Strategic Finance & Planning Director

University of Pennsylvania; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 111,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Life, and Flexible Spending

Tuition benefits

Retirement plans

Time away from work

Long‑term care insurance

Wellness and work‑life resources

Professional and personal development

University resources

Discounts and services

Flexible work hours

Home ownership assistance

Adoption assistance

Job summary

University of Pennsylvania is seeking a Director, Finance and Planning to serve as the primary financial advisor and budget owner for the Student Support portfolio in Philadelphia. The role involves developing, forecasting, and monitoring the portfolio's operating budget while translating programmatic priorities into sustainable financial plans.

The director collaborates with portfolio leadership and Budget and Operations colleagues to evaluate resource needs, analyze financial alternatives, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science and 7 to 10 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
• Preferred qualifications include significant experience in financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis within a complex organization, preferably in higher education.
• The successful candidate should demonstrate strong analytical judgment, the ability to translate financial information into strategic recommendations, and experience advising senior leaders on resource allocation and financial sustainability.
• Familiarity with University financial systems, policies, and fund accounting is highly desirable, along with strong communication, collaboration, and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead annual budget development, budget entry, forecasting, and multiyear financial planning for the assigned Student Support portfolio.
• Serve as the primary financial advisor to portfolio leadership on resource needs, affordability, funding strategies, and financial sustainability.
• Monitor financial performance, analyze variances and emerging risks, and develop recommendations for corrective action or resource reallocation.
• Evaluate staffing, programmatic initiatives, commitments, and other funding requests through financial modeling and scenario analysis.
• Coordinate monthly and year‑end financial reviews and ensure appropriate resolution of significant financial issues. Serve as an escalation point for complex budgetary and financial matters within the portfolio.
• Provide leadership, guidance, and oversight to Associate Directors and other Budget and Operations staff and represent the organization on institutional financial initiatives.
• Support special projects, institutional analyses, and other financial planning initiatives as assigned.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Skills

Financial planning

Budgeting

Forecasting

Financial analysis

Education

Bachelor of Science

Job description

University of Pennsylvania is seeking a Director, Finance and Planning to serve as the primary financial advisor and budget owner for the Student Support portfolio in Philadelphia. The role involves developing, forecasting, and monitoring the portfolio's operating budget while translating programmatic priorities into sustainable financial plans.

The director collaborates with portfolio leadership and Budget and Operations colleagues to evaluate resource needs, analyze financial alternatives, and