Vice President for Business Services

TYPE OF APPOINTMENT: Full-time, exempt, 12-month contract, benefitted position.

BACKGROUND CHECK: WSC does require a successful background check for the selected candidate prior to beginning employment.

JOB SUMMARY: The Vice President for Business Services (VPBS) is an executive position that reports to the President as the chief financial officer. The VPBS oversees the college financial operations, budgeting and forecasting, and financial records. The position also supervises the Business Office, Human Resources, Bookstore, Risk Management, and the Office of Information Technology. The VPBS is responsible for grant and contract administration, fiscal policies, and other services as assigned. The VPBS works closely with various State of North Dakota governing and regulating agencies.

• Business Office - Responsible for the accurate accounting and budgeting of appropriated and non-appropriated funds local, auxiliary, grants and contracts, and capital project funds.
  • Oversee financial operations including Student Finance, Accounts Payable, Cashiering. Collaborate with Financial Aid department to ensure collection and proper recording of student funds.
  • Develop and oversee forecasting and reporting processes to monitor the ongoing financial health of the college.
  • Provide required state and federal reporting on a timely and accurate basis (IPEDS, HLC, EADA, ongoing state request).
  • Develop and maintain strong working relationship with UND Shared Services which provides Controllership functions.
  • Coordinate the budget requests and development processes.
  • Serves as the institution’s lead procurement officer and work with assigned attorney to ensure compliance with state laws.
• Human Resources
  • Responsible for talent acquisition, salary administration, employee training, and appropriate application of HR policies, procedures, and practices. May coordinate on the process of position creation and management in coordination with Human Resources Director.
  • Ensure accurate and timely execution of payroll in coordination with NDSU Shared Services as WSC payroll services provider.
• Bookstore
  • Responsible for the oversight of bookstore operations through coordination with Bookstore Manager.
• Risk Management
  • Understand and mitigate key elements of the company's risk profile; construct and monitor reliable control systems; maintain appropriate insurance coverage; maintain relations with external auditors and investigate their findings and recommendations.
• IT Services -
  • Oversee strategic planning, oversight and direction of Williston State College’s IT infrastructure, resources, and services through coordination with Chief Information Officer.
  • Foster the development of IT to support the college’s vision.

Minimum qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in related field; minimum of 5 or more years of experience in a relevant senior level executive role or comparable experience in business and industry; significant knowledge in finance and budgetary (capital and operating) preparation and oversight; knowledge of governmental regulations, accounting standards, and not-for-profit reporting requirements; experience in, contract management, and building project oversight; ability to foster a cooperative work environment; ability to supervise, train, and assess employee training development opportunities; ability to learn and to utilize management and reporting software as required by NDUS; exceptional organizational, communication, interpersonal, and logistical abilities, and attention to detail; and must be able to work in a fast-paced environment, handle stressful situations with poise, and maintain strict confidentiality.

Preferred qualifications: Master's Degree in related field, and/or CPA.

SALARY: $125,000 - $139,000 depending on relevant experience plus excellent benefit package.

BENEFITS: Fully paid family or single health insurance, life insurance, annual and sick leave, employee tuition waiver, spouse/dependent tuition discount, retirement, etc.

APPLICATION CLOSE DATE: April 21, 2026

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: Complete the WSC employment application, include a cover letter, resume, copy of college transcriptions and information for three professional references. For questions, contact HR Director, Williston State College, 1410 University Avenue, Williston, ND 58801 or email to sandra.lillehaugen@ndus.edu. (Note: Incomplete applications will NOT be considered.)

CONFIDENTIALITY OF APPLICATION MATERIALS: Pursuant to NDCC 44-04-18.27, applications and any records related to the applications that identify an applicant are confidential, except records related to the finalists of the position, which are open to the public after the search committee has identified the top three finalists.

EO/AA STATEMENT: Williston State College is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.

VETERAN’S PREFERENCE NOTICE: Williston State College will be hiring one (1) applicant for this position and will interview the top three (3) candidates. North Dakota Veterans claiming preference must submit all proof of eligibility by the closing date. Proof of eligibility includes a DD-214 and if claiming disabled status, a current letter of disability from the VA dated within the last 12 months.

NO SMOKING NOTICE: As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. § 23-12-10.

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