon institutional data and broad input.
A working knowledge of accounting policies and accountability processes.
A sound knowledge of human resources and personnel policies, with skills and experiences necessary for institution systematic salary management and distribution.
The ability and experience to work directly with athletic programs and to ensure proper attention to fiscal oversight and compliance for the university’s transition to and membership in NCAA Division II.
Knowledge of building construction, plant operations, and utilities.
Knowledge of and commitment to sustainability practices, including recycling, green building practices, and energy conservation.
The ability to facilitate communications between departments and with direct reports.
Knowledge of grant accounting and working with sponsored projects.
Abilities for responsible and effective supervision and support of employees.
Knowledgeable of working with outsourced services, such as bookstores and foodservices.
Experience interacting with and presenting to auditors, government officials, and legislators.

Preferred Characteristics/Qualities:

Understanding of comprehensive institutions in rural settings of the Great Plains and Midwest.
Experience in private and public educational settings.

Benefits And Compensation
Major benefits include health insurance and retirement. Health insurance is provided by Blue Cross/Blue Shield through the office of the North Dakota Public Employees Retirement System (NDPERS). The premium is currently paid in full by the University. Health insurance covers vision and dental procedures when deemed as medically necessary. Routine vision and dental coverage is not available through this health insurance; however, separate coverage for routine vision and dental coverage is available at the employee’s expense.

The retirement plan is a defined contribution plan through Teachers Insurance and Annuities Association-College Retirement Equities Fund (TIAA-CREF). This 401A plan requires a contribution from the employee of 1.5percent of base salary and provides a matching contribution from the University of 9.5 percent. After ten years of plan participation the employee’s contribution increases to 2.0 percent and the matching contribution increases to 10.0 percent. Prior years of service in the NDPERS retirement plan or with another current TIAA-CREF retirement plan are counted toward the number of plan participation years. TIAA-CREF provides for self-directed investing through a selection of stock, bond, money market, and real estate funds. A 403b and 457b are also offered for those who choose to contribute more toward retirement investments than the 401A plan allows. Typically, these funds are available for retirement income after termination of employment and the employee’s 55th birthday. Funds may also be available should the employee become disabled or for a phased retirement plan.

Another benefit is the accrual of annual and sick leave. Those in this position earn annual leave at the rate of 192 hours (24 days) per year and sick leave at the rate of 96 hours (12 days) per year. Beginning the first full calendar year of employment, 40 hours of annual leave must be taken during each calendar year, and only 240 hours of annual leave may be carried over into the next calendar year. Upon termination, any unused annual leave will be paid out to the employee based on the current rate of pay. Sick leave accrues without limit. After ten years of service, and upon termination, ten percent of the unused sick leave accrual balance will be paid out to the employee based on the current rate of pay.

Other benefits provided by the University include long-term disability insurance, the ability to share and receive leave from other employees in certain circumstances, FlexComp plan for medical and dependent care expenses, and life insurance. The life insurance is a term policy with a death benefit of $1,300. Upon employment, employees may purchase additional life insurance up to $200,000 without evidence of insurability at their own expense through competitive rates. An additional $500,000 is also available through a separate plan.

Salary amounts are based on internal equity and the most recent data from the College and University Professional Association for Human Resources (CUPA-HR) for administrative positions. The current minimum salary range for this position is $96,900 to $102,500.

Application Procedures
Submit a letter of application, resume, a one-page statement describing administrative and fiscal philosophy, copy of transcripts, and the names, addresses, e-mail addresses, and telephone numbers of at least five professional references to: Wes Matthews, Director, Human Resources, Minot State University, 500 University Ave W., Minot, ND 58707. Review of applications will begin January 15, 2010. Position available as early as June 1, 2010, but will remain open until filled. Additional information about the institution and the position may be found at the University web site at: http://www.minostateu.edu.

A criminal history background check must be satisfied prior to employment.

Minot State University fully respects the need for confidentiality and assures interested individuals that their background and interests will not be discussed without consent of the applicant prior to her or his becoming a candidate. Upon becoming a candidate, the North Dakota open records and open meeting laws apply. Minot State University is an equal opportunity employer. The University strongly encourages applications from women and ethnic minority candidates.

Key Indicators
Investment in Plant, less depreciation:	Buildings - $70.7 million Depreciation ($33.2 million) $37.5 million net
Plant Replacement Insured Value:	Buildings - $156.3 million Personal property - $26.5 million
Cost of Operating Physical Plant:	Salaries - $1.7 million Utilities - $1.1 million Other operating - $1.2 million Total - $4.0 million
Deferred Maintenance:	$3.3 million
Endowment:	University - $2.2 million Foundation - $8.6 million Total - $10.8 million
Budget:	Grants - $8.8 million Tuition & State – $27.9 million Auxiliary/other - $11.5 million Total - $48.2 million
Tuition:	$10.7 million per year
Student Enrollment:	3,649 (fall 2009)
Average ACT Score:	Average ACT composite: 21 (Fall 2008)
Freshman Retention Rate:	70%
Graduation Rate:	4 years: 13% 5 years: 27% 6 years: 30%
Living Alumni:	22,452
Number of Full-time Faculty:	93 tenure track; 174 full-time faculty Tenured: 55%
Faculty Salaries:	Professor: $75,234 Associate Professor: $58,210 Assistant Professor: $53,145 Instructor: $37,975
Student/Teacher Ratio: Average Class Size:	12:1 Undergraduate: 19; Graduate: 7
Degrees:	MAT, MS, MME, MED, Ed. Specialist, AS, BA, BS, BSE, BSN, BSW, BGS, BAS (see catalogs for specific information)
Library Volumes:	411,397 total physical volumes and bound periodical volumes