Strategic Budget & Finance Leader for Research Enterprise

SRA International; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Carnegie Mellon University invites applications for the role of Assistant Vice President for Budget and Finance within the Office of the Vice President for Research. The successful candidate will shape financial strategy for CMU’s research enterprise and oversee budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning across OVPR and campus partners.

The role emphasizes transparent practices, risk management, and the development of innovative financial models to support sustainable operations and

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in business administration, finance, or related field.
• Minimum of ten years of relevant experience with at least five years in operational financial leadership; FFRDCs, FAR 32.1 (commercial contracting), recharge centers, academic research institute or higher education experience preferred.
• Strong analytical and strategic planning skills; advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with financial systems and reporting tools.
• Knowledge of university financial systems, sponsored research administration, and compliance regulations.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills; ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Advise and guide CMU leadership on effective, efficient, and transparent operational and financial practices to support a leading research enterprise.
• Lead the OVPR’s budgeting, forecasting, and other financial planning processes.
• Oversee data-driven allocation of budgets across OVPR’s units, focusing on rational and equitable distribution of resources.
• Analyze financial performance and recommend strategies to optimize OVPR’s financial position.
• Ensure integration and roll-out of Finance Division initiatives to OVPR’s units and partner with the Vice Provost on work with academic units.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation of budget and financial processes.
• Ensure compliance with requirements and regulations of external agencies and adherence to CMU policies, procedures, and practice guidelines.
• Provide training and guidance to OVPR’s units on financial processes and best practices.
• Lead financial scenario planning efforts for VPR and Vice Provost by evaluating, modeling and contingency planning for different types of scenarios (i.e. enrollment shifts, inflation, research funding changes, etc.).

Education

Master’s degree in business administration or finance

CPA or CRA preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Financial systems and reporting tools

Job description

Carnegie Mellon University invites applications for the role of Assistant Vice President for Budget and Finance within the Office of the Vice President for Research. The successful candidate will shape financial strategy for CMU’s research enterprise and oversee budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning across OVPR and campus partners.

The role emphasizes transparent practices, risk management, and the development of innovative financial models to support sustainable operations and