GENERAL SUMMARY OF DUTIES:
The Director of Budget and Planning provides strategic and operational leadership in the development, monitoring, and analysis of the University’s operating and capital budgets. Working closely with the Interim Vice President for Finance and Administration, this position ensures institutional resources are aligned with strategic priorities through robust financial planning, analysis, and reporting.
The Director plays a critical role in the implementation and roll out of the University’s new budget and forecasting software, supporting system configuration, data integration, and user adoption across campus. This position serves as a key advisor to departments and senior leadership on budget policy, forecasting, and long-term financial sustainability.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Coordinate and manage the development of the University’s annual and multi-year operating and capital budgets.
- Analyze financial data and prepare reports that inform strategic decision-making at all levels of the institution.
- Develop and maintain multi-year financial models and forecasts to assess institutional sustainability.
- Lead budget performance monitoring and variance analysis; prepare quarterly and annual summaries for senior leadership.
- Collaborate with departments to ensure budget accuracy, compliance, and effective resource utilization.
- Serve as a campus lead in implementing, testing, and launching the new budget and forecasting software, ensuring functionality, integration, and end-user readiness.
- Partner with IT, Finance, and department heads to streamline budget workflows and reporting processes.
- Contribute to policy development, financial planning, and the preparation of presentations for the Board of Trustees and senior administration.
- Recommend process and system improvements that enhance fiscal transparency and data-driven decision-making.
REQUIRED COMPETENCIES:
- Deep understanding of higher education budgeting, fund accounting, and financial management principles.
- Advanced analytical, forecasting, and data modeling capabilities.
- Exceptional attention to accuracy, consistency, and compliance with fiscal policies and internal controls.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills for working effectively with academic and administrative leaders.
- Proficiency in Excel and experience with enterprise financial systems (e.g., Ellucian, etc.).Demonstrated ability to support or lead system implementations and process improvement initiatives.
- Capacity to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE:
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Data Analytics, or a related field.
- Minimum of five (5) years of progressive experience in budgeting, accounting, or financial planning, preferably in higher education or a complex organization.
PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERENCE:
- Master’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Higher Education Finance, or master’s degree in a related field preferred.
- Demonstrated success managing institutional or multi-departmental budgets exceeding $50 million.
- Experience implementing or managing budget systems and financial planning software highly desirable.
- Proficiency in financial reporting and data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) a plus.
ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY QUALIFICATIONS:
CPA, CMA, or CPM preferred
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Primarily sedentary; frequent use of computers and standard office equipment. Occasional walking for meetings across campus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT/TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:
Standard office environment. Occasional travel to conferences, vendor meetings, or professional training sessions may be required.
EXPECTED SCHEDULE:
Monday-Friday, 35 hours/week, 52 weeks/year
DISCLAIMER: While not comprehensive, this job description lists activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.
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