Career Opportunities at AASCU
Vice President of Administration and Finance
The American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) invites applications and nominations for the position of Vice President of Administration and Finance (VPAF). The position offers an exciting opportunity to lead meaningful organizational transformation at a national higher education association that represents regional public colleges, universities, and systems whose members share a learning- and teaching-centered culture, a historic commitment to serving today’s students, and a dedication to research and creativity that advances their regions’ economic progress and cultural development.
AASCU is seeking a strategic and experienced finance executive to drive operational excellence and financial sustainability, delivering results in a unique organizational environment. Reporting directly to President/CEO Charles L. Welch, the VPAF will work with the Executive Leadership Team and financial stakeholders to guide resource allocation and facilitate financial planning that aligns with the association’s goals and the needs of its members. The VPAF will be central to organizational planning and decision-making and provide leadership and oversight of diverse functional areas, including finance, IT, and administrative services.
For more than 60 years, AASCU has worked with its member institutions to deliver on the American promise of access, affordability, and educational opportunity. AASCU institutions deliver student-centered education in a learning environment that promotes public service, research, and civic engagement. AASCU ended FY25 with 323 members located in 46 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Associate members are also in Canada and Mexico. Member institutions advance social mobility for all students, positively impacting them, their families, and their communities for generations to come. Offering 3 million students each year an affordable, high-quality college education—particularly those who are first generation, students of color, students impacted by increasing income inequality and poverty, veterans, students in rural areas, and those balancing work and care responsibilities—AASCU institutions are anchors of their communities, powering economic growth and preparing graduates to be informed and engaged citizens who live by the values of a democratic society.
The next VPAF will possess demonstrated leadership experience in finance and administration, with a focus on strategy, execution, and problem-solving. They will have a proven ability to build effective teams and deliver results in complex organizational environments. Experience in higher education, association management, or membership-based organizations is highly valued. The candidate must understand the unique operational dynamics of national associations and the importance of responsive, high-quality service delivery to members and stakeholders. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build productive collaborative relationships across diverse constituencies—including executive leadership, board members, staff, and external partners—are essential. A bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Finance, or related field is required.
More information about AASCU and the priorities and qualifications for the next VPAF is provided in the search profile, available for download at: https://www.academicsearch.org/AASCUVPAF
Nominations, applications, and inquiries may be sent in confidence. Applications must include a current curriculum vitae and a letter of interest addressing, as appropriate, the leadership priorities and qualifications outlined in the profile. Applications should be sent to: AASCUVPAF@academicsearch.org.
Evaluation of candidate materials will begin immediately. Applications received by December 8, 2025, will be guaranteed full consideration. Confidential discussions about the position are welcome and may be arranged by contacting
Jay Lemons at jay.lemons@academicsearch.org,
Shawn Hartman at shawn.hartman@academicsearch.org, or
Jennifer Kooken at jennifer.kooken@academicsearch.org.
COMPENSATION AND LOCATION
The salary range is between $225,000 and $258,000. This is a full-time position located at AASCU’s headquarters in Washington, D.C. AASCU employees are expected to work on a hybrid in-person work schedule of three days in the office and two days optional remote.
Working at AASCU
AASCU is the collective voice of 500 public colleges, universities, and systems that hold students and the community at the heart of their mission. The association works to expand student access, success, and opportunity, promote world-class teaching and experiential learning tied to career advancement, and support applied research and services that advances economic development and quality of life in communities nationwide.
Supports the organization’s mission, vision, and values by exhibiting the following behaviors: commitment to diversity and equity, excellence and competence, collaboration, innovation, accountability, ownership, and adherence to policies and procedures.
Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience. Generous benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision insurance; 15 paid holidays plus additional annual leave; above market contribution to company sponsored 403(b) retirement plan; tuition assistance, onsite fitness facility, 24/7 building security, secured bike storage and more. Additionally, available underground public parking is accessible for all employees at their own expense. This is a full-time position located at AASCU’s headquarters in Washington, D.C.
AASCU staff are currently required to be in the office in a hybrid schedule of two days in the office and three days optional remote. All AASCU staff are required to be fully vaccinated including boosters as recommended by the CDC schedule. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
AASCU is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
AASCU is committed to creating and maintaining a workplace in which all employees have an opportunity to participate and contribute to the success of the business and are valued for their skills, experience, and unique perspectives. This commitment is embodied in all association policies and the way we do business at AASCU.
