Strategic Finance Partner

Penn State University•University Park, IL

6d•$102,936 - $154,452•Hybrid

About The Position

The Pennsylvania State University Office of Budget and Finance seeks a Strategic Finance Partner supporting the Office of the President and Development and Alumni Relations, including the Penn State Alumni Association. The role serves as a trusted advisor to senior University and unit leadership, providing strategic financial planning, analysis, guidance, and decision support while connecting assigned units with the broader Budget and Finance organization. The position develops a deep understanding of the priorities, operations, and financial environments of executive, administrative, development, alumni relations, and affiliated organizational activities. It translates complex financial information into clear recommendations, builds trusted relationships with senior leaders, and promotes responsible stewardship of University resources. The role also provides financial leadership and oversight for the Penn State Alumni Association, including its 501(c)(3) corporation and University accounts supporting alumni relations and the Alumni Council.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree and 10 or more years of relevant experience, including at least 3 years of supervisory experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Demonstrated experience providing strategic financial advice and decision support to senior or executive leadership.
Strong knowledge of budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, resource planning, accounting, internal controls, and financial reporting.
Experience leading finance professionals and developing effective, collaborative teams.
Ability to synthesize complex information, exercise sound judgment, and communicate clear recommendations.
Exceptional written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to build credibility and productive relationships across functions and organizational levels.
Strong problem-solving, organizational, project management, and customer service skills.
Ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with discretion, professionalism, and emotional intelligence.
Experience interpreting and applying organizational policies, accounting standards, tax requirements, or regulatory guidance.
Commitment to financial stewardship, continuous improvement, collaboration, and service.
Authorization to work in the United States; Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment visa.
Successful completion of University background checks and a credit history check.

Nice To Haves

Progressively responsible experience in strategic finance, budgeting, financial planning and analysis, accounting, or financial administration.
Experience supporting executive leadership or complex organizational portfolios.
Experience with nonprofit, foundation, advancement, alumni relations, or other affiliated organizational financial operations.

Responsibilities

Advise leaders in the Office of the President, Development and Alumni Relations, the Penn State Alumni Association, and other assigned areas on strategic financial matters.
Understand unit goals, priorities, risks, and opportunities and translate financial information into recommendations that support leadership decisions.
Lead budgeting, forecasting, multiyear planning, resource allocation, financial modeling, and scenario analysis for assigned units.
Prepare executive-level reports, presentations, and financial narratives for nonfinancial audiences.
Lead annual budget development and reforecasting, including personnel and nonpersonnel planning, labor distribution, transfers, vacancy assumptions, and multiyear projections.
Monitor financial performance against budgets and forecasts, identify variances, and communicate risks, opportunities, and recommended actions.
Oversee recurring financial reports and specialized analyses for assigned leadership teams.
Coordinate unit participation in University budget planning and align unit priorities and resources with institutional goals.
Lead, coach, and direct finance professionals supporting the assigned portfolio; establish expectations and priorities and support professional development and continuous improvement.
Build relationships with vice presidents, senior administrators, development and alumni relations leaders, finance professionals, human resources partners, and central administrative offices.
Connect assigned units with the Office of Budget and Finance and help leaders navigate University financial processes, systems, policies, and organizational changes.
Collaborate across organizational boundaries to resolve complex financial issues and promote consistent financial practices.
Provide strategic fiscal oversight of the Penn State Alumni Association, including PSAA, Inc. and University accounts supporting alumni relations.
Guide the Alumni Association's strategic financial goals, objectives, business plans, and resource strategies.
Oversee financial planning for budgets, treasury and investment activities, endowments, affinity and revenue-generating programs, and financial reporting.
Support compliance with applicable accounting, tax, corporate, legal, and regulatory requirements.
Provide financial analysis and advice to Alumni Association leadership, staff, governing bodies, committees, and other stakeholders.
Oversee and support the chief financial officer responsible for the Alumni Association's financial operations.
Promote sound financial practices, internal controls, and responsible use of University resources; interpret and communicate applicable University policies and procedures.
Support internal and external audits, annual reporting, account and security reviews, and corrective action planning.
Advise units on financial risks and develop practical mitigation approaches.
Help leaders and finance teams navigate changes in financial systems, institutional initiatives, service delivery models, and business processes.
Identify opportunities to simplify, standardize, and improve financial planning and reporting practices.
Develop training, guidance, and communications to help employees understand financial processes and responsibilities.
Promote effective use of data, technology, and financial systems to improve decision-making and operational efficiency.