UW-IT Associate Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

The CFO job at a glance

The UW-IT AVP and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) has a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW-IT employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a better world.

By being deeply invested in our work, showing compassion in our interactions, and embodying the spirit of a team player, each member contributes to our thriving community. UW-IT is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff; your experiences, perspectives and unique identities will be honored at the University of Washington. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.

The CFO for UW-IT plays a critical role in overseeing the organization’s financial health and operational efficiency. Reporting directly to the CIO (Chief Information Officer) and serving as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT), the CFO provides leadership and direction in financial accounting, budgeting, procurement, contract management, asset management and facilities oversight.

This role ensures that UW-IT’s financial practices align with the University’s mission and support its teaching, learning, research and innovation objectives across all campuses, UW medical centers and global research operations.

As AVP and Chief Financial Officer, you’ll be expected to balance immediate fiscal management needs with long-term strategic planning. The CFO develops financial strategies to support the evolving goals of UW-IT and the University’s new technology strategic plan. They manage within UW’s complex financial landscape that includes diverse revenue streams, regulatory requirements and the transition to a new university budgeting model.

If you’re ready for the challenge, we invite you to read more about our institution, our city, the job and its challenges and opportunities to transform and enhance one of the world’s top universities.

Our University

From a single building in 1861, today the UW spreads its wings across a 700-acre campus in the heart of Seattle, one of the most dynamic and technology-driven cities in the U.S. Offering more than 180 majors, the UW is teeming with innovative students and faculty who are conducing life-changing work at nearly 300 institute and research centers.

UW is recognized as one of the most innovative public universities in the world, and consistently ranks among the top public universities as well. We’re home to seven Nobel Prize winners, 17 MacArthur Fellows, 189 members of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, and 193 fellows in the American Association for the Advancement of Science. We are also the top recipient of federal research dollars among public universities.

“#10 Best Big Cities in U.S.,”-Condé Nast Traveler, 2022 Reader’s Choice Award

But we are not just about awards. First and foremost, our faculty and staff are dedicated to our students and their success, something that has not gone unnoticed. Recently, more than 65,000 students applied to become a Husky, one of the largest applicant pools in the school’s history. Every year, the Husky 100 recognizes undergraduate and graduate students who are making the most of their time at the UW— showing our commitment to their success.

We’re a people-driven university, with public service deeply ingrained in our DNA, and its starts with leadership, from the UW President to everyone who serves our great community.

“I’m often asked about my vision for the UW, and my answer has always been simple: to be the top public university in the world in terms of positive impact,” UW President Ana Mari Cauce said.

The AVP and CFO position is not simply about financial management — it’s about people and their work. As we seek to align our business models and financial plans with our IT strategies, we’re keenly aware of the need for budget management —as we are stewards of the funds Washington State and grant supporters provide. As a leader, it’s imperative for the CFO to support a culture of fiscal transparency and accountability.

Our Home

In the last decade, more than 600,000 people have moved to the central Puget Sound metropolitan area — and more than 100,000 of them to Seattle, the hub of one of the most economically powerful regions in North America.

These new residents came for various reasons, many of them attracted by the region’s natural beauty and its significant leadership role in education, technology and medical research. Even the large Silicon Valley tech companies have opened offices in Seattle, going after a large pool of homegrown talent.

The UW plays a significant role in the daily life of the city. Some might say we are a city in our own right, with tens of thousands of people coming and going from campus every day. There are other universities in the metro area, but none is more ingrained in the hearts of our residents than the UW. We are all Huskies who wear purple and gold.

What can you expect from living and working here? An international city with a worldly outlook, a hub of technology respected across the globe. Our region is home to Microsoft, Amazon, T-Mobile USA, Starbucks, Costco, Nordstrom, Alaska Airlines, REI, Zillow and Tableau. Did you know UPS got its start in Seattle? So did Paccar, the truck company, and the legendary Boeing Company, which still builds planes in the region.

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, our neighbor and often partner in research, pioneered the treatment of blood cancers, and has three Nobel laureates. The list goes on and on.

Of course, we are not just about work. The UW encourages a healthy life-work balance, and the beauty of the region provides plenty of opportunities for all kinds of fun activities, from the mountains to the sea. Seattle and its neighboring cities have a rich sports, culture and arts scene, with plenty of live music, theater and festivals all year round.

You at the UW

As the AVP and CFO, you’ll be expected to embrace and model organizational diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) competencies. You must understand the impact of technology on historically marginalized communities and ensure that UW-IT solutions are inclusive and accessible to all members of the University community.

In the role of AVP and CFO, you will be expected to fully commit to working within a leadership team that deeply values trust, teamwork, and a purposeful approach to leadership. Your contributions will be crucial in fostering a high-performing leadership team that not only navigates the financial complexities of a major research university but also aligns with our shared commitment to results. By bringing together strategic vision and technical expertise, you will play a key role in ensuring that UW-IT’s financial strategies support the University’s diverse missions and global impact.

As AVP and CFO, you will be expected to actively engage with a diverse range of stakeholders, including UW Bothell, UW Tacoma, UW Seattle, UW Medicine, various Schools and Colleges, and global research operations. Building and nurturing strong relationships will be key to your success, as these connections are essential to driving collaboration and achieving our shared goals. Through this collaborative approach, you will develop and implement a comprehensive financial program that encompasses fund management, accounting, operational forecasting, data reporting, and ensures compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

In this position, you will seamlessly blend strategy and policy expertise with technical and accounting operations knowledge, demonstrating strong leadership skills. By navigating the complexities of a major research university and employing a consultative approach, you will need the ability to influence, partner, and align with various academic and administrative units. Striking the delicate balance between consultation and decisiveness will be crucial in moving initiatives forward effectively. Your leadership will have a lasting impact on ensuring UW-IT can financially support the ever-growing needs of the University, thereby supporting teaching, learning, and research activities, and contributing to the preservation, advancement, and dissemination of knowledge for the betterment of our world.

You can find the full set of requirements for the CFO position at UW Hires. If you think you have what it takes, we encourage you to apply now.

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