Finance and Administration
Strategic Pillars
Our five strategic pillars are the foundation of our division’s objectives, aligning closely with Oberlin College and Conservatory’s wider goals.
Pillar I: Support the Success of Our People, Our College, and Our Community
Finance & Administration highlights our pursuit of institutional excellence by supporting the personal and professional success of our community members. We aim to empower everyone to achieve their goals within their institutional roles, driving operational effectiveness and financial resiliency. Key initiatives within this pillar include the development of a compensation strategy for the college, work to support inclusion, team building, and individual learning opportunities.
Pillar II: Establish a Robust Infrastructure for Physical Plant, Technology, and Business Systems
Finance & Administration reflects our commitment to excellence and efficiency in all aspects of our infrastructure. By advancing the planning, development, and management of our real estate, facilities, utilities, and technology infrastructure, we aim to support Oberlin’s core academic and cocurricular mission. Our goal is to embrace and expand competent business systems that drive operational success and foster an environment conducive to learning and growth. Key initiatives within this pillar include the Sustainable Infrastructure Program and student housing project.
Pillar III: Support & Enhance Operational and Instructional Excellence
Finance & Administration underscores the need to dedicate our energy to excellence in both instruction and operations. We strive to enhance business process efficiency through the effective employment of technology and data management, fostering a cycle of continuous performance measurement and improvement. This pillar also emphasizes enabling high-quality faculty engagement with students and administrative ease, promoting a transformational student experience and scaffolding employee and organizational capability. Our work under this pillar has included student focus groups, faculty/staff surveys, and the relaunch of the EdTech Committee to inform future enhancements.
Pillar IV: Support Near-term & Long-term Financial Strength
Finance & Administration are committed to ensuring financial strength by enhancing our budget and financial planning, management, and analysis. Annual and multiyear planning help ensure financial sustainability, enabling the promotion and pursuit of Oberlin’s strategic goals. Key initiatives under this pillar include the multiyear planning for compensation, capital projects and technology.
Pillar V: Strengthen Risk Management & Governance
Finance & Administration fosters a culture that actively identifies and manages risks, safeguarding our financial, physical, human, technological, and environmental resources while pursuing opportunities to meet our strategic institutional goals. Key initiatives include enhancements to technology security and facility safety.