Director of Finance Policy and Innovation (00092)

Title: Director of Finance Policy and Innovation (00092)

State Role Title: SCHEV Associate Director

Hiring Range: Up to $190,000

Pay Band: UG

Agency: State Council of Higher Educ

Location: St Council of Higher Education

Agency Website: www.schev.edu

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

About the Organization

The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) is the coordinating body for the nation’s preeminent system of postsecondary education, which includes 15 four-year and 24 two-year public colleges, as well as more than 30 nonprofit and 300 for-profit private schools. SCHEV is responsible for: developing and promoting an educationally and economically sound, vigorous, progressive and coordinated system of higher education; facilitating collaboration among postsecondary institutions that enhances academic quality and operational efficiency; developing and submitting recommendations to the executive and legislative branches on budgetary and policy matters; and providing advisory and/or regulatory guidance to the institutions.

In 2014, SCHEV developed The Virginia Plan for Higher Education, a statewide strategic plan. Updated and approved in January 2021, Pathways to Opportunity: The Virginia Plan for Higher Education is designed to identify trends that the Commonwealth must address if it is to continue to prosper and succeed. The plan provides a roadmap for Virginia to be the “Best State for Education” by 2030. In order to do so, it will fulfill its mission of advancing equitable, affordable and transformative higher education.

While SCHEV is responsible for management of The Pathways plan, execution relies on collaboration among institutions, K-12, general assembly members and staff, Governor’s staff, and other key stakeholders. Ongoing communications, including progress on the measures and targets, as well as initiatives are critical to meeting the needs of the Commonwealth and its citizens.

SCHEV aspires to be a great place to work. It is an environment of public servants committed to developing an educationally and economically sound, vigorous, progressive and coordinated system of higher education in Virginia. We value honesty, quality, diversity, inclusion, growth-orientation, personal well-being, equity, transparency and accountability. And we seek team players who will advance these values through their work and engagement.

SCHEV’s offices are located in Virginia's capitol city of Richmond. The City is the convergence point of college campuses, the state government seat, a strong entrepreneurial spirit and historical sites. This combination has resulted in a thriving eclectic culture and foodie destination. The growing city juncture is centrally located and less than two hours from the nation’s capital, beautiful beaches and scenic mountains.

About the Position

SCHEV seeks a senior leader who reports to the agency director. The incumbent will manage a staff of up to 20, with responsibility for meeting the Council’s statutory and policy-making duties initially in the areas of college and university operating and capital planning, student financial aid and college access. The incumbent will also assist the director in the management of special projects. The final disposition of functional responsibilities will be based, in part, on the candidate’s skills and experience and the needs of the agency at the time of employment. The position is subject to a contract with the agency director.

Minimum Qualifications

· Extensive higher education or other relevant public policy experience at a state or institutional level
· Established relationships with key stakeholder groups and track record or work with, and leadership within, professional organizations related to the role
· Extensive experience with financial aid policy and operations, including both federal and Virginia programs
· Highly advanced skills in analyzing state and institutional financial conditions, strategic thinking and creative problem solving
· Highly advanced skills in organization management (including personnel supervision)
· Superb communication (both oral and written), meeting facilitation and technology skills
· Demonstrated ability to show discretion and objectivity
· Ability to work effectively with partners across the public policy spectrum, including Council members, college and university senior leadership, elected officials, executive and