GBC Begins Search for VP of Finance and Operations

(ELKO, NEV.) Great Basin College (GBC), established in 1967, is a public institution within the Nevada System of Higher Education, serving over 3,500 students annually. With its main campus in Elko, Nevada, GBC's expansive service area covers 86,500 square miles across ten of Nevada's largest counties, extending into two time zones and bordering five states: Arizona, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, and California.

GBC offers a diverse range of associate and baccalaureate degree programs in academic, career, and technical education fields. The college is recognized for its commitment to delivering high- quality education through both in-person and online platforms, making it a leader in distance education. This flexibility allows students from various locations to access GBC's programs, fostering a diverse and inclusive learning environment.

The college's mission, "Transforming lives through education," reflects its dedication to student- centered learning and community engagement and actively emphasizes student experience, inclusion, diversity, equity, access, sustainability, workforce development, community involvement, and institutional effectiveness.

GBC's history is marked by a strong commitment to serving rural Nevada. Since its inception, the college has expanded its reach through branch campuses in Battle Mountain, Ely, Pahrump, and Winnemucca, as well as satellite centers in nearly 20 communities across the state. This extensive network enables GBC to provide educational opportunities to a wide and diverse student population. Great Basin College stands as a pivotal institution in Nevada, offering accessible and quality education tailored to the unique needs of its diverse student body, with a particular focus on serving rural communities through innovative distance learning and comprehensive on- campus experiences.

About the Area

Nestled in the heart of northeast Nevada, Elko is a dynamic and welcoming community that offers the perfect balance of charm, culture, and opportunity. As home to Great Basin College, Elko is more than just a place to work—it’s a place to thrive. Renowned for its rich heritage, the town is a treasure trove of folk art, native and western crafts, and vibrant cultural events that celebrate its unique spirit.

Outdoor enthusiasts will find no shortage of adventures, from scenic hiking trails, camping, and

fishing to exhilarating winter sports. For those with a passion for the arts, Elko boasts a vibrant scene filled with festivals, galleries, and performances that captivate residents and visitors alike. Modern cuisine, steeped in Western tradition, adds to the town’s distinct appeal.

Elko is the largest city in northeast Nevada and a thriving hub for industries like agriculture, mining, gaming, and tourism. Whether it’s the sense of community, the opportunities for growth, or the endless recreational and cultural activities, Elko is more than just a place to live—it’s a place to call home.

About the Position

Reporting directly to the President, the Vice President of Finance and Operations (VPFO) is the Chief Financial Officer for the college and is a member of the President’s executive leadership team. The Vice President provides leadership for, and is responsible for, the development and administration of the day-to-day operating budget, biennium and annual budgets planning; fiscal analysis; financial reporting; short/long-range forecasting; contracts budget administration; purchasing and audit reviews; and assisting the President in capital planning budget advocacy and development. Working in collaboration with Academic Affairs, Student Services and Facilities to promote and fulfill Great Basin College Mission, the VPFO has oversight of the computer services department and GBC facilities department. The VPFO works closely and in partnership with NSHE system office executives and staff on annual budgeting/planning and legislative budget advocacy for Great Basin College. The position leads three direct reports and a total team of 30.

Position Responsibilities

Provides vision, leadership, planning, and coordination to the following areas:

• Budget and Planning Office - plans, develops, manages and provides reporting of the college's budgetary and financial resources and contracts.
• Accounting Services - oversees the student account services; records, reports and reconciles accounts and activities in preparation of the college's financial statements; and maintains appropriate internal control procedures for financial activities.
• Represent the college as the designated Chief Business Officer and work collaboratively while advocating for GBC’s particular interests.
• Provide strategic leadership for the Computer Services department, ensuring that the college’s technology infrastructure supports academic and administrative needs while ensuring cost effective uses of resources while maintaining high standards of IT service delivery.
• Oversee the development and implementation of computer services policies, procedures, and security protocols to protect the college’s digital assets and ensure data privacy.
• Guide the planning and execution of technology initiatives, including the adoption of new software, hardware, and digital tools that enhance the learning environment and operational efficiency.
• Provide strategic leadership for the Facilities department, overseeing all college buildings, grounds, and infrastructure while implementing policies and procedures to ensure effective space utilization, emergency preparedness, and routine maintenance, ensuring the college’s physical environment is safe, accessible, and conducive to learning, with a focus on sustainability and energy efficiency.
• Oversee the planning and execution of capital projects, including new construction, renovations, and major repairs, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and to high-quality standards.
• Collaborate with campus stakeholders to assess and plan for future facility’s needs, aligning with the college’s strategic growth and programmatic expansion.
• Serve as a liaison with UNR Northern Command and the Security Department.

Position Overview

Provide leadership for programs, personnel, operations, and activities to ensure compliance with GBC policies, NSHE policies, and state and federal regulations related to financial and administrative services.

Serve as a key member of the college’s executive leadership team, contributing to strategic planning, policy development, decision-making, and fostering a culture of collaboration, transparency, and innovation within Finance, IT, and Facilities.

Collaborate with other vice presidents, deans, and directors to align financial, technological, and facilities strategies with academic and operational goals. Represent the college in external matters, including negotiations with vendors, contractors, and regulatory agencies.

Participate in long-range planning for programs, services, and facilities in partnership with the president and leadership team. Coordinate financial and institutional planning activities.

Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations related to finance, IT, and facilities management. Develop and implement risk management strategies to protect college assets and minimize liabilities.

Communicate and interact effectively with students, staff, and the community through various mediums.

Demonstrate professionalism and collegiality when working with faculty, staff, and students, upholding the college's mission and best interests.

Exhibit sensitivity and respect for the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds within the community college environment.

Leadership Qualities of the Ideal Candidate

• Collaborative
• Transformational leader
• Highly communicative
• Team player
• Values honesty and integrity
• Decisive
• Data informed
• Inclusive
• Visionary with implementation success
• Inspiring and motivating
• Entrepreneurial within the methodology of a higher education environment
• Empowering
• Active listener
• Servant leader
• Sense of humor
• Able to display empathy
• Willing to challenge the status quo in pursuit of innovation
• Experience enhancing a culture of trust

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree and nine (9) years OR Master’s Degree and seven (7) years of combined experience in the following: budget and fiscal management, grants and contracts, management roles at the level of Dean, Director, or higher. Degrees in a variety of fields will be considered, including but not limited to the following examples: Business Administration, Finance, Education Leadership, and Political Science, and/or fields with strong connections to grants and budget management.
• Demonstrated experience managing budgets of significant size and complexity.

Desired Credentials and Experiences

• Master's Degree in preferably the following fields: Business Administration, Finance, Education Leadership, and Political Science, and/or fields with strong connections to grants and budget management.
• Seven (7) years serving at the executive management level (vice president/dean/director) in public higher education.
• Five (5) years serving as a Chief Financial Officer or similar role.
• Broad knowledge of current fiscal practices including technology trends.
• Evidence of effective working relationships with state and federal legislators.
• Demonstrated strong competence in written communications, problem-solving and human relations skills.
• Evidence of establishing successful, long-term partnerships with a variety of partners and constituents, in order to navigate important collaborations despite varying priorities.
• Demonstrated understanding of a comprehensive community college.
• Authentic, high integrity and a good sense of humor

How to Apply

The soft application deadline for the second review of applications is March 2, 2025. While the position is open until filled, materials received after this date are not guaranteed full consideration and will be reviewed at the sole discretion of the search committee.

Application materials include:

• A letter of interest that aligns experience and skills with the position requirements (not to exceed 5 pages)
• A resume (chronological preferred)
• Contact information including email and direct telephone number for a range of at least 6 professional references

Send application materials to:

Vpfo.gbc@cizekassociates.com

or securely upload application materials to: https://cizekassociates.com/contact/

Search Consultant:
Sheila Lehker, President Cizek Associates, Inc.
Vpfo.gbc@cizekassociates.com 602-553-1066

Great Basin College, "The Gold Standard in the Silver State", offers associate and baccalaureate level education in academic, career and technical fields. Welcoming over 4,000 students annually from all corners of the country, both online and at our various campuses and centers, GBC's presence extends across two time zones and spans more than 86,000 square miles throughout Nevada. A leader in rural higher education, GBC takes pride in developing students who are well-prepared to meet the demands of industry and who contribute to the success and prosperity of the local economy.

For More Information Contact

Great Basin College
1500 College Parkway
Elko, Nevada 89801

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Why Great Basin College

Great Basin College, "The Gold Standard in the Silver State", offers associate and baccalaureate level education in academic, career and technical fields. Welcoming over 4,000 students annually from all corners of the country, both online and at our various campuses and centers, GBC's presence extends across two time zones and spans more than 86,000 square miles throughout Nevada. A leader in rural higher education, GBC takes pride in developing students who are well-prepared to meet the demands of industry and who contribute to the success and prosperity of the local economy.