Position Summary:

The Chief Business Officer is a key leadership role responsible for comprehensive financial, operational, and strategic management across multiple organizational functions. This position oversees financial operations, human capital management, and strategic planning while ensuring compliance with institutional policies, financial regulations, and best practices to ensure Vanderbilt Enterprises achieves its financial and operational goals.

About the Work Unit:

Vanderbilt Enterprises is a strategic initiative launched to unlock the full potential of Vanderbilt University’s assets—facilities, services, and partnerships—to generate sustainable revenue and support long-term institutional priorities. Led by CEO Markus Schreyer, the venture draws inspiration from global best practices in hospitality, sports, and entertainment, reimagined for the collegiate landscape.

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

Financial Oversight

• Develop strategic annual and long-range operating budgets and P&L for Vanderbilt Enterprises.

• Prepare financial reports, P&L statements, and executive memos for senior leadership.

• Analyze financial data to support budgeting and decision-making, providing clear, actionable insights.

• Manage P&L across key Vanderbilt Enterprises portfolios, including licensing, retail, athletics, continued learning, events, and partnerships.

• Drive monthly, quarterly, and annual forecasting processes.

• Monitor KPIs and develop data-driven insights to inform performance and continuous improvement.

• Lead business case development and financial modeling for new ventures and strategic initiatives.

• Support capital planning, investment analysis, and evaluation of external partnerships and financing structures.

• Evaluate partnership ROI and commercial relationships.

• Support pricing strategy and revenue optimization across key business lines.

• Oversee royalty income calculation, invoicing, and auditing.

• Build and lead a high-performing finance function.

• Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and fiduciary responsibility across the organization.

Operational Oversight and Human Capital Management

• Develop and enhance operational procedures.

• Represent the department in strategic meetings.

• Provide training on financial and operational systems.

• Drive organizational change and process improvements.

• Manage HR lifecycle from onboarding to retirement.

• Oversee complex HR transactions and policy compliance.

• Lead recruitment and selection processes.

• Design comprehensive onboarding and exit processes.

• Collaborate with FUM/HCM staff within Vanderbilt Enterprises and foster professional development.

Supervisory Relationships:

This position will supervise Financial Unit Managers and Accounting Associates within Vanderbilt Enterprises and collaborate closely with external consultants and internal teams.

Education and Certifications

• A bachelor’s degree in business, finance, economics, or related field; MBA or advanced

degree preferred.

Experience and Skills:

• 10+ years of experience in strategic financial roles that involve revenue generation and P&L is required.

• Experience in venture building, growth strategy, or innovation leadership is necessary.

• Familiarity with CRM, data-driven marketing, and loyalty programs is necessary.

• Strong financial acumen and analytical skills; experience with P&L oversight and performance metrics is necessary.

• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills; ability to influence and lead across all levels is necessary.

• High emotional intelligence and discretion; comfortable navigating sensitive, high-stakes environments is necessary.

• Experience in hospitality, entertainment, and sports is a plus.

• Advanced proficiency with Apple Mac environment and key productivity tools and project management platforms is necessary.

• Ability to think strategically and manage multiple accounts with changing priorities and strict deadlines in a rapidly changing environment is necessary.

• Ability to proactively identify administrative and financial issues of importance and adjust rapidly and effectively to resolve these issues is necessary.

• Ability to analyze information and to draw conclusions, perform complex tasks and to prioritize multiple projects, and make financial decisions is necessary.

• Ability to handle high-level sensitive/confidential information and records maintenance is necessary.

• Ability to direct the work of others and lead a team that values organizational success over personal success is necessary.

• Ability to analyze budgetary line items for compliance with budget guidelines and prepare financial reports and proposals is necessary.

• Ability to provide technical advice and information to staff in the area of expertise is necessary.

• Advanced proficiency in business applications, such as Microsoft Office suite, and demonstrated knowledge of financial systems are necessary.

• Ability to drive change and implement process improvements is necessary.

At Vanderbilt University , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of “America’s Best Large Employers” as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice.

We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.