Executive Director of Finance and Business

The University of Missouri School of Medicine is entering a defining chapter. Under newly appointed Interim Dean Ross Zafonte, the School is sharpening its strategy, accelerating research growth, and redefining how it partners with MU Health Care and University Physicians. The School now seeks a Chief Financial Officer who will be far more than a steward of resources: a strategic architect and enterprise partner who will help the Dean turn ambition into investment, and investment into impact. This is an exceptional opportunity for a values-driven leader to shape the financial future of one of the nation's leading public medical schools and academic health enterprises, supporting excellence in medical education, biomedical research, clinical care, and service to the people of Missouri and beyond.

As the School’s senior financial executive, the CFO will help shape its direction at a consequential moment of growth and change. Working across the School of Medicine, University Physicians, MU Health Care, the University, and the UM System, the CFO will develop the financial strategies, operating models, and institutional relationships needed to advance excellence in education, research, clinical care, and service to Missouri and beyond.

The School of Medicine is a critical component of Missouri's flagship public research university and plays a central role in training the next generation of physicians and scientists, advancing innovative research, and improving health outcomes throughout the state. The School's financial portfolio encompasses a diverse mix of revenue streams, including clinical operations, sponsored research, educational programs, and philanthropic support. As the institution continues to evolve in a rapidly changing healthcare and higher education environment, the CFO will be instrumental in ensuring sound stewardship of resources while positioning the School for future growth and impact.

The successful CFO will be a strategic and forward-thinking financial executive with substantial senior leadership experience, ideally within an academic medical center, healthcare system, research-intensive university, or similarly complex organization. The individual will bring the judgment, credibility, and enterprise perspective needed to guide consequential decisions, align resources with institutional priorities, and help position the School of Medicine for continued growth in research, education, and clinical care. Key opportunities and challenges facing the CFO include:

• Develop and execute a comprehensive financial strategy that advances the School of Medicine's mission;

• Guide institutional decision-making through strategic financial insight and analysis;

• Strengthen financial alignment and collaboration across the academic health enterprise;

• Enhance financial stewardship, accountability, and research administration; and

• Modernize financial operations and build organizational capacity.

The University of Missouri has retained Isaacson, Miller, a national executive search firm, to assist in this important search. Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process. Inquiries, nominations, referrals, and CVs/resumes with cover letters should be submitted below.

Rebecca Kennedy is leading this search with Jasmine Miller and Cortnee Bollard.

The University of Missouri System is an Equal Opportunity Employer.