Director of Data, Planning & Analytics

University of Washington Medical Center•Seattle, WA

1d•$113,916 - $160,008•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Data, Planning & Analytics conducts strategic evaluation of data and analytical resources available and provides expert guidance on enterprise data, reporting, and analytics planning tools. The Director works at the nexus of institutional finance, budgeting, and academic resource planning, translating complex data into intelligence that drives executive decision-making. The Director leads a high-impact team within Institutional Analytics & Decision Support (IADS), a unit of the University of Washington’s Finance, Planning & Budgeting division. This role directs a team of data analysts, report developers, and analytics professionals engaged in activities including complex report development, business analysis, data analysis, analytics tools, and the delivery of secure, reliable information to support decision-making. This position leads a current team of 6 FTE, with potential additional FTE expected to join upon finalization of the university’s budget model transition, giving the Director an opportunity to shape both the culture and structure of an expanding team. This role is responsible for advancing the team’s capabilities across three integrated domains: financial reporting and data delivery, analytical planning and decision support, and visual analytics and data storytelling. This includes establishing long-term strategies for data tools, and analytics solutions; making recommendations regarding data strategy, system enhancements, and potential AI integrations that support the reporting and analytical functions of the university.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Statistics, Public Administration, Data Science, or related field and 6 years of progressive experience in financial reporting, analytics, or institutional planning, including at least 3 years in a leadership or managerial role with responsibility for directing teams, projects, or functional areas
Equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and skills have been acquired may substitute for degree
Proven track record of leading and developing teams of reporting, analytics, or data professionals, including the ability to lead through organizational change and advance team capability and performance in an inclusive and collaborative environment
Track record of designing and delivering executive-level financial and operational reporting solutions, with understanding of financial data structures and systems in higher education
Experience working with enterprise financial systems and reporting environments, with expertise in querying, interpreting, and synthesizing large, complex financial datasets across multiple systems or sources
Advanced proficiency with data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, or similar) and demonstrated ability to develop executive-ready analytics, dashboards, and data products
Demonstrated knowledge of higher education administration, particularly in finance, budgeting, student financials, or academic resource management
Experience providing strategic leadership and long-term planning direction, including experience transitioning teams from reactive service delivery to proactive, insight-driven models and establishing forward-looking analytics or operational strategies
Excellent oral and written communication and collaboration skills with the ability to convey complex financial and technical concepts clearly to diverse audiences
Ability to operate effectively both independently and in collaborative, cross-functional environments, managing multiple priorities and deadlines

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree or equivalent advanced training in Finance, Economics, Data Science, Public Administration, or a related field
Hands-on experience with Workday Finance reporting, including familiarity with Workday financial data structures, report types, and data availability
Familiarity with higher education financial data structures including chart of accounts, cost center hierarchies, fund accounting, and academic program financial reporting

Responsibilities

Provide strategic direction, day-to-day oversight, and performance management for a team of 6 FTE, including Business Intelligence professionals, Report Developers, and Data Analysts. Assign work, set priorities, and ensure the team delivers high-quality operational and analytical data products on time and aligned to stakeholder needs and institutional priorities
Direct a team of data and analytics professionals responsible for report development, data analysis, and BI analytics solution delivery, ensuring effective resource allocation and alignment with enterprise needs
Define and evolve team roles, workflows, and competency frameworks to support the transition from a primarily reactive reporting function to a proactive decision support organization and modern computing and analytics function
Foster a team culture grounded in analytical rigor, collaboration, intellectual curiosity, and service to institutional stakeholders. Model and promote a proactive, insight-oriented approach to financial data and planning questions
Oversee the development, maintenance, and delivery of financial and operational reports from enterprise systems including Workday Finance, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and fitness for purpose across FPB and campus administrative audiences
Lead the design and delivery of visual analytics products, dashboards, and data stories that address institutional financial priorities and academic portfolio questions for CFO, President/Provost, Board of Regents, and FPB leadership
Develop and sustain planning and decision support capabilities for FPB leadership, including analytical frameworks for budget model monitoring, operating budget analysis, capital planning, and academic financial planning. Collaborate with institutional Reporting and Analysis partners to support integrated financial and academic planning analyses
Expand data delivery capabilities beyond structured reporting to include curated datasets and analytical data sets that enable FPB teams and campus administrators to address operational and strategic financial questions. Support data documentation and reporting governance practices within the FPB data domain and ensure alignment with data management and governance standards
Other duties as assigned