Director, Finance and Planning

University of Pennsylvania•Woodworth, OH

2d•$110,907 - $150,000

About The Position

The Director, Finance and Planning serves as the primary financial advisor and budget owner for the Student Support portfolio. The position is responsible for developing, submitting, forecasting, monitoring, and managing the portfolio’s operating budget, and for translating programmatic and strategic priorities into sustainable financial plans. The Director works closely with portfolio leadership and Budget and Operations colleagues to assess resource requirements, evaluate financial alternatives, monitor financial performance, and recommend effective uses of University resources. While Associate Directors and Business Administrators support financial operations and provide underlying budget information, the Director retains primary responsibility for budget development, forecasting assumptions, budget entry, and financial recommendations for the assigned portfolio.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science and 7 to 10 years of experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Strong analytical judgment and the ability to translate financial information into strategic recommendations.
Experience advising senior leaders on resource allocation and financial sustainability.
Strong communication, collaboration, and leadership skills.
A cover letter and resume/CV are required for consideration.

Nice To Haves

Significant experience in financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis within a complex organization, preferably in higher education.
Familiarity with University financial systems, policies, and fund accounting.

Responsibilities

Lead annual budget development, budget entry, forecasting, and multiyear financial planning for the assigned Student Support portfolio.
Serve as the primary financial advisor to portfolio leadership on resource needs, affordability, funding strategies, and financial sustainability.
Monitor financial performance, analyze variances and emerging risks, and develop recommendations for corrective action or resource reallocation.
Evaluate staffing, programmatic initiatives, commitments, and other funding requests through financial modeling and scenario analysis.
Coordinate monthly and year-end financial reviews and ensure appropriate resolution of significant financial issues.
Serve as an escalation point for complex budgetary and financial matters within the portfolio.
Provide leadership, guidance, and oversight to Associate Directors and other Budget and Operations staff.
Represent the organization on institutional financial initiatives.
Support special projects, institutional analyses, and other financial planning initiatives as assigned.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits.
Flexible spending accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses.
Tuition assistance for employees, spouses, and dependent children at Penn, with dependent-child tuition assistance also available at other institutions.
Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans with pre-tax or Roth savings options and investment choices through TIAA and Vanguard.
Substantial time away from work during the year.
Long-term care insurance.
Wellness and work-life programs and resources.
Professional and personal development resources.
Access to University resources, including libraries, athletic facilities, arboretum, art galleries, and cultural and recreational activities.
Discounts and special services, including arts, entertainment, transportation, and other goods and services.
Flexible work options and hours.
Forgivable home-ownership loan for eligible employees buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia.
Adoption expense reimbursement for eligible employees, for up to two adoptions in a household.