Associate VP Direct Support Operations and Governance

Job Description Indian River State College is seeking a strategic and collaborative leader to serve as the Associate Vice President, Direct Support Organization Operations . This executive-level position provides operational, financial, compliance, and governance leadership for the College's direct support organizations (DSOs) through a coordinated shared-services model that strengthens efficiency, accountability, and sustainability while preserving each organization's independent governance, mission, and fiduciary responsibilities. Reporting to a cabinet-level executive, the Associate Vice President oversees key functions including financial administration, audits, tax reporting, compliance, board support, risk management, and operational services across multiple entities. Working closely with College leadership, DSO boards, legal counsel, and other stakeholders, this role will implement best practices, strengthen internal controls, improve operational effectiveness, and identify opportunities for cost savings and process improvements. This position offers a unique opportunity to build and lead a scalable operational framework that supports organizational excellence while advancing the College's mission and strategic priorities. About Us Indian River State College is a leading public institution on Florida’s Treasure Coast, serving students across multiple campuses in four counties. We are committed to academic excellence, innovation, and community engagement, offering associate and bachelor’s degrees, workforce training, and continuing education programs that meet the needs of our region. At The River , we believe every student’s and every employee’s story matters. We value the diverse perspectives, experiences, and talents that come together across our campuses, creating a learning environment and workplace that is supportive, inclusive, and inspiring. With flexible learning options online, on campus, and hybrid, we meet students where they are and prepare them for real-world success. Programs like the Promise Program expand access by providing eligible students with tuition-free opportunities, ensuring every learner has the chance to thrive. Why Join The River When you join Indian River State College, you become part of a collaborative and mission-driven community where your work makes a meaningful impact. Here, your role is more than a job; it’s an opportunity to shape futures, support student success, and contribute to a college that is changing lives every day. What We Offer We are committed to supporting the well-being and professional growth of our employees through a comprehensive and competitive benefits package: Health & Wellness: Medical, dental, and vision coverage; flexible spending accounts; life insurance; supplemental plans; and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Affordable Coverage: PPO and HMO options starting at approximately $50/month for individual coverage and $180/month for family coverage Retirement Security: Florida Retirement System (FRS) participation, plus optional tax-deferred annuities and Roth 403(b) plans Work-Life Balance: Generous paid vacation, personal, and sick leave Perks & Discounts: Reduced rates on services and access to local attraction discounts Growth & Development: Professional development opportunities, leadership training, and career advancement pathways JOB SUMMARY: Under administrative guidelines, this position provides executive-level operational, financial, compliance, and governance support for the College's direct support organizations (DSOs). The role is designed to professionalize and strengthen DSO operations through a coordinated shared-services model while preserving each DSO's separate legal identity, independent board governance, fiduciary responsibility, budget, audit process, and mission. This position enables a clearer institutional division of labor by allowing Institutional Advancement to remain focused on fundraising, donor development, alumni engagement, and campaign strategy, while DSO operations — including accounting, compliance, audit, tax, board support, and administrative functions — are managed through a dedicated, centrally coordinated structure. The Associate Vice President reports to the Executive Vice President or other cabinet-level executive and works in close functional coordination with the Chief Financial Officer, the President, direct support organization boards, the Vice President of Advancement, charter authorizer leadership, and College real estate-related functions SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Operational and Governance Leadership Lead shared operational support for the College's direct support organizations and any future related support organizations. Maintain separate books, bank accounts, financial records, approvals, and audit trails for each DSO. Strengthen risk management, internal controls, documentation standards, and audit readiness across the shared direct support operations model. Coordinate accounting, audits, IRS Form 990 filings, financial reporting, board packets, compliance calendars, and corporate records for each DSO. Develop and manage a transparent cost-allocation model for shared staff, software, accounting, and administrative support. Identify and implement opportunities to reduce duplicated costs for outside accounting and professional services. Financial and Compliance Support Support nonprofit financial operations, including financial reporting, operating draw documentation, restricted fund tracking, investment reporting coordination, and board operations. Support charter authorizer finance and compliance infrastructure, including management-fee accounting, pass-through funding, software workflows, and reporting. Support real estate-related administration, including property records, transaction support, financial reporting, insurance tracking, and board documentation. Work with legal counsel on bylaws, shared-services a