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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 initiatives when appropriate regarding the use of data mining and reporting tools and applications.

+ Manages the $70M student aid portfolio, including coordinating with Institutional Advancement, the Office for Students, and the Dean’s Office on policy development and compliance, strategic planning, and reporting.

+ Drives the use of technology, using standard university tools (Business Objects, Hyperion Planning, MS Office, Power BI, etc.), along with other tools such as SmartView, advanced features of Excel, and other reporting packages as identified.

+ Assesses potential uses of AI to increase productivity and information gathering.

+ Ensure the use of analysis and reporting best practices across the school and assist with training and development in the departments, including the use of new technology.

+ Assist with the development and implementation of university and school business process improvements and training initiatives when appropriate.

+ 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. Master’s Degree and 5 to 7 years of experience are preferred. Ability to conduct quantitative analyses, strong analytical background, and excellent working knowledge of spreadsheet and database software. Must be able to conceptualize complex tasks and work independently, prioritize, and meet deadlines. Excellent oral and written communication skills are essential. Knowledge of BEN Financials, Business Objects/Data Warehouse, Planning, and other University of Pennsylvania Systems is preferred but not required.

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

School of Veterinary Medicine

Pay Range

$109,000.00 - $140,000.00 Annual Rate

Salary offers are made based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job’s level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics) , citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law .

Special Requirements Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

University Benefits

+ Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts : Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family’s health and welfare. You can also use flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.

+ Tuition : Take advantage of Penn's exceptional tuition benefits . You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance here at Penn. Your dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.

+ Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn’s Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.

+ Time Away from Work: Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year. This allows you to relax, take vacations, attend to personal affairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time with family—whatever your personal needs may be.

+ Long-Term Care Insurance: In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long-term care insurance to help you cover some of the costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility. If you apply when you’re newly hired, you won’t have to provide proof of good health or be subject to underwriting requirements. Eligible family members must always provide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting.

+ Wellness and Work-life Resources : Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life. That’s why we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work-life balance.

+ Professional and Personal Development: Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally.

+ University Resources: As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of the University’s libraries and athletic facilities, or visit our arboretum and art galleries. There’s always something going on at Penn, whether it’s a new exhibit at the Penn Museum, the latest music or theater presentation at the Annenberg Center, or the Penn Relays at Franklin Field to name just a few examples. As a member of the Penn community, you’re right in the middle of the excitement—and you and your family can enjoy many of these activities for free.

+ Discounts and Special Services : From arts and entertainment to transportation and mortgages, you'll find great deals for University faculty and staff. Not only do Penn arts and cultural centers and museums offer free and discounted admission and memberships to faculty and staff. You can also enjoy substantial savings on other goods and services such as new cars from Ford and General Motors, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and admission to theme parks.

+ Flexible Work Hours: Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments. These approaches involve use of non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures.

+ Penn Home Ownership Services: Penn offers a forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia, which can be used for closing costs or home improvements.

+ Adoption Assistance: Penn will reimburse eligible employees on qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child, such as travel or court fees, for up to two adoptions in your household.

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To learn more, please visit: https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay

The University of Pennsylvania’s special character is reflected in the wide variety of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives of the Penn community. We seek talented faculty and staff who will constitute a vibrant community and help create an educational and working environment that best supports the University’s commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and scholarship. The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.