Dallas College

SITUATION OVERVIEW:

ZRG has been engaged to recruit a Chief Financial Officer for Dallas College, one unified college with seven campuses in Texas.

ABOUT DALLAS COLLEGE:

Dallas College is one of the largest community colleges in Texas. Since 1965, they have helped almost 3 million people on their educational journey. Comprising seven campuses located around the Dallas/Fort Worth area, they are one of the largest community college systems in the state of Texas. They strive to be a leader in the community college space, placing students at the center of everything they do.

Dallas College is committed to cultivating an environment of opportunity and belonging for all students and employees. They recognize that the Dallas College workforce, and the diverse talent that stems from it, is directly linked to their success. They are part of an equal opportunity system that provides education and employment opportunities without discrimination on the basis of any protected attribute, including race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, veteran status, pregnancy or any other basis protected under applicable law. In accordance with applicable law, Dallas College will make reasonable accommodation for applicants and employees’ religious practices and beliefs, as well as any mental health or physical disability needs.

Campuses

Dallas College originally operated as a district of seven independently accredited colleges. In 2020, those colleges united under a single name in order to offer their students a more streamlined, more convenient experience. The seven original campuses live on as their primary locations. Dallas College formerly the Dallas County Community College District, consists of seven campuses: Brookhaven, Cedar Valley, Eastfield, El Centro, Mountain View, North Lake and Richland.

ABOUT DALLAS COLLEGE FOUNDATION:

Dallas College Foundation (DCF) is an independent, institutionally affiliated 501c3 that supports Dallas College, the community college for Dallas County, TX. Serving more than 127,000 students per year, Dallas College is one of the nation’s largest colleges. Its mission is to improve lives and communities through higher education. DCF’s mission is to advance economic mobility for students in their community by channeling the power of philanthropy to lift Dallas College to new heights of excellence, equity and innovation. DCF currently has approximately $160 million in assets under management with this amount expected to grow significantly in coming years.

Dallas College Enterprise Ventures (DC Enterprise) is a nonprofit subsidiary of Dallas College Foundation (DCF), created to support the mission of Dallas College by generating new and innovative sources of revenue and innovation, including investment in mission-aligned independent ventures and investment opportunities and the pursuit of new lines of revenue-generating activities. DC Enterprise drives entrepreneurial and mission-aligned ventures that directly benefit Dallas College’s students, faculty, and the broader community.

BRIDGING THE SKILLS GAP

DFW residents lack the skills they need...

• 69% of young adults ages 25-34 do not make a living wage in Dallas County.
• 59% do not have a post-secondary credential.

...for the city's growing economy.

• 53,000+ jobs added in DFW in 2024;
• 75% of employers reported having difficulty in filling roles due to a poorly skilled workforce;
• 211,000 unfilled, in-demand job openings in the region in 2024.

PREPARING TOMORROW’S WORKFORCE

Dallas College Foundation works closely with employers and industry leaders to equip the workforce of the future. They ensure that students are trained by faculty who know the latest in their fields, in world-class facilities outfitted with industry-leading equipment, while gaining experience with industry and community organizations that will set them on a path to great careers.

Dallas College Foundation works to increase access to opportunity for all students — from students working toward a life-changing workforce certification to those on a path to transfer to top universities.

SUPPORTING TODAY’S STUDENTS

Dallas College’s students come from all walks of life; they are 1st generation students, working parents, and adults reskilling for a rapidly changing workplace. Dallas College Foundation is funding a support system that listens and responds to the changing needs of their students and ensures they can enroll, persist, and complete a credential that unlocks a thriving career.

MISSION

Dallas College Foundation envisions a future in Dallas County where anyone, from any zip code, can gain the knowledge and skills they need to advance economically and achieve their dreams.

VISION

They advance economic mobility for students in North Texas by channeling the power of philanthropy to lift Dallas College to new heights of innovation, excellence and equity.

Dallas College Foundation funded over $3 million in scholarships in the 23-24 academic year, helping thousands of students find their unique path to opportunity.

POSITION:

Dallas College Foundation seeks an experienced, strategic, and hands-on Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to oversee and manage all financial functions for both DCF and its subsidiary, DC Enterprise. The CFO will play a key role in shaping and executing the financial strategy for both entities, ensuring sound financial stewardship, compliance, and sustainability. This individual will collaborate closely with senior leadership, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders to drive financial success, align financial operations with mission-driven goals, and support the growth of DCF and its affiliates’ endowment and assets, optimize asset allocation, and manage budgeting.

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Financial Leadership: Lead and manage all financial functions for both DCF and DC Enterprise, including financial planning, budgeting, accounting, financial reporting, treasury operations, and compliance.
• Investment Advisor and Finance Committee Alignment: Works with the Foundation’s investment advisor and the Board’s Finance Committee and Advisory Investment Committee to manage the Foundation’s endowed funds and ensure compliance with the Investment Policy Statement.
• Strategic Planning: Develop and implement long-term financial strategies for DCF and DCEV to ensure financial sustainability and alignment with organizational goals and mission.
• Revenue Generation & Investments: Oversee and direct investment strategies, fund management, and capital allocations for both entities. Ensure strategic investments align with the broader goals of Dallas College and its community impact.
• Debt & Risk Management: Manage the debt portfolio for DCF and DCEV, including debt issuance, refinancing, and related activities. Provide risk management oversight, including insurance programs and compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement: Work closely with senior leadership, Board members, and external stakeholders to provide insights into financial performance, develop financial reports, and ensure that DCF and DC Enterprise are meeting organizational objectives.
• Team Management and Development: Manage, mentor, and develop a high-performing finance team at both DCF and DC Enterprise. Create a culture of collaboration and excellence that fosters continuous improvement and professional growth.
• Audit & Compliance: Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations. Coordinate internal and external audits and ensure appropriate financial controls are in place across both entities.
• Grant & Fund Management: Oversee the financial aspects of grants, philanthropic funds, and other resource development activities, ensuring financial integrity and proper utilization of funds.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Incumbents may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description. Position requires regular and predictable attendance.

QUALIFICATIONS:

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Proven experience in a senior financial leadership role, preferably in a nonprofit, higher education, or foundation environment;
• Demonstrated experience in managing financial operations for a multi-entity structure, including nonprofit and for-profit subsidiary models;
• Expertise in financial reporting, budgeting, and planning in accordance with GAAP and nonprofit regulations;
• Strong knowledge of investment management, debt financing, risk management, and governance in a nonprofit or academic environment.

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES

Dallas College has identified several key leadership competencies that are essential for effective leadership within the institution. These competencies include:

• Strategic Thinking: The ability to develop long-term goals and plans, anticipate future trends, and create strategies to achieve organizational objectives;
• Communication: Effective communication skills, including the ability to convey information clearly and persuasively, listen actively, and engage in meaningful dialogue with others;
• Collaboration: The capacity to work effectively with others, build strong relationships, and foster a collaborative environment;
• Decision Making: The ability to make informed and timely decisions, considering the impact on the organization and its stakeholders;
• Change Management: Skills in leading and managing change, including the ability to adapt to new situations, drive innovation, and support others through transitions;
• Emotional Intelligence: The ability to understand and manage one's own emotions, as well as the emotions of others, to build strong interpersonal relationships and create a positive work environment;
• Ethical Leadership: Demonstrating integrity, fairness, and ethical behavior in all actions and decisions;
• Results Orientation: A focus on achieving measurable outcomes and delivering high-quality results.

These competencies are designed to guide leaders at Dallas College in their professional development and ensure they are equipped to lead effectively in a dynamic and diverse educational environment.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Required:

• Minimum of 15 years of experience in finance, accounting, and strategic financial management;
• CPA (Certified Public Accountant) or equivalent designation required;
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, or related field.

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) or related field;
• Experience in the higher education or community college sector, particularly in finance and resource development;
• Familiarity with fundraising, grant management, and philanthropic financial structures;
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across diverse teams and stakeholders;
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex financial projects and processes in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment;
• Bilingual or Multilingual preferred.

***Will be subject to a criminal background check. Some positions may be subject to a fingerprint check. ***

SENIOR MANAGEMENT:

Josh Skolnick

Executive Director

Josh Skolnick, JD, serves as Dallas College Foundation’s Executive Director. Before joining Dallas College Foundation, Josh led the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative, a yearlong leadership program for mayors from around the world at Bloomberg Philanthropies. He also played an instrumental role in the design and development of the Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University. Prior to his time at Bloomberg Philanthropies, Josh served at the U.S. Department of Education as Deputy Director of Strategic Partnerships in the Office of the Secretary. There, he led the launch of the Success Mentors Program, a chronic absenteeism reduction effort in 30 school districts around the U.S., as part of President Obama’s My Brother’s Keeper Initiative. Before serving in the federal government, Josh worked at the New York State Education Department and the New York City Department of Education to advance education innovation initiatives. He holds a J.D. from Boston College Law School and graduated from Brown University with a bachelor’s in political science.

WHY IS THIS A COMPELLING POSITION?

When you join the workforce of Dallas College, you are in a community that rewards ideas and innovations, where differences are celebrated, and viewpoints shared. A community where your needs are recognized, your goals supported, and your success is their priority.

MEDICAL INSURANCE

Their plan includes vision care and prescription drug coverage. Dental plans are optional.

RETIREMENT PLAN

Standard plans include an employer contribution. Boost your savings with optional plans.

PAID HOLIDAYS

Enjoy a week off for Spring Break and six end-of-year holidays – totaling 18 days per year.

EDUCATION CREDIT

Take free classes for professional growth or to earn a degree.

EDUCATION STIPEND

Complete a degree and earn a one-time bonus.

WELLNESS PROGRAM

Use work time for exercise or other healthy activities.

LOCATION:

Dallas, Texas, is a dynamic city that perfectly blends Southern charm with modern sophistication. As one of the largest cities in the United States, it’s a major hub for business, culture, and innovation. Known for its gleaming skyline and rich history, Dallas is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies, particularly in finance, technology, and telecommunications.

Culturally, Dallas offers an impressive range of attractions—from the world-class Dallas Museum of Art and the Nasher Sculpture Center to the historic Dealey Plaza, where President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. Its neighborhoods each bring their own personality: Uptown buzzes with nightlife and trendy dining, Deep Ellum pulses with live music and street art, and Bishop Arts District charms visitors with its indie shops and cozy cafés.

The city’s food scene is equally diverse—famous for mouthwatering barbecue, authentic Tex-Mex, and an ever-growing collection of international cuisines.

Sports lovers find plenty to cheer for too, as Dallas proudly hosts teams like the Cowboys (NFL), Mavericks (NBA), and Stars (NHL).

Despite its urban energy, Dallas offers plenty of green escapes, from White Rock Lake’s peaceful trails to the sprawling Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. With its blend of opportunity, culture, and warm hospitality, Dallas embodies the bold spirit of Texas while continuously reinventing itself for the future.

DALLAS COLLEGE IN THE NEWS:

Oct. 7, 2025

Dallas College Awarded $2.5 Million Federal Grant to Support Nursing Students

Sept. 30, 2025

ETK Scholarship Serves Students Who Have Overcome Adversity To Study at Dallas College

Sept. 11, 2025

Three Dallas College Administrators Selected for Prestigious Leadership Academy

INTERVIEW PROCESS:

ZRG provides our global Clients with a rigorous and patented assessment platform grounded in data and analytics. Our interview process includes the following:

1. Initial interviews with ZRG

2. ZRG presentation of candidates to Client for calibration and discussion; Client selects candidates for consideration and initial interviews

3. Candidates complete ZRG’s on-line assessment

4. Finalist candidates advance to second and third round interviews with broader leadership team

5. Formal referencing

6. Offer extended

ABOUT ZRG PARTNERS:

ZRG is a global talent advisory firm that is changing the way companies hire and manage talent. ZRG’s data-driven approach to executive and professional search has been changing the way clients think about how to find top talent. The company’s digital Zi platform combines talent intelligence, candidate insights, and process improvement to dramatically deliver executive searches quicker and with proven better results.

Gene Head
Managing Director, Education Practice Leader
ghead@zrgpartners.com
+1.205.718.7889

Gene Head is a Managing Director specializing in Higher Education Leadership and Global Non-Profit organizations. His expertise spans strategic leadership and economic development, areas in which he has built a strong record of success.

Driven by determination and a deep commitment to strategic alignment, Gene has led more than 300 executive searches for positions including CEO, COO, CFO, and Vice President. His clients include the University of California System, the University of Alabama Community College System, the University of Texas at Austin, the United Nations, International Justice Mission, Compassion International, Mercy Ships, the Berkeley National Laboratory, and numerous private foundations worldwide.

Throughout his career, Gene has intentionally focused on developing and preparing executive leaders across diverse sectors. He has advised clients in high-potential leadership development, succession planning, and large-scale organizational assessment and evaluation. Recognized as an expert in sustainable transformation, his

work centers on enterprise-wide change initiatives, C-suite development, and building high-performing, strategically aligned executive teams within Higher Education and the global Non-Profit sector. The large number of repeat clients in his portfolio reflects the lasting impact of his work.

Gene’s collaborative efforts extend across Higher Education, corporate, and healthcare organizations, as well as the U.S. Departments of Education, Energy, Agriculture, and Commerce, where he contributes to advancing a jobs-driven national economy.

He earned a Bachelor of Science in Management from the Brock School of Business at Samford University, where he also serves on the Advisory Board. Gene is active on several non-profit boards, including one dedicated to missions and economic development initiatives in Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Malawi.

Barry C. Vines
Managing Director
bvines@zrgpartners.com
+1.205.582.8594

Barry Vines serves as a Managing Director and a senior member of both the Global Healthcare Services & Solutions Practice and the Higher Education Practice. With deep roots across the healthcare, higher education, and academic medicine sectors, Barry brings a unique and comprehensive perspective to every search he leads.

Barry believes that the most successful searches come from truly investing the time to understand a client’s organization its mission, culture, and strategic priorities. His philosophy goes beyond identifying experienced candidates; he is dedicated to finding leaders who will not only guide an organization but transform it through thoughtful and incisive leadership.

Before joining ZRG Partners, Barry served clients at another global executive search firm and previously worked as both a partner and consultant with a boutique search firm. His career in executive search builds upon earlier leadership roles within major corporate and academic institutions, including AT&T, UAB Health System and School of Medicine, Cisco Systems, and Computer Associates. This blend of corporate and academic experience provides him with valuable insight and perspective in leading complex searches.

Barry’s areas of expertise include Healthcare, Higher Education, and Technology.

He earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Birmingham-Southern College.

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