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The University of Nebraska-Lincoln Vice Chancellor for Business and Finance Leadership Profile Prepared by Jane Courson Robert W. Luke August 2017 This leadership profile is intended to provide information about the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the position of Vice Chancellor for Business and Finance. It is designed to assist qualified individuals in assessing their interest in this position.

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Page 1: The University of Nebraska-Lincoln Vice Chancellor for ... VCBF Leadership Profile Final.pdf · The University of Nebraska-Lincoln Vice Chancellor for ... The Vice Chancellor will

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Vice Chancellor for Business and Finance

Leadership Profile

Prepared by

Jane Courson Robert W. Luke August 2017

This leadership profile is intended to provide information about the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the position of Vice Chancellor for Business and Finance. It is designed to assist qualified individuals in assessing their interest in this position.

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The Opportunity The University of Nebraska-Lincoln, a Big Ten Academic Alliance and Carnegie R-1 comprehensive research university, seeks applications and nominations for Vice Chancellor for Business and Finance (VCBF). The new Vice Chancellor for Business and Finance will join the University at a pivotal moment in the institution's 148-year history. Dr. Ronnie D. Green became the University’s 20th chancellor in 2016 and has clearly articulated a vision to build on past successes and further elevate the University of Nebraska-Lincoln to even greater national stature. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is the state’s flagship and only land-grant university, and continues to grow in size and prominence. The University welcomed its largest and most diverse incoming class in 2016 and ranked ninth on Springer Nature’s international list of Rising Stars in higher education. The University now has approximately 26,000 students and more than 150 undergraduate and 135 graduate degree programs. The Vice Chancellor reports to the Chancellor and is the senior business officer of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The Vice Chancellor is responsible for oversight and administration of all budget, financial and administrative services supporting the University’s $1.2 billion operating budget in conformity with University of Nebraska Board of Regents policy and state and federal laws. This individual is also responsible for all activities related to the University's physical facilities and grounds (including both capital construction and maintenance), University of Nebraska-Lincoln sites throughout the state of Nebraska, University Police, Parking and Transit Services, and Human Resources. The Business and Finance unit has approximately 800 employees and an annual operating budget of $64 million.

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The Vice Chancellor will also work closely with the Vice Chancellors for Business of the other three campuses of the University of Nebraska system, and the Vice President for Business and Finance at the University's Central Administration office. Together this group forms the nucleus of the system’s business operations. In addition, the VCBF serves as treasurer of the Nebraska Innovation Campus Development Corporation and is responsible for the financial oversight of both the corporate and university interests in this development. The successful candidate will be expected to provide dynamic leadership in further developing and strengthening the University's business, fiscal and management systems, and provide visionary leadership to campus financial operations. Candidates must hold an appropriate graduate degree with a terminal degree desirable. A record of more than 10 years of leadership experience, including increasing responsibility in a financial role, is required. Experience in an institution of higher education is preferred. For information regarding candidacies, nominations, or other suggestions, please see the section entitled “Procedure for Candidacy” near the conclusion of this document.

The Role of the Vice Chancellor for Business and Finance The Vice Chancellor reports to the Chancellor and is the senior business officer of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The Vice Chancellor is responsible for oversight and administration of all budget, financial and administrative services supporting the University’s $1.2 billion operating budget in conformity with University of Nebraska Board of Regents policy and state and federal laws. This individual is also responsible for all activities related to the University's physical facilities and grounds (including both capital construction and maintenance), University of Nebraska-Lincoln sites throughout the state of Nebraska, University Police, Parking and Transit Services, and Human Resources. The Business and Finance unit has approximately 800 employees and an annual operating budget of $64 million. Business & Finance at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln includes the following departments: Accounting Botanical Gardens &

Arboretum Bursar’s Office Environmental Health &

Safety Facilities Management &

Planning Financial Services

Human Resources Inventory NCard Parking & Transit

Services Passport Services Payroll Print, Copy, Mail &

Distribution Services

Procurement Services Shared Computing

Services Student Accounts Transportation Services University Bookstore University Police University Services Vending Services

The Vice Chancellor will also work closely with the Vice Chancellors for Business of the other three campuses of the University of Nebraska system and the Vice President for Business and Finance at the University's Central Administration office. Together this group forms the nucleus of the system’s business operations.

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Key Attractions of the Position Dr. Ronnie D. Green became the University’s 20th chancellor in 2016 and has clearly articulated a vision to build on past successes to further elevate the institution to even greater national stature. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to provide support and additional insight and leadership that will allow UNL to take full advantage of exciting future opportunities. Some of the key attractions to the University and this position include: The University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s enrollment is growing and

becoming more diverse. Fall 2016 enrollment was 25,897 – the highest and most diverse enrollment in the history of the University.

The University has approximately doubled its research expenditures over the past decade and has been recognized nationally as one of the fastest growing public research universities.

Excellent faculty hires at both the junior and senior levels have transformed most academic units. The University had a record eight faculty named AAAS fellows in 2015, tied for the second-most fellows behind Stanford’s nine.

Approximately $1.3 billion has been invested over the last 10 years in significant academic facilities, including new construction and renovations.

The University celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2019. The rich history and collaborative

culture represented today present a significant opportunity to shape and guide the University's future.

University of Nebraska-Lincoln enjoys strong public support from the citizens of the state. Nebraskans value higher education and recognize that education is the key to a strong workforce and a vibrant economy. Nebraskans have high regard for the state’s only land grant university and are vested in its success as an institution of higher learning.

Nebraska Athletics drives loyalty and positive notoriety for the University. Nebraska

athletes have earned more Academic All-American awards and NCAA Top 10 Awards, which recognize student-athletes for their success on the field, in the classroom and in the community, than any other Division I institution. Nebraska Athletics is completely self-supporting and annually generates significant revenue that is directed to the University’s academic programs.

In Spring 2017 the University received the Higher Learning Commission “seal of approval

for quality, programs and learning experiences at Nebraska” and was notified that the University of Nebraska-Lincoln successfully achieved its 10-year reaccreditation.

Chancellor Green

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Opportunities and Expectations for Leadership The following represent some of the key opportunities that the new Vice Chancellor for Business and Finance will want to address during the first two to three years in office. They are presented here in no particular order of priority. Contribute to the Pursuit of a Growth and Excellence Agenda The University is pursuing an aggressive agenda to become a nationally preeminent and distinctive Big Ten University by 2025. Specific goals of this agenda include increasing enrollment, significantly growing research expenditures, enhancing student retention and graduation rates, increasing the number of tenured and tenure-track faculty, and increasing the number of faculty receiving national recognition and awards for their research and creative activity. The next Vice Chancellor for Business and Finance will play a pivotal role in supporting these goals and working with the Chancellor, Executive Vice Chancellor and Chief Academic Officer, and Vice Chancellor for the Institute for Agriculture and Natural Resources in making strategic decisions about resources to achieve the goals. Participate in Planning and Developing a Strategic Resource Allocation System

As part of the University’s forthcoming strategic planning process, the Chancellor charged the campus this spring to conduct a full review of its existing budget system with the goal of developing a set of recommendations to restructure the budgeting model moving forward. The intent is to build a new model for dynamic strategic resource allocation. Historically, the University has operated under a modified incremental budget model. The current working recommendation is to implement a modified Responsibility Centered Management Model. The new VCBF will work with the Executive Vice Chancellor to lead this restructuring and establish the University’s budget to align with its identified vision and strategic priorities moving forward.

Support and Enhance Innovation, External Relations and Public/Private Alliances The Nebraska Innovation Campus, a dedicated public-private research campus, is attracting new partnerships and tenants with its physical footprint rapidly expanding. The initial phase of this development was completed in 2014 with the opening of a state-of-the-art conference center and companion building. In July 2015 the Food Innovation Center and Greenhouse Innovation Center were completed and occupied. The VCBF serves as treasurer of the Nebraska Innovation Campus Development Corporation and is responsible for the financial oversight of both the corporate and university interests in this development.

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Strive for Continuous Improvement and Support Enhanced Efficiency Measures, including Centralization and Streamlining Initiatives There have been numerous accomplishments in the business and finance units over the past decade to build efficiencies, reduce costs and enhance university services. "Best practices" have been implemented in functional areas and entrepreneurial approaches to service delivery and cost savings/enhancements have been successful. Additionally, a significant process looking at the centralization and restructuring of business and financial services is currently underway. The University’s system office, in cooperation with the individual campuses, is looking for cost savings opportunities, ways of optimizing and improving service delivery, and ways for campuses in the Nebraska system to partner. The VCBF will play a major role in this transition and implementation. Participate in Long-Range Institutional Planning

The University of Nebraska Foundation completed a $1.2 billion capital campaign in 2015 which raised over $1.8 billion. Priorities for these funds include scholarship support for undergraduates, study abroad scholarships and graduate fellowships; support for endowed professorships, research professorships and chairs; support for targeted and identified academic and research programs; and support for campus facilities and infrastructure. The next major capital campaign is now in the initial stages of development and the VCBF is expected to play a major role in priority setting.

Professional Qualifications and Personal Qualities The VCBF will be an accomplished professional of the highest integrity who embraces positive change and a team approach and who works with colleagues in a spirit of partnership, transparency and fiscal responsibility to facilitate the advancement of the University. The successful candidate will be a confident, innovative, entrepreneurial leader with excellent financial credentials and significant managerial experience. He or she will also understand and respect shared governance and will promote an environment that encourages teamwork, student success, inclusive decision-making and a sense of community. Key Attributes of the Vice Chancellor for Business and Finance While each candidate will have a unique combination of skills and experiences, and no single candidate may bring strength in all areas, the ideal candidate for the VCBF position will demonstrate many of the following professional qualifications and personal characteristics:

Successful management of a large, highly complex organization, including responsibility for multiple functions related to finance and administration.

Proven experience relative to strategic business planning, including operational and capital budget development.

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Demonstrated experiences related to re-engineering, continuous business improvements and the implementation of "best practices" to improve operational functioning, reduce costs and increase stakeholder satisfaction.

Effective leadership, in partnership with the Vice Chancellor of Information Technology, in the use of technology, including major systems conversions and technology enhancements.

Positive external relations/constituency management capabilities as it relates to financial and administrative operations, ideally including working with broad constituencies that may include legislators, state and local government leaders, and business and civic communities.

In addition to these related career experiences, it will be equally important that candidates exhibit particular skills and competencies that they will bring to the position. These include, but may not be limited to:

o Leadership: create climate of collaboration, engagement and alignment.

o Strategic visionary thinking – able to conceptualize "big picture" and interpret the vision for others. Maintains a broadly based, long-term perspective.

o Participatory management skills -– respects input from others, builds effective teams and respects process; draws information from others.

o Human relations abilities – builds relationships, values inclusiveness, develops people; exhibits equal treatment at all levels. Is equally effective as a team player and as a team-builder.

o Communication ability – articulate, clear and candid; encourages free exchange of information; presents own ideas in a way that achieves clarity, buy-in and commitment.

o Entrepreneurial/innovative abilities – thinks about problem-solving in new ways; encourages innovation throughout the organization; challenges existing bias.

o Political acumen – able to read and work effectively within a variety of diverse political environments, both internally and externally, with the ability to be equally effective working up, down and across the organization.

o Constituency management abilities – able to deal effectively with broad, diverse constituents, often those with competing priorities.

Finally, the Vice Chancellor will have a record of unquestionable integrity, combined with energy and intelligence. Education A Masters degree in a related field is required. A terminal degree is desirable, as is higher education experience.

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The University of Nebraska–Lincoln The University of Nebraska–Lincoln, chartered in 1869, is an educational institution of international stature. UNL is listed by the Carnegie Foundation within the “Research Universities (very high research activity)” category. UNL is a land-grant university and a member of the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU). The University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. UNL celebrated the 145th anniversary of its founding on February 15, 2014. In Fall 2013, for the tenth-straight year, the University of Nebraska–Lincoln was among the top 50 public universities listed in U.S. News and World Report’s annual evaluation of “America’s Best Colleges.” UNL is ranked in the top 100 of all national universities both public and private. UNL is also listed in the ranking report among “A-Plus Schools for B Students.” The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is part of a four-university system coordinated through a central administrative office led by a president and governed by an elected Board of Regents. Legend & Legacy The University of Nebraska–Lincoln has been home to many legendary figures, including the literary naturalist Loren Eiseley, geneticist George Beadle, artists Aaron Douglas and Weldon Kees, social researcher Alvin Johnson, investor Warren Buffett, comedian Johnny Carson, diva Barbara Hendricks, artist and engineer Harold Edgerton, soldier John J. Pershing, authors Willa Cather and Mari Sandoz, and many others. Today, students are building on this legacy through their research involvement in fields as diverse as sociology, geosciences, virology and agricultural sciences. More information about the University of Nebraska-Lincoln may be found on its website: http://www.unl.edu/.

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Lincoln, Nebraska, Today The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is located in a vibrant city of 280,000 people that has many of the cultural and entertainment benefits of a much larger city, with the feel of a friendly Midwestern community. Lincoln is the state capital and most Nebraska state agencies and offices are located here, as are several United States Government agencies. Dominant industries are education, government, health care, banking and insurance, and rail and truck transport. Lincoln also has a growing technology sector and was recently featured in national news as the “Silicon Prairie.” Agriculture and manufacturing are also key employers. The state government and the University of Nebraska are both large contributors to the local economy and constitute approximately a quarter of the city's economy. Lincoln has been rated the #1 Healthiest City by Daily Finance, Happiest City by Gallup, #1 Best Places to Find a Job, #4 Best Places for Business and Careers by Forbes, #4 Best Run City in the Nation by MSN, Top 10 Cities to Buy a Home by ABC News, #4 Best Place to Raise a Family by Gallup, and one of the Cleanest U.S. Cities by American Lung Association. Lincoln boasts a highly educated workforce that is very attractive to business expansion and new business development. With the most parkland per capita in the nation, an extensive (and growing) bike trail network, many diverse employment opportunities and a low cost of living, Lincoln is one of the fastest growing metro areas in the Midwest. The airport is located 10 minutes from downtown, with a much larger airport located in Omaha just 50 miles away. The cultural offerings in Lincoln are robust and varied; many are associated with the University, including a professional regional symphony orchestra, the many touring artists appearing at the Lied Center for Performing Arts, jazz clubs, professional theatre, chamber music concert series, independent film, modern dance and active church choirs. Glenn Korff School of Music and Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film alone present more than 300 performances annually. The City boasts architecture by I.M. Pei and Bertram Goodhue, and is home to the University’s Sheldon Museum of Art, designed by Philip Johnson and housing an extensive and world-renowned American art collection. The University's International Quilt Study Center and Museum, designed by Robert A.M. Stern, houses the largest publically held collection of art and historic quilts in the world. Restaurants in Lincoln run the gamut of American and ethnic cuisine, there are many small independent coffee houses, and the spring brings to the city multiple farmers markets and their bounty of produce. The Lincoln Public Schools are among the best in the nation and include several high school focus programs in Arts and Humanities, Business, Technology and Science. The latter focus school operates at Lincoln's Children's Zoo. Lincoln High School recently became the home to an International Baccalaureate Program, and all of the high schools offer advanced placement courses. Lincoln also hosts several parochial school systems. More information is available at: http://www.lifeisright.com and http://www.unl.edu/lincoln/.

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Procedure for Candidacy Inquiries, nominations and applications are invited. Review of applications is underway and will continue until the position is filled. Candidates should provide a resume and a letter of application that addresses the responsibilities and requirements described in this leadership profile. These materials should be sent electronically (two separate Word or PDF files preferred) to the consultants, Jane Courson and Robert W. Luke, at [email protected]. For fullest consideration, materials should be submitted before September 25, 2017. The consultants may also be reached by telephone via the desk of Cara Drew at 781-564-2626. All candidate information will be held in strict confidence until the final stage of the search at which time the express permission of finalists will be obtained before making their candidacy public. Candidates are urged to review all information and documents posted on the search web site. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln actively encourages applications from and nominations of women and other protected group members. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work and learning environment free from discrimination and harassment. The University is dedicated to creating an environment where everyone feels valued, respected and included. The University of Nebraska does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities and employment. The University of Nebraska complies with all local, state and federal laws prohibiting discrimination, including Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex.

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Appendix: Organizational Charts and Structure

University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Administrative Organization Chart: http://irads.unl.edu/dmdocuments/040_gen.orgchart.pdf University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Administrative Units: http://www.unl.edu/admin/

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