Director of Budget, Planning & Analysis

University of California, Davis; Sacramento (CA); Hybrid; USD 126,000 - 268,000; Full time

Job summary

UC Davis Health seeks a Director of Budget, Planning & Analysis to lead the enterprise budgeting process, provide strategic financial direction, and advise executive leadership on operating priorities. The role oversees system governance, analytics, and staffing in a 100% hybrid model across the UC Davis Health enterprise.

The position partners with the CEO, CFO, Deans, and department leaders to align budget with institutional strategy, manage long-range forecasts, and drive performance

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• 8-10 years of progressive, management-level administrative leadership in a large, complex organization.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills with senior leadership.

Responsibilities

• Execute the annual operating budget and provide governance for budgeting processes.
• Lead executive-level financial planning strategy and present recommendations.
• Manage staff goals, performance management, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Govern enterprise budgeting systems and analytics; sponsor new planning capabilities.
• Support external audits and cross-institution initiatives; collaborate with campus leadership.

Skills

Budget management

Financial analysis

Strategic leadership

Executive communication

Stakeholder management

Healthcare administration

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, Information Systems, Health Care Administration, or related field

MBA / MHA / CPA / CMA or equivalent

Tools

EPSi Budget Module

Axiom Budget module

StrataJazz

Job description

UC Davis Medical Center

Sacramento, CA

Director of Budget, Planning & Analysis

The Director of Budget, Planning, & Analysis provides enterprise leadership for the Budget, Planning, & Analysis (BPA) department for UC Davis Health (UCDH), which includes the UC Davis Medical Center (UCDMC), the School of Medicine (SOM) and School of Nursing (SON). The Director is accountable for establishing the strategic direction, governance, policies, methodologies, and operational framework for the organization’s financial planning process.

The Director leads the development and execution of the annual operating budget and management reporting functions. This position serves as the principal advisor to executive leadership on operating budget processes and methodologies to support organizational priorities. This position requires the ability to analyze and interpret financial data, develop short and long-range income and expense projections, and implement budget planning strategies. This position also oversees monthly expense tracking and budget variance analysis.

The incumbent develops and maintains strong collaborative relationships with executive leadership, including the CEO, Chief Financial Officer, the Deans of SOM and SON, all Associate and Assistant Directors within UCDMC, Chief Administrative Officers (CAO) within the SOM and all departments within UC Davis Health (UCDH). This position represents Budget, Planning & Analysis on enterprise initiatives, executive committees and cross-functional strategic projects.

Apply By: Sunday, September 13, 2026 by 11:59p Pacific; screening and selection can begin any time

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, Information Systems, Health Care Administration, or related field or a combination of experience, education or training.
• 8-10 years of progressive, management-level administrative leadership in a large, complex organization, preferably in higher education or academic health.
• Must be able to communicate well in a highly visible public forum; must have physical and emotional stamina to thrive in a result driven environment; must have a professional and polished presence in person and virtually; must have experience partnering with diverse populations by demonstrating cultural sensitivity/awareness and flexibility.
• Scope and complexity of funding responsibilities – This position works directly with the UCDH’s leadership and key staff throughout the UC system. It requires a high level of expertise and knowledge in the area of accounting, financial analysis, and budgeting.
• The position requires in-depth financial knowledge, management skills, strong analytical abilities and understanding of hospital operations. Financial knowledge includes:
• Advanced knowledge of financial and accounting principles, ability to read and interpret financial and statistical reports.
• In depth knowledge of budget systems such as: EPSi Budget Module, Axiom Budget module and/or StrataJazz
• Ability to analyze and project fiscal impact of changes in hospital activity and/or trends.
• Ability to identify information sources from both within and outside the institution and apply that data to develop in-depth financial models.
• Ability to develop a team of analysts to perform advanced analysis using a variety of computer applications.
• Ability to explain complex calculations in a simplified manner.
• Strong management skills with a team orientation.
• Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of the organization and present complex Financial concepts effectively to a non-financial audience. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to develop positive professional relationships with all levels of the organization.
• Ability to make sound decisions and employee effective problem-solving techniques to analyze complex problems or information in an objective manner, derive logical conclusions, and initiate appropriate actions for effective resolution and follow through.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree (MBA, MHA, CPA, CMA) or equivalent.

Leadership Competencies

1. Strategic financial leadership
2. Executive communication and influence
3. Organizational change leadership
4. Enterprise collaboration
5. Talent development
6. Financial systems governance
7. Enterprise decision support
8. Negotiation and conflict resolution

Key Responsibilities

35% - Budget and Financial Planning

Responsible for the execution of the UCDH annual operating budget. Develop and manage budget policies, timelines and procedures. Establish enterprise budget policies, governance structure, planning assumptions, methodologies and annual planning calendar. Lead enterprise resource allocation recommendations supporting organizational priorities. Recommend planning assumptions to executive leadership based upon reimbursement, volume, labor, inflation and regulatory trends. Ensure alignment between operating budgets, capital planning, workforce planning and forecasting.

20% - Executive Leadership

Advise executive and operational leadership regarding financial planning strategy. Present financial planning recommendations. Resolve complex financial planning issues requiring enterprise level decisions. Represent Budget Planning & Analysis on health system initiatives.

20% - Management of Staff & Resources

Establish departmental goals, priorities, performance expectations and service standards. Develop managers and staff through coaching, mentoring and performance management. Allocate department resources to meet organizational priorities. Promote collaboration across all functions of Financial Planning & Analysis, Finance & Accounting and Revenue Cycle. Foster continuous improvement throughout the department.

15% - Financial Planning Systems and Analytics

Establish governance for the enterprise budgeting and planning system. Prioritize system enhancements that support organizational strategy. Sponsor implementation of new planning capabilities, models and analytics.

10% - Initiatives and Relationships

Lead financial planning support for new programs and business initiatives. Represent Budget Planning & Analysis during external audits. Collaborate with Davis Campus leadership, consultants and external benchmarking organizations, as needed.

Department Overview

Budget, Planning & Analysis delivers complex analytical support, key performance indicators, and financial plans to assist in the delivery of actionable measures in alignment with the vision, mission, and goals of UC Davis Health.

Position Information

• Full Salary Grade Range: $125,600 - $268,000
• Salary Frequency: Annual, paid monthly in arrears
• Salary Grade: Grade 27
• UC Job Title: FINANCIAL ANL MGR 2
• UC Job Code: 000213
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100
• Shift (Work Schedule): TBD
• Location: UCDHAS Building (HSP165)
• Union Representation: 99 - Non-Represented (PPSM)
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is hybrid (mix of on-site and remote work)

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility by visiting UCnet Benefits Page or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we’re committed to solving life’s most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

To view the University of California’s Anti‑Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks

Job ID #88227