Preparing for the CBO/CFO Role: Positioning Yourself for the Next Step

Dan Rodas - Isaacson, Miller

This interactive session will help aspiring chief business officers and chief financial officers prepare for the transition into senior institutional leadership. Drawing on experience recruiting CBOs, CFOs, and other senior administrative leaders across higher education, we will discuss what presidents, boards, and search committees look for in prospective CBO/CFO candidates; how participants can assess their readiness for the role; and how to identify and address gaps in their experience.

We will also explore how to evaluate potential opportunities, position one’s experience effectively, prepare for the executive search process, and demonstrate the breadth of leadership, financial acumen, strategic perspective, and institutional judgment expected of a successful CBO/CFO. This interactive session will provide participants with an opportunity to explore their individual career goals, practice responding to real-world interview questions, and receive constructive feedback to strengthen their interviewing skills.

Learning Objectives

1. Identify the experiences, competencies, and leadership attributes institutions commonly seek in CBO and CFO candidates.
2. Assess their own professional experience and identify potential gaps to address before pursuing a CBO/CFO position.
3. Evaluate CBO/CFO opportunities in light of institutional context, leadership structure, financial circumstances, and individual career goals.
4. Articulate their experience and accomplishments in ways that demonstrate readiness for enterprise-level leadership.
5. Prepare more effectively for the executive search and interview process, including conversations with presidents, boards, faculty, and other institutional stakeholders.

CPE Available

• 1.5 Credits: Personal Development