Job Description:Summary:The Finance Director of Strategy and Long-Range Planning is responsible for providing advanced financial guidance, deploying capital strategically, and leading financial initiatives and decision support. As a thought leader and program manager, the Financial Director plays a key role in shaping the institution's financial strategy and supporting the decision-making processes of Cabinet and the Resources Committee.
Essential Departmental Duties and Responsibilities:- Leads advanced financial modeling, multi-year and interim forecasting, and core financial planning and analysis functions including budgeting, variance analysis and trend insights.
- Conducts scenario analysis and sensitivity testing to assess potential impacts on the institution's financial position.
- Strategically deploys capital to support key initiatives aligned with the College's strategic imperatives.
- Collaborates with stakeholders to optimize the allocation of financial resources for maximum impact.
- Leads enterprise-wide cost optimization initiatives, delivering sustainable annual savings while maintaining service quality and supporting institutional priorities.
- Drives continuous improvement in finance processes; refines workflows to enable timely, data-driven decision making.
- Serves as a thought leader and collaborates with cross-functional teams to implement and monitor strategic initiatives, providing financial leadership throughout the process.
- Stays abreast of industry best practices, trends, and innovations in financial management within the higher education sector.
- Shares expertise and insights with colleagues, contributing to a culture of continuous improvement and excellence in financial decision-making.
- Leads the development and execution of financial strategies for the Resources Committee, providing guidance on key financial decisions.
- Presents financial reports, analyses, and recommendations to Cabinet and the Committee, facilitating informed discussions and decision-making.
- Other duties as assigned.
Requirements:Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
Education and/or Experience:- Bachelor's or Master's degree in a related field (such as finance, accounting, or business administration) is required.
- Proven experience in financial leadership roles within higher education or a similar complex organization.
- Demonstrated expertise with advanced financial modeling, analysis, and forecasting and process improvement.
- Proven track record of building compelling and insightful analysis, business cases, and reviews of initiatives and programs including costs and revenues that support an organization's strategic imperatives.
- Highly collaborative, well spoken, with excellent communication skills; understands how to achieve results and influence others.
- Relevant certifications, such as MBA and/or CPA preferred.
Knowledge Skills and Abilities:Skills:
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex financial information to diverse stakeholders.
- Advanced and demonstrated skills with excel, PowerPoint presentations (tells a story), and gravitas to influence and drive with peers, Cabinet Officers, and Board members.
- Strong project management, process transformation and technology enablement skills.
Knowledge:
- In-depth knowledge of industry best practices, trends, and innovations in financial management within the higher education sector.
- Experience in providing financial guidance to committees or boards, with a focus on driving financial strategy.
- Adheres to financial reporting standards and regulations.
- Proficiency in financial modeling and budgeting software/tools.
Abilities: (Safety, Mission, Ethics and Code of Conduct)
- Follow college mission and vision
- Adhere to all college processes and procedures.
Work Environment:
This role is in an office environment. This is a primarily sedentary role but requires some travel between buildings and departments. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Flexible work schedule permitted.
Physical Demands:
- While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear.
- The employee is frequently required to stand and walk.
- The employee must occasionally lift and /or move up to 10 pounds, occasionally lift, and/may move up to 25 pounds.
- Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and distance vision.
Additional Information:Application Instructions:For highest consideration please submit a resume, cover letter, and a list of 3 professional references which includes name, telephone number and email address.
