Strategic Finance & Planning Director, Student Support

Trustees of University of Pennsylvania; Market (NY); On-site; USD 111,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia seeks a Director, Finance and Planning to serve as the primary financial advisor and budget owner for the Student Support portfolio. This role develops, submits, forecasts, monitors, and manages the portfolio’s operating budget while aligning program priorities with sustainable financial plans.

The Director collaborates with portfolio leadership and Budget and Operations teams to assess resource needs, evaluate options, monitor performance, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science and 7 to 10 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
• Experience in financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis within a complex organization, preferably in higher education.
• Strong analytical judgment and ability to translate financial information into strategic recommendations.
• Experience advising senior leaders on resource allocation and financial sustainability.

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

Analytical judgment

Strategic financial advising

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor of Science

Experience 7-10 years

Job description

University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia seeks a Director, Finance and Planning to serve as the primary financial advisor and budget owner for the Student Support portfolio. This role develops, submits, forecasts, monitors, and manages the portfolio’s operating budget while aligning program priorities with sustainable financial plans.

The Director collaborates with portfolio leadership and Budget and Operations teams to assess resource needs, evaluate options, monitor performance, and