Chief Financial Officer, Athletics (0213U) #80841

About Berkeley

At the University of California, Berkeley, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty and staff. As a world-leading institution, Berkeley is known for its academic and research excellence, public mission, diverse student body, and commitment to equity and social justice. Since our founding in 1868, we have driven innovation, creating global intellectual, economic and social value. We are looking for applicants who reflect California's diversity and want to be part of an inclusive, equity-focused community that views education as a matter of social justice. Please consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, Principles of Community, and Strategic Plan. At UC Berkeley, we believe that learning is a fundamental part of working, and provide space for supportive colleague communities via numerous employee resource groups (staff organizations). Our goal is for everyone on the Berkeley campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support this by providing all of our full-time staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year to engage in professional development activities. Find out more about how you can grow your career at UC Berkeley.

Departmental Overview

The Intercollegiate Athletics Chief Financial Officer (Athletics CFO) has a dual reporting role, reporting to the VCF-CFO (VC Finance) and to the Co-Athletic Directors. The Department of Intercollegiate Athletics consists of more than 300 staff members and coaches; and sponsors 30 varsity sports programs, with a budget of approximately $200 million annually. These 30 programs include more than 850 student-athletes who participate in the sports programs annually within the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA). The Office of the Vice Chancellor of Finance (VCF) and Campus Chief Financial Officer (CFO) provides effective financial, analytical, and administrative management to our campus partners. The office includes the Controller’s Office, Capital Finance, Financial Planning & Analysis, University Business Partnerships & Services, and the Immediate Office. Together, these teams oversee university financial services and controls, lead an integrated approach to planning and development, and provide accurate and timely information and analyses to inform campus decision-making in service of UC Berkeley’s mission of teaching, research, and public service. Position Overview The Athletics CFO will be chiefly responsible for providing financial leadership to Intercollegiate Athletics, overseeing all administrative departmental functions and serving as a C-suite liaison tomultiple campus partners (Legal, University Athletics Board [UAB], Academic Planning and Resource Allocation [CAPRA]), as well as the department lead for various Department and Campus initiatives (outside consultants, peer reviews, etc.). This person will also serve as a member of the Intercollegiate Athletics Director’s Cabinet.  This position leads the development of a multi-year financial sustainability plan for Athletics. This role oversees the divisional financial resources on a multi-disciplinary basis, with insight into all funds, including core funds, endowed gift funds, capital budgets, awards and grants. This position leads the development, interpretation, and implementation of financial concepts for financial planning, resource planning (dollars), and control of the department’s budget. They analyze and prepare recommendations for financial plans, including annual resource allocations, future requirements, and operating forecasts. They have a fiduciary responsibility to keep the entire Athletics division on track, drive their budget strategy, and coordinate between the VCF-CFO and the Athletics Cabinet. This role liaises with the VCF-CFO, the Cabinet, the co-athletic directors, the athletic department’s chief operating officer, the general manager for football, the coaches, and the donors as appropriate. They must also maintain strategic relationships with University Donor and Alumni Relations, Capital Strategies, and Student Affairs. This position also involves developing, promoting, and supporting the operational and strategic aspects of intercollegiate student-athlete programs, including financial planning, budget administration, and travel. This role directs business operations, financial planning and analysis, budgeting, and other administrative functions. The role participates with other senior managers to establish strategic plans and objectives. 

Application Review Date

Application review will begin on October 1, 2025. The position will be open until filled.

About Berkeley

At the University of California, Berkeley, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty and staff. As a world-leading institution, Berkeley is known for its academic and research excellence, public mission, diverse student body, and commitment to equity and social justice. Since our founding in 1868, we have driven innovation, creating global intellectual, economic and social value. We are looking for applicants who reflect California's diversity and want to be part of an inclusive, equity-focused community that views education as a matter of social justice. Please consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, Principles of Community, and Strategic Plan. At UC Berkeley, we believe that learning is a fundamental part of working, and provide space for supportive colleague communities via numerous employee resource groups (staff organizations). Our goal is for everyone on the Berkeley campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support this by providing all of our full-time staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year to engage in professional development activities. Find out more about how you can grow your career at UC Berkeley.

Departmental Overview

The Intercollegiate Athletics Chief Financial Officer (Athletics CFO) has a dual reporting role, reporting to the VCF-CFO (VC Finance) and to the Co-Athletic Directors. The Department of Intercollegiate Athletics consists of more than 300 staff members and coaches; and sponsors 30 varsity sports programs, with a budget of approximately $200 million annually. These 30 programs include more than 850 student-athletes who participate in the sports programs annually within the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA). The Office of the Vice Chancellor of Finance (VCF) and Campus Chief Financial Officer (CFO) provides effective financial, analytical, and administrative management to our campus partners. The office includes the Controller’s Office, Capital Finance, Financial Planning & Analysis, University Business Partnerships & Services, and the Immediate Office. Together, these teams oversee university financial services and controls, lead an integrated approach to planning and development, and provide accurate and timely information and analyses to inform campus decision-making in service of UC Berkeley’s mission of teaching, research, and public service. Position Overview The Athletics CFO will be chiefly responsible for providing financial leadership to Intercollegiate Athletics, overseeing all administrative departmental functions and serving as a C-suite liaison tomultiple campus partners (Legal, University Athletics Board [UAB], Academic Planning and Resource Allocation [CAPRA]), as well as the department lead for various Department and Campus initiatives (outside consultants, peer reviews, etc.). This person will also serve as a member of the Intercollegiate Athletics Director’s Cabinet.  This position leads the development of a multi-year financial sustainability plan for Athletics. This role oversees the divisional financial resources on a multi-disciplinary basis, with insight into all funds, including core funds, endowed gift funds, capital budgets, awards and grants. This position leads the development, interpretation, and implementation of financial concepts for financial planning, resource planning (dollars), and control of the department’s budget. They analyze and prepare recommendations for financial plans, including annual resource allocations, future requirements, and operating forecasts. They have a fiduciary responsibility to keep the entire Athletics division on track, drive their budget strategy, and coordinate between the VCF-CFO and the Athletics Cabinet. This role liaises with the VCF-CFO, the Cabinet, the co-athletic directors, the athletic department’s chief operating officer, the general manager for football, the coaches, and the donors as appropriate. They must also maintain strategic relationships with University Donor and Alumni Relations, Capital Strategies, and Student Affairs. This position also involves developing, promoting, and supporting the operational and strategic aspects of intercollegiate student-athlete programs, including financial planning, budget administration, and travel. This role directs business operations, financial planning and analysis, budgeting, and other administrative functions. The role participates with other senior managers to establish strategic plans and objectives. 

Application Review Date

Application review will begin on October 1, 2025. The position will be open until filled.

Responsibilities

Financial Leadership: Leads development and oversight of the Athletics financial sustainability plan and strategic financial multi-year outlook, including the creation of executive or detailed level reports specific to the global Athletics budget, sport specific budgets, fundraising tracking, forecasting, etc. Maintains the integrity of the organization's budget, forecast, reporting and tracking systems through supervision and oversight of budget and fiscal staff and protocols; functions as chief budget liaison for resource allocations. Is responsible for in-year budget management of all funds. Strategic & Executive Advising & Partnership: Performs the analysis for organization-wide funding issues and budget processes, resource allocations, and funding models. Creates ad-hoc analysis to track gifts made to support Intercollegiate Athletics (IA) specific endeavors, spending, capital projects, and endowment analysis. Engages with senior management or executive levels on matters concerning several functional areas, units, and customers. Develops and delivers regular presentations and budget material. Interacts and communicates with coaches, administrative personnel, and staff within Athletics. Functional Management: Manages the Business and Finance unit within Athletics, which includes managers and personnel that work with the Athletics teams, including Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Financial Data Analytics, Procurement, Budgeting, Reporting, Forecasting, and Planning and Analysis. Develops, modifies, and executes appropriate internal controls to protect university resources. 

Required Qualifications

A thorough understanding of financial modeling and the ability to create and maintain complex financial models. Working knowledge of accounting principles, including profit and loss statements and balance sheets. Public finance knowledge; excellent skills in financial analysis, budgeting and reporting techniques, fund accounting, human resource planning, payroll analysis, accounting and bookkeeping. Strong ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing. Demonstrated ability to articulate complex concepts to groups at multiple levels.  Demonstrated interpersonal and collaboration skills and ability to work effectively across the organization at all levels; ability to interact with diverse populations. Must have the ability to represent multiple stakeholder groups successfully, create consensus, and manage diverse needs with a high level of autonomy.  Proven track record of managing staff and leading units to achieve measurable goals. Client services oriented; good listening, critical thinking and analytical skills. Ability to multitask and prioritize with a high level of autonomy. Ability to evaluate processes to establish and maintain appropriate accountability structures and strong internal control elements. Advanced skills with relevant office and accounting software. Required undergraduate degree in a related field.  Must develop and maintain current knowledge of applicable rules and standards of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), as well as other associations and agencies to which the Berkeley campus of the University of California adheres, and, at all times, avoid any violations of these rules and standards.

Preferred Qualifications

Public finance experience, preferably higher ed and/or NCAA athletics. Advanced degree in a related area and/or equivalent experience or training.  Expertise in accounting and financial management at a similar level of complexity and responsibility in a complex, decentralized organization. Advanced knowledge of the intercollegiate athletics function and areas of operations, along with its compliance needs. Experience in or knowledge of sports media and/or revenue.

Salary & Benefits

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website. Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.  The budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $215,000 - $265,000. The full range associated with the job classifcation is $138,200 - $271,200.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter. This search is being supported by Berkeley Executive Search (BES).

Conviction History Background

This is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check due to the nature of the job responsibilities. Berkeley does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

Mandated Reporter

This position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter required to report the observed or suspected abuse or neglect of children, dependent adults, or elders to designated law enforcement or social service agencies. We reserve the right to make employment contingent upon completion of signed statements acknowledging the responsibilities of a Mandated Reporter.

Misconduct Disclosure

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer. “Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC’s policies addressing some forms of misconduct: UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy UC Anti-Discrimination PolicyAbusive Conduct in the Workplace

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

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