"Associate Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, University of Nevada, Reno Foundation"

Job Description

The University of Nevada, Reno Foundation seeks an accomplished and strategic financial leader to serve as Associate Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (AVP/CFO). Reporting to the Vice President for University Advancement/Executive Director of the Foundation, the AVP/CFO provides executive leadership for all financial, accounting, audit, and fiscal governance functions of the Foundation and its affiliated nonprofit entities. Serving as Treasurer of the Foundation, this role is central to advancing the Foundation's mission and ensuring strong stewardship of philanthropic resources.

As a key member of the senior leadership team, the AVP/CFO partners closely with the Vice President for University Advancement, the Chief Investment Officer, senior Advancement leaders, University central finance offices, and the Foundation Board of Trustees. The AVP/CFO serves as the principal financial advisor to Foundation leadership and the Board, delivering transparent financial analysis, sound judgment, and risk-informed recommendations that support fundraising growth, donor stewardship, and long-term institutional impact.

The AVP/CFO is responsible for ensuring the financial integrity, sustainability, and fiduciary stewardship of the Foundation in alignment with donor intent, regulatory requirements, and institutional priorities. This leader oversees financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, audits, compliance, and internal controls while safeguarding Foundation assets and maintaining strong relationships with donors, auditors, investment managers, and regulators.

This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the financial future of a dynamic philanthropic organization supporting a leading public research university. The successful candidate will bring a balance of technical expertise, strategic vision, and collaborative leadership to advance the Foundation's mission and strengthen its long-term financial health.

Role Highlights

• Safeguard the Foundation's financial health and fiduciary integrity through stewardship of cash flow and liquidity, revenue management and expense control, record accuracy, audit outcomes, regulatory compliance, and long-term sustainability.
• Provide executive oversight of accounting, financial reporting, audit coordination, cash management, and internal controls; ensure compliance with all relevant standards and regulations; serve as primary liaison to external auditors, tax advisors, regulators, and legal counsel; oversee audited financial statements and IRS Form 990.
• Partner with the Chief Investment Officer and Board committees to support investment accounting, endowment reporting, spending policy analysis, and long-term asset stewardship.
• Develop, implement, and steward financial policies and data governance; provide executive financial oversight of contracts and agreements; collaborate with university legal counsel, procurement, Advancement leadership, and external vendors; maintain audit readiness and regulatory review preparedness.
• Lead the Foundation finance team, fostering a culture of accountability, ethical conduct, service orientation, and continuous improvement; support professional development, succession planning, and effective resource utilization.

About the Foundation

The University of Nevada, Reno Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization incorporated in 1981. The Foundation receives, invests, and administers funds to benefit the University-honoring donors' philanthropic intent-while serving as the primary mechanism for private individuals, corporations, and foundations to make charitable gifts to the University.

The AVP/CFO oversees a robust and growing portfolio of assets supporting the University's mission:

• Total Foundation Assets: $598.05 million (as of June 30, 2025), reflecting steady growth through new investments and market appreciation.
• Endowment Funds: $442.1 million, with pooled and segregated endowments supporting scholarships, faculty positions, research, and strategic initiatives.
• Annual Gifts Raised (FY25): $72.3 million, sourced from alumni, foundations, friends, estates/trusts, corporations, faculty/staff, and other donors.
• Annual Support to the University (FY25): $49.2 million, including $22.5 million for university programs, $17.9 million for capital projects, and $8.8 million for student scholarships.

Foundation assets are allocated to academic programs, capital projects, outreach, scholarships, and unrestricted support, as well as intercollegiate athletics, research, and innovation across all colleges and schools. The Foundation's endowment is part of the University's total endowment ($640.3 million), which also includes the Nevada System of Higher Education and Wolf Pack Athletic Association endowments. The Foundation Board of Trustees retains independent auditors to ensure transparency and compliance. The AVP/CFO is responsible for ensuring compliance with GAAP, GASB, FASB, IRS regulations, UPMIFA, NSHE policies, and donor intent.

For more information, please visit:

• University of Nevada, Reno Foundation
• Board of Trustees
• Financial Information
• Asset Management

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, or related and six (6) years of managerial and/or related professional work experience OR Master's Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, or related and four (4) years of managerial and/or related professional work experience.

Related experience includes progressively responsible experience in areas of financial management, including nonprofit, investments, budgeting, policy formulation, and strategic planning, or a reasonable combination, which also includes management of a team of professional accounting or finance positions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
• Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
• Master's in Business Administration (MBA)
• Experience working as a CFO for a large non-profit organization managing accounts of 300+ million

Schedule and Travel

Variable work schedule with ability to work evenings and weekends, as needed
Occasional Travel

Compensation Grade

Administrative Faculty, Compensation Grade E
Salary is competitive and commensurate with related education and experience