PRESS RELEASES

Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) selected by the Cleveland Institute of Art for Vice President for Business Affairs and Chief Financial Officer Search

(July 24, 2025, WEST HARTFORD, CT) Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES), a leading higher education focused executive search firm, has been selected to recruit the next Vice President for Business Affairs and Chief Financial Officer at the Cleveland Institute of Art. Jennifer Muller, Managing Partner, will be leading the search.

This highly visible and collaborative role calls for a strategic thinker who is fluent in the technical, relational, and human dimensions of financial leadership. CIA is committed to building a business model that supports long-term resilience, alternative revenue generation, and a deeply student-centered mission. The CFO will play an instrumental role in bringing that vision to life. The successful candidate is tech savvy, understands the need to make key strategic investments, and will continue to maintain the institution’s culture of transparency and open communication.

Reporting to the President and CEO, the CFO provides strategic oversight of all financial operations, including the development and management of operating and capital budgets, long-term financial planning, and the strategic allocation of resources. This role leads financial reporting, accounting, tax compliance, investment strategy, and cash and debt management. The CFO also oversees financial systems, internal controls, regulatory compliance, audits, and legal and contract coordination. In close partnership with College leadership, the CFO designs and implements financing strategies that support capital projects, renovations, and institutional initiatives, ensuring CIA’s financial health and alignment with its mission and strategic goals.

The Cleveland Institute of Art (CIA) is a nationally recognized college of art and design committed to nurturing creativity, innovation, and artistic excellence. Founded in 1882, CIA offers a rigorous studio-based education in 13 majors, including Illustration, Animation, Industrial Design, Game Design, Painting, Sculpture + Expanded Media, and more. With a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary learning, CIA prepares students to become professional artists and designers equipped to meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving creative economy. CIA is consistently ranked among the top art and design colleges in the country and has earned recognition from U.S. News & World Report, Animation Career Review, and DesignIntelligence for the quality and impact of its programs.

Affordable Excellence

Academic Career & Executive Search, a higher education focused search firm, specializes in affordable excellence, providing perfectly matched candidates to institutions quickly and accurately. Their methodologies, based on frequent touchpoints, pinpoint ideal candidates with speed and meticulous care resulting in highly successful placements.

They offer flexible service/pricing levels for all positions, ensuring affordability. Contact Jennifer Muller, Managing Partner, at 860-740-2600 or Jennifer@ACESrch.com, or visit https://acesrch.com/.