Assistant Vice President, Budget, Financial Planning & Operations

The Assistant Vice President (AVP), Budget, Financial Planning & Operations provides strategic leadership and direction for the development, implementation, and management of Meharry Medical College’s financial planning, budgeting, and operational performance functions. Reporting directly to the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (SVP/CFO), the AVP plays a critical role in aligning financial strategy with institutional goals, ensuring fiscal sustainability, and promoting a culture of accountability and data-driven decision-making across the College.

The position oversees the annual budget process; leads financial strategy development and monitoring; conducts financial analysis and proforma development for existing and proposed MMC programs; and manages routine financial performance reporting to provide leadership with accurate, timely, and actionable insights. Additionally, the AVP directs financial system applications optimization to enhance reporting capabilities, data integrity, and operational efficiency. Working collaboratively with senior leadership, academic and administrative units, and the Division of Finance, the AVP ensures effective resource management, transparency in financial planning, and sound fiscal stewardship in support of Meharry’s mission and strategic priorities.

Essential Functions (Principal Duties and Job Responsibilities):

Management of the annual budget process, including:

Establishing the annual budget process, timetable, and deadlines

Producing and distributing all budget process materials

Managing the annual budget development, finalization, and implementation process including a comprehensive communication plan and budget review meetings with all MMC operating departments.

Delivery of training for all budget preparation stakeholders and constituents.

Preparing final budget reports for the CFO’s review and approval.

Supporting the CFO in developing and presenting budget information to MMC Senior Executives and the Board of Directors.

Monitoring and reporting on actual to budget financial results at the operating department, college and MMC-wide level on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis. Leading budget variance reporting meeting and the development of budget corrective action plans across all departments and colleges. In collaboration with the CFO, develop financial strategic plans. Develop and support communication and implementation of approved plans. Collaborate with departments and colleges to develop/refine and implement routine management reports using industry standard KPIs across MMC. In collaboration with Finance Department leadership and IT Department, identify system application improvement opportunities and manage implementation of related system application processes, software, and/or programs. Manages the performance of direct reports to ensure their areas of responsibility are functioning within industry standards and achieving annual performance targets.

Director, Budget and Resource Planning

Director, Financial Strategy & Management Reporting

Financial Systems Application Manager

Prepares annual divisional budget and proactively manages actual performance to be within budget parameters. Mentors direct reports, divisional managers, and supervisors in support of continuous professional development and optimum operating results.

                                                                                                               

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

The candidate should possess extensive knowledge of financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting principles, as well as a thorough understanding of higher education finance, accounting standards (GAAP), and financial reporting practices. Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills are essential, with the ability to interpret complex financial data, develop financial models and proformas, and provide leadership with actionable insights that inform decision-making. The candidate must demonstrate proficiency with enterprise financial systems (such as Workday, Banner, or Oracle) and advanced data analysis tools, including Microsoft Excel, Power BI, or similar platforms.

Excellent communication and presentation skills are required to effectively convey financial information to diverse audiences, including senior leadership and non-financial stakeholders. The AVP must exhibit strong leadership and interpersonal abilities, capable of managing teams, fostering collaboration, and driving process improvements that enhance efficiency, transparency, and accountability. A commitment to customer service, integrity, and continuous improvement is essential, along with the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment while supporting the mission, vision, and str