Merrimack College invites applications and nominations for the position of Vice President for Financial Planning and Chief Budget Officer (VPFP&CBO). This is an opportunity for a highly strategic and results-driven leader who can be the strategic budget officer for the College and a strong partner to the Chief Financial Officer/Senior Vice President (CFO/SVP), the President, and senior leadership on budget development, financial strategy and modeling, process improvement, and forecasting.
The only Catholic, Augustinian institution of higher education in New England, Merrimack College is a private, independent, and coeducational college nestled in the Boston suburbs of Andover and North Andover, Massachusetts, and is an institution with great upward momentum. In the 2023 U.S. News & World Report rankings, Merrimack ranked 4th for Most Innovative Schools recognized for improvements to curriculum, faculty, students, campus life, technology, and facilities. In the 2025 edition, U.S. News ranked the College 39th in the Regional Universities North category.
The College has over 4,000 undergraduate and 1,700 graduate students from 43 states and 42 countries who form an engaged community of thinkers, learners, and achievers integrated into an academic culture of excellence. In the last five years, undergraduate enrollment has increased approximately 30 percent, graduate enrollment has increased 62 percent, and Merrimack has hired more than 90 new faculty in that same time. The 240-acre campus has some 40 buildings that are clustered around tree-lined walking paths, open spaces, and courtyards.
The College’s gross annual revenue is budgeted at over $300 million, and the endowment currently sits at approximately $90 million. The College is averaging approximately $10 million a year in fundraising and just launched a $100 million (over $59 million already raised) fundraising campaign called Together We Rise: A Campaign for Merrimack.
The Office of Financial Planning and Budget is responsible for overseeing a broad array of college financial and organizational matters. The VPFP&CBO will report directly to the Chief Financial Officer/Senior Vice President (CFO/SVP), advise the President, and work closely with the Vice President of Finance and Controller. The VPFP&CBO will oversee two direct reports in the budget office. With the ongoing growth that is occurring at Merrimack College, this position is a great opportunity to play an essential role in being part of an emerging new structure at Merrimack as the College continues its unprecedented growth and transition to a research-focused institution. Merrimack will look to continue implementing a new budget model with an RCM mindset, and the VPFP&CBO will work well with CFO/SVP and senior leadership to implement this initiative. This role will be expected to lead internal analysis of current budget processes and procedures, helping to identify and propose plans for efficiencies and innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities to invest in future growth. Working with the CFO/SVP and President, this position will work on long-range financial analysis and strategic initiatives for the College.
The Vice President for Financial Planning and Chief Budget Officer will be required to have a bachelor’s degree, while an advanced degree is highly preferred.
Merrimack seeks an experienced and accomplished leader with a demonstrated record of innovation and success in financial management who is familiar with the business operations of a non-profit, academic institution. Successful candidates will provide evidence of effective leadership of a diverse range of constituents, the ability to recruit and manage outstanding personnel, excellent communication skills, the ability to work collaboratively with other leaders, and a commitment to programmatic excellence. They must be familiar with current accounting and finance tools and principles. The ability to work effectively across boundaries with other College personnel to support and advance the College’s mission is critical. The next Vice President should be a mission driven leader committed to supporting a transformative educational experience for Merrimack’s students.
Merrimack College seeks candidates who understand, respect, and can contribute to Merrimack’s Augustinian mission and values and who will advance its work in the area of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Merrimack strongly encourage applications from members of underrepresented groups. All candidates should describe in their application previous experience related to equity, diversity, and inclusion, as well as how they will engage in fostering a culture that supports its Catholic Augustinian mission.
For additional information on Merrimack College and a full list of qualifications, visit: https://dsgco.com/search/21615-merrimack-college-vp-finance-and-cbo
For best consideration, please submit materials as soon as possible. The requested application materials, listed below, should be submitted using the DSG’s candidate portal.
Application materials shall include a resume and a cover letter outlining interest; administrative experience; academic experience; and experience with, and commitment to, Merrimack’s Catholic Augustinian mission, its values, and its desire to be a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive institution of higher learning. All applications and nominations will be treated confidentially.
The compensation range for this position is $200,000 – $250,000 with a generous benefits package.
Steve Leo, Managing Director
Vicki Henderson Senior Associate
Storbeck Search
MerrimackVPF@storbecksearch.com
For more information on Merrimack College and its programs, please consult its website: www.merrimack.edu
Merrimack College is an Equal Opportunity Employer
This position is subject to the successful completion of a criminal background check.
