We are seeking a Sr. Associate, Strategic Initiatives for a highly visible, high-impact role that serves as a senior advisor and strategic thought partner for USS leadership. This individual will play a critical role in shaping financial strategy and decision support by synthesizing complex financial data into actionable insights. The position requires strong executive presence, strategic thinking, and the ability to influence decisions across a decentralized, multi-entity organization.
A primary focus of this role is developing sophisticated financial models that support enterprise decision-making, long-range planning, capital investment evaluation, and strategic initiatives across USS. The individual will serve as a key resource for scenario modeling, forecasting, and business case development to inform executive-level decisions.
Specific Duties & ResponsibilitiesStrategic Financial Leadership & Decision Support
- Serve as a trusted advisor to the Sr. Associate Vice Provost, Finance & Administration, and other USS leaders on financial strategy and initiatives.
- Translate financial and operational data into clear, actionable recommendations that influence executive decision-making.
- Lead financial analyses evaluating performance, cost structures, resource allocation, and long-term sustainability across the USS portfolio.
- Provide independent thought leadership on financial trade-offs, opportunities, and emerging risks.
- Represent USS Finance in high-level meetings with Divisional Business Officers, Central Budget Office, and University leadership.
Enterprise Financial Planning & Analysis
- Serve as USS's lead financial modeling resource, developing complex scenario analyses and decision support frameworks that evaluate strategic alternatives, financial sustainability, and long-term impact.
- Oversee external consultants and third-party partners supporting financial modeling and analytical initiatives.
- Lead the development of integrated, driver-based financial models, multi-year forecasts, and sensitivity analyses to support strategic initiatives, capital investments, program expansion opportunities, operating model changes, and long-range financial planning.
- Evaluate funding strategies, financial risk, return on investment, and long-term sustainability for strategic programs, initiatives, and capital projects.
- Ensure the integrity, accuracy, and consistency of financial data, assumptions, and analyses used to inform strategic decision-making.
Reporting, Analytics & Transformation
- Lead the design and evolution of executive-level financial reporting, dashboards, and analytics, enhancing the quality, accessibility, and strategic value of information provided to senior stakeholders.
- Drive the adoption of automation and reporting enhancements using tools such as Power Automate and Power BI.
- Communicate complex financial and operational analysis into a clear, persuasive, and actionable manner for executive and non-technical audiences.
Data Strategy & Financial Systems
- Leverage enterprise systems for budgeting, forecasting, and long-range planning, for advanced financial reporting and data extraction.
- Provide recommendations on data structures, system enhancements, and reporting tools to support complex, multi-dimensional analysis.
- Ensure high standards of data governance, accuracy, and usability across financial outputs.
- Support the development of analytical methods and tools that improve planning and forecasting support across the division.
Leadership & Impact Profile
- Operates with a high degree of independence, managing a portfolio of complex, high-visibility projects.
- Influences decision-making at senior levels without direct authority.
- Builds strong, trusted relationships across finance, operations, and University leadership.
- Demonstrates executive-level communication skills and the ability to distill complexity into clarity.
- Acts as a change agent, driving continuous improvement in financial processes, tools, and insights.
- Brings a forward-looking, strategic mindset to identify risks, opportunities, and emerging trends.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities- Exceptional analytical skills.
- Expert-level Excel, data analysis, and the development of scalable, auditable reporting solutions that support complex strategic decision-making.
- Ability to independently manage complex, large-scale projects from start to finish; proactively identifies solutions to challenges and gaps in information.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience presenting to senior leadership.
- Advanced proficiency with data and reporting tools (e.g., Power Automate, Power BI) preferred.
- Strong attention to detail with a commitment to data integrity and accuracy.
- Advanced financial modeling expertise, including driver-based planning, scenario planning, sensitivity analysis, forecasting, investment analysis, and business case development.
Preferred Skills
- Demonstrated experience managing large datasets in a multi-entity environment.
- Demonstrated experience in strategic finance, financial analysis, forecasting, financial modeling, and complex strategic finance initiatives.
- Experience conducting scenario, trend, and predictive analyses to support strategic decision-making.
- Experience in higher education or similarly complex institutional environments.
- Strong familiarity with enterprise financial systems (Oracle, Workday, SAP).
- Experience with automation and data visualization tools (Power BI, Power Automate).
- Experience presenting complex financial information to senior leaders and diverse stakeholders.
Minimum Qualifications- Seven years of related progressively responsible experience in financial analysis, project management, and/or consulting.
- Additional education may substitute for required experience, and additional related experience may substitute for required education beyond a high school diploma/graduation equivalent, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.
Preferred Qualifications- Advanced degree (MBA, MPP, or related field).
- Seven Plus years of experience with increasing scope and influence.
Classified Title: Sr. Associate Strategic Initiatives
Role/Level/Range: ATP/04/PG
Starting Salary Range: $102,295 - $179,375 Annually ($165,000 targeted; Commensurate w/exp.)
Employee group: Full Time
Schedule: Mon - Fri / 08:30am - 05:00pm
FLSA Status: Exempt
Location: Hybrid/Homewood Campus
Department name: Student Services Finance & Administratio
Personnel area: University Student Services
