University Budget Director - Saint Mary's College of California

Another Source•Moraga, CA

3d•$0 - $180,000•Onsite

About The Position

Another Source is proud to partner with Saint Mary’s College of California on their search for a University Budget Director. This is a highly visible role reporting directly to the Senior Vice President/CFO and offers the opportunity to help shape the financial future of a mission-driven institution during a pivotal period of transformation and growth. This opportunity is ideal for a strong budgeting or financial planning professional who is ready to move from divisional or department-level budgeting into broader institution-wide leadership and strategy. The role offers direct exposure to executive decision-making, Board-level visibility, and the opportunity to influence financial planning across the entire College. Candidates will also work closely with an accomplished CFO with extensive experience leading institutional financial strategy and transformation. Higher education experience is not required — candidates from corporate, nonprofit, or similarly complex organizations with strong budgeting and analytical experience are encouraged to apply. Located in the East Bay hills of Moraga, CA, Saint Mary’s College offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within a collaborative and mission-driven liberal arts environment. Don’t miss this opportunity to bring your expertise into a highly visible leadership role with strong long-term growth potential. Internally, this position is titled: Director of Budget, Financial Planning & Institutional Strategy Here's a little about Saint Mary’s College of California: Saint Mary’s College of California is a nationally recognized, private Catholic institution rooted in the Lasallian tradition, committed to academic excellence, social justice, and the holistic development of its students. Located in the scenic East Bay hills, the College offers a close-knit, mission-driven community while maintaining strong ties to the broader Bay Area’s innovation economy. With a focus on transformative education, Saint Mary’s serves a diverse student population across undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. As the College advances its strategic priorities, there is a strong emphasis on thoughtful growth, long-term sustainability, and data-informed decision-making - making this an exciting time to join the institution. Why this opportunity stands out: This is an exceptional opportunity for a strong budgeting or financial planning professional who is ready to move from divisional or department-level budgeting into broader institution-wide leadership and strategy. Reporting directly to the Senior Vice President/CFO, this role offers direct exposure to executive decision-making, Board-level visibility, and the opportunity to influence financial planning across the entire College. Candidates will work closely with an accomplished CFO with extensive experience leading institutional financial strategy and transformation, making this an ideal next step for someone looking to expand their leadership scope and grow their impact within a complex, mission-driven organization. About this role: This is a highly visible, strategic leadership role at the center of institutional decision-making. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the University Budget Director will shape how resources are allocated across the College and play a key role in advancing institutional priorities. You’ll lead the College’s budget planning processes, oversee a $140M+ operating budget, and partner closely with executive leadership, academic leaders, and administrative units. This is a high-impact, director-level role designed for a hands-on leader who enjoys owning the full lifecycle of financial planning - from strategy through execution. You’ll serve as a trusted thought partner to leadership while also driving the work forward directly - building models, guiding decisions, and translating complex financial data into actionable insights.

Requirements

Advanced degree in finance, business administration, public administration, accounting, public policy, or a related field
5+ years of progressively responsible experience in budgeting, financial planning, or related areas, preferably within higher education or a nonprofit environment
Strong experience developing financial models, forecasts, and complex analyses to support strategic decision-making
Demonstrated ability to lead planning and budgeting processes in a collaborative, multi-stakeholder environment
Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to translate complex financial concepts for diverse audiences
Proven organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
High level of discretion and ability to handle confidential information

Nice To Haves

Experience in higher education or similarly complex institutions
Advanced proficiency in Excel and financial modeling tools
Experience supporting executive leadership and/or board-level reporting

Responsibilities

Lead the College’s annual and multi-year budget development process, partnering with senior leadership, the Budget Committee, and the Board of Trustees
Guide strategic planning and resource allocation by evaluating institutional priorities and aligning financial plans with long-term goals
Develop and implement financial planning models, policies, and tools to support data-driven decision-making
Monitor budget performance throughout the fiscal year, providing analysis, forecasts, and recommendations for adjustments
Partner with academic and administrative leaders (including Deans and Directors) to support budget planning, clarify needs, and advise on financial strategy
Build and maintain financial models and scenario analyses to inform institutional planning and assess financial impact
Collaborate with Human Resources on salary and benefits planning, including position control and workforce-related analytics
Work closely with the Provost’s Office on faculty budgeting and long-term academic planning
Support executive leadership and the Board of Trustees with reporting, analysis, and insights on financial performance
Partner with the Controller’s Office on cash flow projections, reporting, and overall financial health
Serve as a campus-wide resource on budgeting policies, processes, and best practices