Senior Vice President for Business and Finance, and Chief Financial Officer

Senior Vice President for Business and Finance, and Chief Financial Officer
Southern Methodist University (SMU)

SMU invites nominations and applications for the Senior Vice President for Business and Finance and Chief Financial Officer.

SMU is on a clear upward trajectory, with its sights set on the forefront of America’s universities – growing its national prominence, advancing its research enterprise, and expanding its visibility through Atlantic Coast Conference competition. Located in Dallas, one of the country’s most dynamic economic and cultural centers, SMU is building on this momentum to accelerate its impact in the years ahead.

As SMU sharpens its strategic focus, the University is aligning around priorities that will define its next chapter: transformative teaching, research that matters, athletic impact, and exceptional experiences that develop principled leaders. This work - deeply connected to Dallas - continues to expand opportunity, strengthen partnerships, and accelerate SMU’s rise.

An independent, coeducational research university committed to academic freedom and open inquiry, SMU is home to eight schools: Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences; Cox School of Business; Meadows School of the Arts; Bobby B. Lyle School of Engineering; Dedman School of Law; Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies; Perkins School of Theology; and Annette Caldwell Simmons School of Education and Human Development.

Reporting to President Jay C. Hartzell and serving as a key member of the President’s Executive Council, the Senior Vice President and CFO is a central leader in shaping SMU’s next chapter. This is a pivotal role at a consequential moment – one that will help translate institutional ambition into sustained financial strength, operational excellence, and long-term impact.

The CFO will help align financial strategy, capital planning, administrative effectiveness, and institutional priorities in support of SMU’s academic mission and long-term aspirations. This role carries broad responsibility, including oversight of Finance and Planning, Human Resources, Facilities Planning and Management, Campus Services, Risk Management, University Police, and Contracts Administration. The role sits between a traditional chief financial officer and a broader chief administrative officer, with responsibility for core business and operating functions that shape the University’s financial health, workforce, campus environment, safety, and institutional effectiveness.

The successful candidate will be an intellectually nimble, strategically oriented, and highly collaborative executive who can combine financial acumen with sound judgment, operational leadership, and a service mindset toward the academic enterprise. This individual will be a trusted partner to the President, Executive Vice President and Provost, Board leadership, and senior colleagues—bringing creativity and candor to decisions that will shape the University’s future.

An advanced degree in finance, business administration or a related field is preferred.

SMU has retained Korn Ferry, a national executive recruiting firm, to assist with this search, which is being led by Vickie Antolini, Senior Client Partner; Beau Lambert, Senior Client Partner; and Anna Flagg, Senior Associate. All nominations, inquiries, and application materials should be submitted in confidence to Korn Ferry. Korn Ferry will begin reviewing applications immediately and continue to accept applications and nominations until the position is filled.

Applications should include a detailed curriculum vitae and a letter of interest highlighting the applicant’s personal interest and relevant leadership experience. For priority consideration, inquiries, nominations, and applications should be submitted electronically in confidence by Friday, July 3rd, 2026, to:

SMU-CFO@kornferry.com

The University will not discriminate in any employment practice, educational program, or educational activity on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status. The University’s commitment to equal opportunity includes nondiscrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity and expression. These groups may be referred to as protected classes. This policy is intended to comply with applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations.