Strategic Finance Partner

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POSITION SPECIFICS ​

The Pennsylvania State University Office of Budget and Finance invites applications for a Strategic Finance Partner supporting the Office of the President and Development and Alumni Relations, including the Penn State Alumni Association.

The Strategic Finance Partner serves as a trusted advisor to senior University and unit leadership, providing strategic financial planning, analysis, guidance, and decision support while connecting assigned units with the broader Budget and Finance organization. This position operates at the intersection of finance, strategy, executive leadership, relationship management, and institutional stewardship.

The successful candidate will establish a deep understanding of the priorities, operations, and financial environments of a diverse portfolio that includes executive, administrative, development, alumni relations, and affiliated organizational activities. The role requires an individual who can translate complex financial information into clear, actionable recommendations; build trusted relationships with senior leaders; and promote responsible stewardship of university resources. This position also provides financial leadership and oversight for the Penn State Alumni Association, including its 501(c)(3) corporation and Penn State accounts supporting alumni relations and the Alumni Council.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Financial Leadership and Executive Advising

• •Serve as a strategic financial advisor to leadership within the Office of the President, Division of Development and Alumni Relations, Penn State Alumni Association, and other assigned executive or administrative areas
• •Develop an understanding of unit goals, priorities, risks, and opportunities, and translate financial information into recommendations that support leadership decision-making
• •Lead and coordinate budgeting, forecasting, multiyear planning, resource allocation, financial modeling, and scenario analysis for assigned units
• •Prepare executive-level reports, presentations, and financial narratives that make complex information understandable and actionable for nonfinancial audiences

Budgeting, Forecasting, and Financial Analysis

• •Lead annual budget development and reforecasting activities, including personnel and nonpersonnel planning, labor distribution, transfers, vacancy assumptions, and multiyear projections
• •Monitor financial performance against budgets and forecasts, identify significant variances, and communicate risks, opportunities, and recommended actions to unit leadership
• •Oversee the preparation and review of recurring financial reports and specialized analyses for assigned leadership teams
• •Coordinate assigned units’ participation in university budget planning processes and ensure alignment among unit priorities, available resources, and institutional goals

Leadership and Team Development

• •Provide leadership, coaching, and direction to the finance professionals supporting the assigned portfolio
• •Promote a collaborative, service-oriented environment that develops employee capabilities, strengthens consistency, and increases the team’s ability to operate independently
• •Establish appropriate expectations, priorities, and internal controls while supporting professional development and continuous improvement

Relationship Management and Collaboration

• •Build effective working relationships with vice presidents, senior administrators, development and alumni relations leaders, finance professionals, human resources partners, and central administrative offices
• •Serve as a bridge between assigned units and the Office of Budget and Finance, helping leaders navigate University financial processes, systems, policies, and organizational changes
• •Influence decisions through credibility, analysis, sound judgment, and a strong understanding of leadership priorities
• •Collaborate across organizational boundaries to resolve complex financial issues and promote consistent financial practices

Penn State Alumni Association Financial Oversight

• •Provide strategic oversight of the Penn State Alumni Association’s fiscal operations, including PSAA, Inc., a 501(c)(3) corporation, and University accounts supporting alumni relations
• •Guide the development of strategic financial goals, objectives, business plans, and resource strategies that align with Alumni Association and University priorities
• •Oversee financial planning related to budgets, treasury and investment activities, endowments, affinity and revenue-generating programs, and financial reporting
• •Support compliance with applicable accounting, tax, corporate, legal, and regulatory requirements
• •Provide financial analysis and advice to Alumni Association leadership, staff, governing bodies, committees, and other stakeholders
• •Oversee and support the chief financial officer responsible for the Alumni Association’s financial operations

Financial Stewardship, Compliance, and Risk Management

• •Promote sound financial practices, appropriate internal controls, and responsible use of university resources
• •Interpret and communicate applicable University policies and procedures
• •Support internal and external audits, annual reporting requirements, account and security reviews, and corrective action planning
• •Advise units on financial risks and develop practical approaches to mitigate those risks

Change Leadership and Process Improvement

• •Help senior leaders and finance teams navigate changes in financial systems, institutional initiatives, service delivery models, and business processes
• •Identify opportunities to simplify, standardize, and improve financial planning and reporting practices
• •Develop training, guidance, and communications that help unit employees understand financial processes and responsibilities
• •Encourage the effective use of data, technology, and financial systems to improve decision-making and operational efficiency

Skills and Experience

The successful candidate will possess:

• •Demonstrated experience providing strategic financial advice and decision support to senior or executive leadership
• •Strong knowledge of budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, resource planning, accounting, internal controls, and financial reporting
• •Experience leading finance professionals and developing effective, collaborative teams
• •The ability to synthesize complex information, exercise sound judgment, and communicate clear recommendations
• •Exceptional written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills
• •Demonstrated ability to build credibility and productive relationships across functions and levels of an organization
• •Strong problem-solving, organizational, project management, and customer service skills
• •Ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with discretion, professionalism, and emotional intelligence
• •Experience interpreting and applying organizational policies, accounting standards, tax requirements, or regulatory guidance
• •A commitment to financial stewardship, continuous improvement, collaboration, and service

Preferred Qualifications

Progressively responsible experience in strategic finance, budgeting, financial pl