APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process . Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants .
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants .
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…