Business Manager, The Lauder Institute

University of Pennsylvania; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 76,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious educational institution in Philadelphia is seeking a Business Manager for the Lauder Institute. The role involves managing financial processes, advising leadership on strategic initiatives, and overseeing budgeting. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree and strong knowledge of financial management and reporting practices. Competitive salary and benefits are offered.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical insurance

Tuition assistance

Flexible work hours

Professional development opportunities

Generous vacation time

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 3 to 5 years of related experience, or equivalent.
• Experience with compliance processes and financial policies.
• Ability to analyze financial data and provide recommendations.

Responsibilities

• Manage and coordinate financial management for Lauder Institute.
• Advise senior leadership on board reporting and strategic initiatives.
• Oversee budgeting and compliance with university policies.

Skills

Strong knowledge of financial management

Excellent communication skills

Strategic analytical abilities

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Workday

Job description

Overview

Business Manager, The Lauder Institute

The University of Pennsylvania is a world-renowned private employer in Philadelphia, with a distinctive interdisciplinary approach to education and scholarship. Penn offers competitive benefits, professional development opportunities, and a range of health, retirement, and wellness programs.

Posted Job Title: Business Manager, The Lauder Institute

Job Profile Title: Business Manager B

Job Description Summary

The Lauder Institute is part of the University of Pennsylvania and Wharton School. The Joseph H. Lauder Institute of Management and International Studies was founded in 1983 and offers a 24-month MA degree program in International Studies for approximately 75 students per year, awarded by the School of Arts and Sciences as a joint program with Wharton MBA or Penn Carey Law JD programs.

Reporting to the Managing Director of the Lauder Institute, this position manages and coordinates key functional areas including accounting, budgeting, compliance with financial processes and policies, and partnering with Admissions & Student Financial Aid, Lauder committees, and senior leadership on the financial impact of strategic initiatives and programming. The role collaborates with Deans’ Offices for faculty appointments, Student Registration and Financial Services, Wharton Computing and Human Resources. The incumbent supervises two full-time staff providing Registrar and Travel support, work-study students/interns, and serves as principal liaison to Wharton Computing and Facilities.

Duties Include

• Financial management, reporting, and advising for Lauder Institute finance committee and Wharton F&A
• Advise senior Institute leadership for board reporting and strategic initiatives
• Oversee procurement, disbursement and travel & entertainment budgets and policies for international programming
• Manage payroll and key functions in Workday; manage faculty appointment deadlines/processes with multiple schools
• Ensure compliance with gift agreements; provide spending data to External Affairs
• Ensure accurate budgeting and awarding of Student Financial Aid; serve as principal liaison to SAS, Wharton, and Penn Carey Financial Aid offices
• Exercise sound resource stewardship and ensure compliance with University and School policies
• Supervise two full-time employees
• Serve as liaison to Building and Facilities administration, Computing and HR

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 3 to 5 years of related experience, or equivalent
• Strong knowledge of financial management, budgeting, and reporting practices, ideally in an academic setting
• Experience with compliance processes, financial policies, and resource stewardship
• Ability to analyze financial data and provide strategic recommendations to leadership
• Experience supervising staff and/or managing teams
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with experience collaborating with senior leadership, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders
• Strong organizational skills with ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
• Familiarity with faculty appointments, payroll, or academic administration processes
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships across finance, HR, admissions, student services, facilities, and IT

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree
• Knowledge of gift agreement compliance, procurement policies, and international programming finance
• Experience with financial, student records, and HR systems in an academic setting
• Experience advising senior leadership and preparing board-level financial reports
• Experience managing faculty appointments, payroll, or academic administration processes

Job Location

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

Wharton School

Pay Range

$76,000.00 – $114,845.00 Annual

Salary offers are based on qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they relate to the position and market data. Internal organization and peer data are considered.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any class protected under applicable law.

Special Requirements

Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer. Consideration will be tailored to the job requirements.

University Benefits

• Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts: Comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance with pre-tax flexible spending options.
• Tuition: Tuition assistance for employee, spouse, and dependents; eligibility for dependents at other institutions.
• Retirement: Retirement plans with pre-tax or Roth options; access to a range of investment options.
• Time Away from Work: Generous time away for vacations, personal matters, illness, and family needs.
• Long-Term Care Insurance: Provided in partnership with Genworth; simplified underwriting for new hires.
• Wellness and Work-life Resources: Programs and resources to support health and balance.
• Professional and Personal Development: Resources to advance personal and professional growth.
• University Resources: Access to libraries, athletic facilities, arboretum, art galleries, and events; some activities may be free for employees and families.
• Discounts and Special Services: Discounts on arts, entertainment, transportation, mortgages, and other goods and services.
• Flexible Work Hours: Flexible options to promote work-life balance.
• Penn Home Ownership Services: Forgivable loan for eligible employees toward home purchase or improvement.
• Adoption Assistance: Reimbursement for qualified adoption expenses up to two adoptions.

To learn more, please refer to the Penn HR benefits information and apply through the Penn Careers site.