Associate Vice President of Budget & Finance Policy and Deputy Chief Financial Officer

University of Colorado • Denver, CO

9h • $290,000 - $330,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Associate Vice President of Budget & Finance Policy and Deputy CFO serves as a strategic advisor to the Vice President and CFO of the University of Colorado system, providing oversight for the Budget & Finance Policy Office and the Office of Institutional Research. In partnership with the Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, this role shapes the financial and economic strategies for the University of Colorado by developing long range budget strategies, advancing system-wide financial policy and guiding high impact institutional research that informs executive decision-making. This position advises the Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in developing systemwide budget and financial strategies, leading institutional research initiatives, and overseeing the development and maintenance of the University of Colorado’s statewide economic revenue and expenditure forecast, including analysis of state programmatic impacts.
The role ensures effective communication across all the University of Colorado’s campuses regarding CU’s budget processes, leads special projects, and coordinates the review and analysis of items requiring approval by the President and the Board of Regents. The position also provides oversight of university-wide budget and finance matters, institutional research activities, and special projects identified by the Vice President and CFO.
This position works closely with campus vice chancellors, budget officers, and institutional research leaders. The Associate Vice President reports to the Vice President and CFO and is exempt from the State of Colorado Classified Staff System.

Requirements

• Ph.D. from an accredited institution of higher education with a degree in economics or a related field
• Ten (10) years of professional experience in financial analysis, forecasting, financial policy development, and policy analysis.
• Five (5) years of experience in a leadership role, including responsibility for directing a major business function, developing and implementing strategies and initiatives, and forecasting public policy related topics.
• Experience developing multi year financial forecasts, economic models, or strategic budget frameworks.
• Demonstrated leadership experience overseeing professional staff or leading cross functional teams.
• Experience working in large, complex organizations, government agencies, or higher education systems.

Nice To Haves

• More than ten (10+) year of professional experience working in a staff or leadership capacity for publicly elected officials.
• More than ten (10+) years of professional experience in financial analysis, short-term and long-term forecasting, financial policy development, demographic analysis and policy analysis.
• Six (6) years of experience in a leadership role, as described above.
• Experience working directly with Colorado state budgeting processes, higher education funding models, or statewide economic forecasting frameworks.
• Advanced proficiency with financial modeling tools
• Experience representing an organization in state level policy environments
• Strong track record of building and refining forecasting models
• Experience developing and analyzing the financial impact of public policy and/or higher education policy.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the lead budget and finance support to the Vice President and CFO.
• Manage the Budget & Finance Policy Office and the Institutional Research Office.
• Collaborate with team members and campus partners to prepare materials for the Board of Regents.
• Provide system-wide level leadership in shaping long term financial planning frameworks across the CU system.Align systemwide budget practices with the President’s strategic priorities, ensuring coherence between financial strategy, academic mission, and systemwide initiatives.
• Coordinate team in the development and delivery of annual Budget and Finance presentations.
• Coordinate team on the delivery of CU system and public higher education financial information for internal and external audiences.
• Lead analysis of statewide legislative or voter initiated measures affecting the state budget and CU’s financial outlook.
• Ensure preparation of finance materials and agendas for Regent Finance Committee meetings.
• Respond to internal CU System inquiries related to budget and finance strategies.
• Respond to Board of Regents and leadership inquiries.
• Oversee the University of Colorado’s 10 year revenue and expenditure economic forecast.
• Lead the development and refinement of CU’s multi year economic modeling architecture, including scenario planning, sensitivity testing, and fiscal risk assessments.
• Provide strategic counsel to the CFO and President on the financial implications of systemwide initiatives, capital planning, enrollment trends, and external economic conditions.
• Guide systemwide fiscal strategy by anticipating emerging economic and policy trends that impact CU.
• Coordinate information and responses for the State of Colorado’s OSPB, JBC, LCS, and CCHE on budget, finance, and institutional research matters, in collaboration with the CFO and the Director of Institutional Research.
• Oversee institutional research projects that support systemwide planning, reporting, and decision making.
• Analyze state policy proposals and fiscal impacts relevant to CU’s operations and financial position.
• Provide strategic direction for Budget, Institutional Research, and special projects.
• Integrate institutional research outputs into CU’s long term fiscal and strategic planning, ensuring data informed decision making.
• Lead the development and continuous refinement of systemwide budget and finance policy, ensuring alignment with state requirements, Board expectations, and institutional priorities.
• Strengthen governance structures and decision making frameworks to enhance transparency, predictability, and accountability in budget processes.
• Support the CFO during Vice Chancellor Group (VCG) meetings.
• Co facilitate monthly Budget Officer Group meetings with campus budget and finance personnel.
• Develop and oversee quality control processes to ensure accuracy and consistency of all work products.
• Coordinate team interactions with campus budget offices, ensuring timely and accurate responses to campus specific budget issues.
• Serve as the secondary CU System representative to the CDHE/CCHE CFO group.
• Lead or support special projects as assigned by the Vice President and CFO.
• Ensure effective collaboration with campus leadership, including vice chancellors, budget officers, and institutional research officers.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• No-cost or low-cost medical & dental plan options, some inclusive of IVF assistance.
• Disability, Life, Vision Insurance options.
• Multiple retirement planning options including a mandatory 401(a) plan where CU contributes 10% of your gross pay, a 401k or 403b plan and a 457 deferred compensation plan.
• Pre-tax savings plans, such as Health care and Dependent care flexible spending accounts.
• Embrace a healthy work-life balance with ample sick and vacation leave, along with at least 12 paid holidays. This includes a dedicated week off for winter break.
• 6 weeks of parental leave to adjust to the joys of parenthood.
• A tuition benefit program for you and/or your dependents.
• Free RTD EcoPass and free onsite parking at our 1800 Grant Street Office.
• Many additional perks & programs with the CU Advantage.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree