Director, Strategic Financial Planning

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, Strategic Financial Planning

Job Profile Title

Director C, Business and Finance

Job Description Summary

The Director of Strategic Financial Planning reports to the Vice Dean/CFO and provides direct support/consultation on decision support matters and represents the school at university budget meetings, ad hoc special committees, or task force assignments as directed. Coordinates with leadership and stakeholders across the school and with select university offices.

The Director also leads the development and management of the $220M annual school budget submission, quarterly forecasts, and 5-year budget model. Participates in management-level meetings with various leadership, manages the capital budgeting process for major construction/renovation projects, and for the acquisition of major capital equipment. Conducts business planning, including the development of risk assessment and ROI.

In addition, the Director provides decision support for all cost centers and business units spanning two campuses including operational performance reporting, forecasting, program investment analysis, strategic analysis and budgeting. Problem solves and makes recommendations to achieve fiscal optimization, stability and sustainability.

Job Description

This position is expected to support the Vice Dean for Finance with financial reporting needs, Board reports, ad-hoc queries, and other departmental strategic projects/ initiatives. Generally, provides decision support for the budget, long-term forecast, and school-level strategic plan.

Job Responsibilities

• Responsible for developing, consolidating, and overseeing the annual School budget process model as well as the quarterly forecast process. Develops and makes recommendations regarding the 5-year budget model.
• Represents the Office of Budget & Finance at both school and university-level budget planning meetings. Provide School-level financial analysis for multiple cost centers and business units, including operational performance reporting, forecasting, and strategic analysis.
• Develop financial reports and standard metrics for divisional analysis and operational use..
• Prepare internal and external reports using standard University tools (Business Objects, Hyperion Planning, MS Office, etc.) along with other tools such as Smartview, advanced features of Excel, and other reporting packages as identified. 
• Monitor operational processes, evaluate cost cost-effectiveness of existing and proposed programs or investments, and suggest alternatives to ensure optimal use of resources.
• Ensure the use of analysis and reporting best practices across the Division and assist with training and development in the departments.
• Assist with the development and implementation of business process improvements and training