Strategic Finance Partner

Penn State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University is seeking a Strategic Finance Partner to advise senior leadership across the Office of the President, Development and Alumni Relations, and the Penn State Alumni Association. The role combines financial leadership, strategy, and relationship management to support a diverse portfolio and promote responsible stewardship of university resources.

The successful candidate will translate complex financial information into clear recommendations, develop multiyear

Responsibilities

• Serve as strategic financial advisor to leadership within the Office of the President, Division of Development and Alumni Relations, Penn State Alumni Association, and other assigned executive or administrative areas
• Develop understanding of unit goals, priorities, risks, and opportunities, translating financial information into recommendations for leadership decision-making
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, multiyear planning, resource allocation, financial modeling, and scenario analysis for assigned units
• Prepare executive-level reports, presentations, and financial narratives that are understandable to nonfinancial audiences
• Oversee annual budget development and reforecasting activities, including personnel and nonpersonnel planning
• Monitor financial performance against budgets and forecasts, communicate risks and opportunities to unit leadership
• Coordinate participation in university budget planning processes and ensure alignment with institutional goals

Skills

Strategic financial leadership

Executive advising

Budgeting & forecasting

Financial analysis

Scenario planning

Stakeholder management

Team leadership

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Pennsylvania State University Office of Budget and Finance invites applications for a Strategic Finance Partner supporting the Office of the President and Development and Alumni Relations, including the Penn State Alumni Association.

The Strategic Finance Partner serves as a trusted advisor to senior University and unit leadership, providing strategic financial planning, analysis, guidance, and decision support while connecting assigned units with the broader Budget and Finance organization. This position operates at the intersection of finance, strategy, executive leadership, relationship management, and institutional stewardship.

The successful candidate will establish a deep understanding of the priorities, operations, and financial environments of a diverse portfolio that includes executive, administrative, development, alumni relations, and affiliated organizational activities. The role requires an individual who can translate complex financial information into clear, actionable recommendations; build trusted relationships with senior leaders; and promote responsible stewardship of university resources. This position also provides financial leadership and oversight for the Penn State Alumni Association, including its 501(c)(3) corporation and Penn State accounts supporting alumni relations and the Alumni Council.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Financial Leadership and Executive Advising

• Serve as a strategic financial advisor to leadership within the Office of the President, Division of Development and Alumni Relations, Penn State Alumni Association, and other assigned executive or administrative areas
• Develop an understanding of unit goals, priorities, risks, and opportunities, and translate financial information into recommendations that support leadership decision-making
• Lead and coordinate budgeting, forecasting, multiyear planning, resource allocation, financial modeling, and scenario analysis for assigned units
• Prepare executive-level reports, presentations, and financial narratives that make complex information understandable and actionable for nonfinancial audiences

Budgeting, Forecasting, and Financial Analysis

• Lead annual budget development and reforecasting activities, including personnel and nonpersonnel planning, labor distribution, transfers, vacancy assumptions, and multiyear projections
• Monitor financial performance against budgets and forecasts, identify significant variances, and communicate risks, opportunities, and recommended actions to unit leadership
• Oversee the preparation and review of recurring financial reports and specialized analyses for assigned leadership teams
• Coordinate assigned units' participation in university budget planning processes and ensure alignment among unit priorities, available resources, and institutional goals

Leadership and Team Development

• Provide leadership, coaching, and direction to the finance professionals supporting the assigned portfolio
• Promote a collaborative, service-oriented environment that develops employee capabilities, strengthens consistency, and increases the team's ability to operate independently
• Establish appropriate expectations, priorities, and internal controls while supporting professional development and continuous improvement

Relationship Management and Collaboration

• Build effective working relationships with vice presidents, senior administrators, development and alumni relations leaders, finance professionals, human resources partners, and central administrative offices
• Serve as a bridge between assigned units and the Office of Budget and Finance, helping leaders navigate University financial processes, systems, policies, and organizational changes
• Influence decisions through credibility, analysis, sound judgment, and a strong understanding of leadership priorities
• Collaborate across organizational boundaries to resolve complex financial issues and promote consistent financial practices

Penn State Alumni Association Financial Oversight

• Provide strategic oversight of the Penn State Alumni Association's fiscal operations, including PSAA, Inc., a 501(c)(3) corporation, and University accounts supporting alumni relations
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