Sr. Associate Strategic Initiatives (Finance and Administration)

The Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore (MD)

Hybrid

USD 102,000 - 179,000

Full time

2 days ago

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Job summary

Johns Hopkins University is seeking a Sr. Associate Strategic Initiatives within University Student Services Finance. The role leads strategic financial leadership, builds complex models, and provides decision support across capital and operating plans.

You will drive executive-level reporting and collaborate with university leadership to optimize the USS portfolio. Responsibilities include developing driver-based forecasts, overseeing external consultants, and ensuring data integrity for

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.
7+ years in financial analysis, planning, or consulting.
Strong proficiency in financial modeling and data visualization.

Responsibilities

Lead strategic financial leadership and decision support for USS Finance.
Develop driver-based models, multi-year forecasts, and scenario analyses.

Skills

Advanced financial modeling

Excel

Power BI

Power Automate

Stakeholder communication

Driver-based planning

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Oracle

Workday

SAP

Job description

University Student Services (USS) is a division of Johns Hopkins University supporting all ten academic divisions. The USS Finance team serves as a strategic partner across the University, leading finance and enterprise reporting for a broad portfolio of student-facing services. USS manages a complex and highly visible operating and capital portfolio, including major initiatives such as the Housing and Dining Improvement Plan. The division supports a wide range of functions including Student Affairs & Auxiliaries, Admissions and Financial Aid, Student Health and Well-Being, and Enrollment & Registrar services.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

Strategic Financial Leadership & Decision Support

Serve as a trusted advisor to the Sr. Associate Vice Provost, Finance & Administration, and other USS leaders on financial strategy and initiatives.
Translate financial and operational data into clear, actionable recommendations that influence executive decision-making.
Lead financial analyses evaluating performance, cost structures, resource allocation, and long-term sustainability across the USS portfolio.
Provide independent thought leadership on financial trade-offs, opportunities, and emerging risks.
Represent USS Finance in high-level meetings with Divisional Business Officers, Central Budget Office, and University leadership.

Enterprise Financial Planning & Analysis

Serve as USS’s lead financial modeling resource, developing complex scenario analyses and decision support frameworks that evaluate strategic alternatives, financial sustainability, and long-term impact.
Oversee external consultants and third-party partners supporting financial modeling and analytical initiatives.
Lead the development of integrated, driver-based financial models, multi-year forecasts, and sensitivity analyses to support strategic initiatives, capital investments, program expansion opportunities, operating model changes, and long-range financial planning.
Evaluate funding strategies, financial risk, return on investment, and long-term sustainability for strategic programs, initiatives, and capital projects.
Ensure the integrity, accuracy, and consistency of financial data, assumptions, and analyses used to inform strategic decision-making.

Reporting, Analytics & Transformation

Lead the design and evolution of executive-level financial reporting, dashboards, and analytics, enhancing the quality, accessibility, and strategic value of information provided to senior stakeholders.
Drive the adoption of automation and reporting enhancements using tools such as Power Automate and Power BI.
Communicate complex financial and operational analysis into a clear, persuasive, and actionable manner for executive and non-technical audiences.

Data Strategy & Financial Systems

Leverage enterprise systems for budgeting, forecasting, and long-range planning, for advanced financial reporting and data extraction.
Provide recommendations on data structures, system enhancements, and reporting tools to support complex, multi-dimensional analysis.
Ensure high standards of data governance, accuracy, and usability across financial outputs.
Support the development of analytical methods and tools that improve planning and forecasting support across the division.

Leadership & Impact Profile

Operates with a high degree of independence, managing a portfolio of complex, high-visibility projects.
Influences decision‑making at senior levels without direct authority.
Builds strong, trusted relationships across finance, operations, and University leadership.
Demonstrates executive‑level communication skills and the ability to distill complexity into clarity.
Acts as a change agent, driving continuous improvement in financial processes, tools, and insights.
Brings a forward‑looking, strategic mindset to identify risks, opportunities, and emerging trends.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

Exceptional analytical skills.
Expert‑level Excel, data analysis, and the development of scalable, auditable reporting solutions that support complex strategic decision‑making.
Ability to independently manage complex, large‑scale projects from start to finish; proactively identifies solutions to challenges and gaps in information.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience presenting to senior leadership.
Advanced proficiency with data and reporting tools (e.g., Power Automate, Power BI) preferred.
Strong attention to detail with a commitment to data integrity and accuracy.
Advanced financial modeling expertise, including driver‑based planning, scenario planning, sensitivity analysis, forecasting, investment analysis, and business case development.

Preferred Skills

Demonstrated experience managing large datasets in a multi‑entity environment.
Demonstrated experience in strategic finance, financial analysis, forecasting, financial modeling, and complex strategic finance initiatives.
Experience conducting scenario, trend, and predictive analyses to support strategic decision‑making.
Experience in higher education or similarly complex institutional environments.
Strong familiarity with enterprise financial systems (Oracle, Workday, SAP).
Experience with automation and data visualization tools (Power BI, Power Automate).
Experience presenting complex financial information to senior leaders and diverse stakeholders.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree.
Seven years of related progressively responsible experience in financial analysis, project management, and/or consulting.
Additional education may substitute for required experience, and additional related experience may substitute for required education beyond a high school diploma/graduation equivalent, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.

Preferred Qualifications