University of Baltimore Request for Proposal

Page 1 of 10RFP UB-18-C-01

PROCUREMENT

July 12, 2017

Vendor

SUBJECT:Request For Proposal: Search Consultant/Firm to assist in search for Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Finance and Administration

RFP UB-18-C-01

Dear M.:

The following is a request for proposals from qualified firms to assist the University of Baltimore in its search for its next Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Finance and Administration. The position will be vacant due to the retirement of the incumbent, effective September 1, 2017 at which time an internal interim Finance Officer will be named until the permanent hire begins. Hire offer expected to be extended in early December 2017.

Position Description

Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Finance and Administration

OVERVIEW

The University of Baltimore seeks an outstanding and transformational senior finance professional to join the executive leadership team as Vice President for Finance and Administration, and serving as the institution’s chief financial officer. This innovative and collaborative leader directs major finance and administrative functions in areas that include financial services, capital improvement financial planning, annual planning and budget development, procurement operations, and auxiliary enterprises. Oversight responsibilities for various campus operations include the Office of Technology Services, Facilities Management and Planning, UB Police and Security, and the Office of Human Resources.

This position, which reports directly to the President, is responsible for development and implementation of policies and procedures that strengthen the overall operations and effectiveness of the University. This position also serves as a member of the President's Executive Team and as financial advisor to the President, regularly providing financial reports to the University System of Maryland (USM) and Board of Regents. Collaborates with institutional leadership to implement the University’s priorities within the Strategic Plan to enhance success of academic, research and community programs and services. Develops business systems improvement processes, economic impact, and fiscal focus of the University.

Other key responsibilities include strategic planning and long-range financial projections, and collaboratively partnering with leadership in developing cost-benefit analysis of UB programs and services. Ensures that all federal, state, and Board regulations, laws, and policies are complied with including GASB, FASB, and GAAP requirements and procedures to sustain and improve fiscal controls that provide well being of taxpayer and donor resources. Ensures that external audits are conducted in a timely and compliant manner.

Provides leadership for the institutional effectiveness, data and research analysis, and process improvement functions. Develops and implements procedures to create budget resiliency in accordance with USM and Board of Regents policies and procedures.

Organizational Relationships

The Vice President of Finance and Administration reports directly and is responsible to the President of the University.
The Vice President of Finance and Administration collaborates with all major administrative areas of the University, USM, Local, State and Federal governmental agencies in carrying out assigned duties and responsibilities.
This position supervises the Vice President & Chief Information Officer (CIO), Vice President of Facilities Management and Planning, Associate Vice President of Finance, Assistant Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), Chief of UB Police, Director of Procurement, and other positions that may be assigned.

RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES

Contribute to Strategic Planning

Develops and oversees the annual and strategic fiscal planning and budgeting.
Aligns financial and administrative policies and procedures with the University’s mission, vision, strategic goals and institutional priorities.
Develops and recommends plans for expansion of programs, operations, and financial activities.
Drives the development of long-range facilities needs and funding strategies.
Direct development of strategy, implementation and operations for the technology infrastructure environment to ensure a computing and telecommunications environment that supports education and research, along with administrative services, including budget, human resources, planning, and policy development.
Direct the strategic development and management of the University’s physical assets to ensure a sustainable, safe, secure, inclusive and welcoming environment in support of institutional mission and vision.

Ensure Effective Financial Systems, Processes and Platforms

Acts as the principle financial systems innovator to ensure the most effective business and fiscal solutions are sustained for student success and institutional resiliency.

Determines methods and procedures for carrying out programs, as set forth by the Board of Regents, and assists in interpreting policies and practices.
Continually improves the annual planning, budgeting and evaluation process through partnering with and education of University staff with fiscal responsibilities.
Implements and monitors adherence to University and USM financial policies and procedures.
Prepares, presents and conducts analysis of financial statements and other pertinent data.
Continuously improves financial accounting and reporting systems and stays abreast of new developments and accounting standards. Ensures that adequate internal controls are in place.

Ensure Effective Business Systems, Processes and Platforms

Leads transformational activities resulting in increased efficiency and effectiveness of business operations, processes and practices.
Coordinates and reviews proposed administrative contracts and agreements on behalf of the University.
Ensures effective use of University financial resources.
Ensures that contemporary and effective property control systems are in place.
Recommends policies and develops procedures to strengthen the operation and effectiveness of the University.
Direct all aspects ofworkforcemanagement and industrial relations policies, practices and operations.

Planning, Budgeting and Monitoring

Directs or conducts management studies, prepares workload and budget estimates for specified or assigned operations.
Interprets and uses federal, state, and local revenue laws, policies, regulations, allocation models, grants, and donor gifts to maximize financial support to its mission, vision, and success.
Monitors departmental unit plans and ensures progress toward the attainment of goals and objectives.
Continually improves the annual planning, budgeting and evaluation process through partnering with and education of University staff with fiscal responsibilities.
Coordinates planning and budgeting activities of reporting units to ensure alignment with institutional goals.
Responsible for risk management, property and liability insurance and workers compensation.

Supervision and Development of Finance and Administrative Managers

Provides leadership to the functional areas of the Finance units, and oversight of operational departments and units.
Supervises the Finance, Auxiliary, and Procurement Services units.
Ensures effectiveness of campus safety and security procedures and policies.
Performs annual planning and performance reviews of management and staff.
Works with direct reports to identify professional development needs of divisional management and staff.

Reporting and Regulatory Interfaces

Maintains compliance, accountability, reliability and accuracy of financial records and reports.
Ensures all accreditation standards are met or exceeded regarding fiscal requirements, controls, and resource management.
Ensures compliance with all regulatory and funding agencies and the standards of accrediting bodies by continuously monitoring operations, programs and physical properties.

Prepares USM, State, Federal and other Financial Reports.

Contribute to Executive Committee and Shared Governance Groups

Acts under authority and responsibility delegated by the President of the University.
Informs the President and the campus community of the University’s accounting and financial activities.
Serves as a liaison with governmental and regulatory officials on matters related to funding.
Serves as the executive officer contact for finance and administration inquiries from outside agencies.
Participates on a variety of University committees (standing and ad hoc).
Assists with the development and promotion of a shared governance model.

Required Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Master's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field from an accredited college or university.
Minimum of 10 years successful, progressively responsible experience in the fiscal management, the majority of which is from higher education institutions.
Minimum of 5 years management experience with demonstrated management and team building skills.
Demonstrated leadership capabilities preferably within Higher Education environments.
Demonstrated experience in supporting a President/CEO level vision and institutional priorities.
Experience leading and inspiring change and innovation with a strong orientation toward collaboration, teamwork, transparency, accessibility, accountability and delegation
Knowledge of trends in higher education financial management and funding models with demonstrated experience in accounting, payroll, budgeting, forecasting and public college reporting.
Demonstrated ability to support resource development, grants and extramural fund-raising.
Demonstrated experience with capital campaigns, taxation initiatives, and municipal bond ratings.
Demonstrated ability to integrate vision, strategy, tactics and activities to move the financial portfolio forward.
An entrepreneurial orientation and a willingness to take considered risks and seize opportunities.
Demonstrated track record of leading innovative change that improves the use of institutional resources while maintaining a high degree of stewardship.
Demonstrated experience of positive and proactive approaches in identifying problems, creating innovative solutions, managing projects, implementing efficiencies and effectiveness.
Excellent communication skills, and the willingness to convey complex information and concepts in accessible terms, both orally and in writing.
Proven track record for inspiring colleagues with the ability to cultivate and sustain trust and credibility.
Evidence of a commitment to and appreciation for the benefits of a diverse workplace and the ability to create an inclusive and welcoming culture.
Strong leadership skills demonstrated by the ability to influence, persuade, and inspire others to take action based on a vision and strategic objectives.
Measures the success of his/her efforts through the success of the entire team and the University as a whole.
Commitment to the highest ethical and professional standards.
Knowledge of contemporary information technology and management systems.
Active participation in the National Association of University and University Business Officers (NACUBO).

The University is an equal opportunity employer.

Requirements of Executive Search Firm

The University of Baltimore seeks an Executive Search Firm (or consultant) to assist the University with recruitment of several highly qualified candidates to be interviewed by a Selection Committee of University Faculty, and Staff.

The following outlined two (2) different and separate models of Executive Search firm participation. Identify a firm and fixed project maximum price, incorporating all costs to be charged for performing the tasks necessary to accomplish the objectives for each model.

Model 1 – Full Service

The requirements include, but are not limited to:

1. The Consultant will provide a list of no less than 15, no more than 50, highly qualified candidates for the position ofVice President and Chief Financial Officer, Finance and Administration. The candidate pool should represent a diverse group in terms of gender, race and ethnicity. The candidate pool should also have a mix of backgrounds and life experiences, as well as varying professional and academic careers and achievements.

2. The successful search firm will be expected to work closely with the Selection Committee to develop and facilitate the search process to:

Assist with the refinement of the position description.
Assist with the development of advertisements and brochures announcing the position.
Assist with the development of the screening and interviewing process.
Recruit candidates to the position
Develop a qualified applicant pool for the position.
Perform applicant reference verification (“pre-qualifying”)
Assist with the review and screening of applicants; recommend semi-finalists.
Serve as liaison between the Selection Committee and applicants.
Perform both on and off-list written reference checks for semi-finalists.
Coordinate all logistics, travel, hotel and transportation for finalists traveling to Baltimore.
Coordinate finalist candidates’ schedule for campus visit and interview.
Conduct extensive background check of finalist.

3. The technical proposal from the search firm must include a project plan that specifies all work necessary to accomplish the scope of work defined in this RFP. Include a complete description of the proposed approach and methodology for the project. Also include all resource requirements including a list of individuals from the search firm that will be responsible for the execution of the search, and any University of Baltimore resources that will be necessary for a successful search. Such resources must include personnel, meeting spaces, time requirements, interviews with senior management (especially the President, if needed) and all other resource requirements. The proposal must provide sufficient detail to convey the Consultant’s knowledge, ability and skills to perform the requested service.

4. The Consultant may present any creative approaches and provide supporting documentation that would be pertinent to this RFP.

Model 2 – Blended Service

The requirements include, but are not limited to:

1. The Consultant will provide a list of no less than 15, no more than 50, highly qualified candidates for the position of Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Finance and Administration. The candidate pool should represent a diverse group in terms of gender, race and ethnicity. The candidate pool should also have a mix of backgrounds and life experiences, as well as varying professional and academic careers and achievements.

2. The successful search firm will be expected to work closely with the Selection Committee to develop and facilitate the search process to:

Assist with the refinement of the position description.
Assist with the development of advertisements and brochures announcing the position.
Assist with the development of the screening and interviewing process.
Recruit candidates to the position
Develop a qualified applicant pool for the position.
Perform applicant reference verification (“pre-qualifying”)
Perform both on and off-list written reference checks for semi-finalists.
Conduct extensive background check of finalist.

4. The Consultant may present any creative approaches and provide supporting documentation that would be pertinent to this RFP.

Executive Search Firms should have the following qualifications:

Be regularly engaged in the business of recruiting, evaluating, completing background checks and assisting search committees in recommending candidates for selection.
Demonstrated successful sustained performance of candidates recommended for hire at public

Schedule

Provide a separate schedule indicating when the elements of work will be completed and when the list of candidates will be provided for each proposed model.

Management Proposal

Provide information to describe your management team, including:

1. Project Management

Project Staffing: Describe the proposed project staffing/organization and internal controls to be used during the course of the project, including any subcontractors.

2.Project Lead: State the name, title or position, and telephone number of the individual who would have primary responsibility for the project resulting from the RFP. Disclose who within the firm will have prime responsibility and final authority for the work under the proposed contract. Name any other individuals proposed to provide service under the contract.

3. Support Staff: Identify names, responsibilities and qualifications of staff who will be assigned to the project. Provide resumes or curriculum vita for each of the named staff, which should include information on the individual’s particular skills related to this project, education, experience, significant accomplishments and any other pertinent information. The Consultant must commit that staff identified in its proposal will actually perform the assigned work. Any staff substitution must have prior approval of the University.

4. Organization: Provide an organizational chart of your firm indicating lines of authority for personnel involved in performance of this potential contract and relationships of this staff to other programs or functions of the firm. This chart must also show lines of authority to the next senior level of management.

Experience of the Search Firm

Indicate the experience the Consultant has in the area of conducting nationwide searches for Vice President, President or CEO for major institutions, experience specifically related to searches for Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Finance and Administrationfor institutions of higher education. Indicate any other experience that indicates the qualifications of the Consultant for the performance of the potential contract.

References

Contractors must provide not less than three references. Cited references must be able to confirm, without reservation, the contractor's ability to perform as mandated in this solicitation. The contractor must use these references to support its proposal's viability. Reference information must include, at a minimum, name and address of the reference firm, name of the contact person the University may contact, telephone number for contract person, e-mail address for contact person if available. References should be from firms that are at least the size of the University of Baltimore. References for other institutions of higher education are desirable.