University Overview
The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.
Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.
The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.
Posted Job Title
Director, Finance and Planning
Job Profile Title
Director C, Business and Finance
Job Description Summary
The Director, Finance and Planning serves as the primary financial advisor and budget owner for the Student Support portfolio. The position is responsible for the development, submission, forecasting, monitoring, and ongoing management of the portfolio’s operating budget and for translating programmatic and strategic priorities into sustainable financial plans.
The Director works closely with portfolio leadership and Budget and Operations colleagues to assess resource requirements, evaluate financial alternatives, monitor financial performance, and recommend strategies for the effective use of University resources. While Associate Directors and Business Administrators support financial operations and provide underlying budget information, the Director retains primary responsibility for budget development, forecasting assumptions, budget entry, and financial recommendations for the assigned portfolio.
Job Description
Job 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.
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…