Simpson College seeks an accomplished, collaborative, and forward-looking financial leader to serve as its next Vice President for Finance and Administration (VPFA). Reporting directly to the President and serving as a key member of the senior leadership team, the Vice President will act as the College’s Chief Financial Officer and a trusted strategic partner to the President and Board of Trustees.
At an important moment in its history, Simpson is building on its longstanding reputation for academic excellence, student-centered learning, and community engagement. The College is focused on strengthening enrollment, enhancing financial sustainability, and positioning itself for long-term vitality in a rapidly evolving higher education landscape. The next Vice President will play a central role in advancing these priorities, aligning financial strategy with institutional vision, and ensuring that Simpson is well positioned for its next chapter.
The VPFA will provide strategic oversight of the College’s financial and administrative operations, safeguarding institutional resources while driving innovation, efficiency, and transparency. This is an exceptional opportunity for a mission-driven leader to help shape the future of a respected liberal arts college and to contribute meaningfully to its continued success.
ABOUT THE COLLEGE
Simpson College is a four-year private college of the liberal arts and sciences affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Located just 12 miles south of Des Moines, the capital of Iowa, Simpson’s picturesque 75-acre campus in Indianola is home to more than 1,100 full-time undergraduate students with an additional 60 students enrolled in online and graduate programs.
The College has a strong academic reputation and is a highly relational student-centric institution, placing significant value on high-impact and co-curricular learning. Simpson is Iowa's top-ranked private college and #6 overall in the recently released 2025 U.S. News & World Report Regional Midwest rankings. Simpson is also #1 in Iowa for "Best Value" and "Best Undergraduate Teaching" --- while also earning a #4 overall ranking in both categories for the Midwest.
FINANCES
Simpson College strives to provide academic and co-curricular programs that meet the needs of its students and families. The College is proud of its ability to provide a high-quality education to promising students with financial need, with 100 percent of students receiving grants and scholarships totaling more than $35 million annually. This commitment to affordability has been recognized with a #4 ranking for “Best Value Schools” in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Regional College Midwest rankings.
FUNDRAISING
The College and its Board of Trustees are supportive of advancement efforts and have demonstrated a commitment to Simpson’s future. Following a successful comprehensive campaign that concluded in 2021, the Board capitalized on the College’s momentum and approved capital projects, including a state-of-the-art dining facility that will become a 24/7 gathering place for students, renovations to athletic facilities, and more. In January, the College opened the Fiterman Training Center, which is home to Simpson women’s and men’s gymnastics teams. The $2.8M project was completely donor funded.
ROLE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT FOR FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION
As Chief Financial Officer, the Vice President for Finance and Administration will provide comprehensive financial and operational leadership for Simpson College. The portfolio includes:
- Financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting
- Development and execution of long-range financial strategy
- Cash management, debt oversight, and risk management
- Business and auxiliary operations
- Facilities management and campus operations
- Purchasing and vendor management
The Vice President serves as a member of the President’s Cabinet and collaborates closely with senior leaders to align financial stewardship with Simpson’s strategic priorities. The role also entails regular partnership with the Board of Trustees, serving as primary staff liaison to several committees.
PROCESS OF CANDIDACY
The search committee will begin reviewing applications immediately. For best consideration, please submit materials (curriculum vitae and cover letter) as soon as possible to https://talent-profile.dsgco.com/search/v2/22910.