Planning Director jobs in Seattle, WA

FLSA Status: Exempt

Months Per Year: 12

Employment Status: Full-Time

Work Model: Hybrid Available

Seattle University will be one of the most innovative and progressive Jesuit and Catholic universities in the world, educating with excellence at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels. We embrace an intersectional framework for defining diversity in its broadest sense, including differences in gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, generational history, culture, socioeconomic class, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship status, political perspectives, geographic origin and physical ability. Seattle University strives to be a welcome, open and safe campus climate for all who learn, live and work at Seattle University.

Position Description

The Director will possess strong analytical skills, a deep and demonstrated understanding of financial modeling, and the ability to translate complex financial data into actionable insights. This position is an individual contributor role with very high institutional visibility. This position reports directly to the Chief Financial Officer and will play a key role in supporting the strategic planning, budgeting, forecasting, and decision-making processes at Seattle University.

Financial Modeling, Analysis, and Reporting (55%)

• Develop and maintain complex and comprehensive financial models to support budgeting, forecasting, and long-term strategic planning.
• Conduct variance analysis to assess performance against budgets and provide recommendations for improvement.
• Collaborate with the University Budget Office to update the 5-year financial forecast.
• Manage and maintain Excel-based enrollment models in collaboration with appropriate academic deans, the Director for Enrollment Research and Analytics, and the Office of the Provost. Perform scenario analysis as needed to support enrollment decision-making.
• Develop and manage a process for evaluating campus initiatives and investment requests from an ROI perspective. Roll out the new process in partnership with the Provost and the CFO.
• Maintain and analyze financial peer data. Compare data to SU performance and track and benchmark trends.
• Prepare and present regular financial reports and performance dashboards to senior management.
• Identify key financial metrics and trends, providing actionable insights for decision-making.
• Ad-Hoc Analysis: Conduct ad-hoc financial analysis as requested by senior management, providing timely and accurate insights.
• Investigate and resolve financial discrepancies and irregularities.

Budgeting and Forecasting (25%)

• Collaborate with the Finance Budget Officer and Director of University Budgets to analyze and opine on annual budgets and forecasts. This position does not create or directly manage university budgets.
• Maintain strong relationships with the Associate Provost for Business and Faculty Administration and the school, college, and department-level budget managers. Share data and jointly develop analytical tools to provide greater transparency into financial activity at the school, college, and department levels.
• Measure budget variances, provide insightful commentary and assist in the development of corrective action plans, if necessary.

Decision Support Collaboration (15%)

• Be a strong partner with the Office of Decision Support to analyze and evaluate the financial impact of business initiatives, investments, and projects.
• Provide guidance regarding standard and longitudinal reporting in support of institutional financial analysis and financial management.

Continuous Improvement (5%)

• Recommend and implement process improvements to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of financial planning and analysis processes.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and best practices in FP&A.
• Become a higher education thought-leader in FP&A by partnering with national colleagues and participating in national conferences.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field.
• Strong and demonstrated proficiency in financial modeling and analysis tools, as well as advanced Excel skills.
• Excellent understanding of financial statements, accounting principles, and higher education finance and enrollment management concepts.
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills with a keen attention to detail.
• Effective communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex financial information to non-finance stakeholders.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and adapt to a rapidly changing environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Graduate Degree or professional certification
• Demonstrated progressive financial management experience in higher education.

Application Instructions

Please attach a cover letter with your resume when applying. Job postings are open until filled, unless otherwise specified.

Compensation at a Glance:

Salary Range: $90,300 - $135,500

Seattle University has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information, and not based on a candidate’s gender or any other protected status.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. Seattle University provides generous leave, health plans, and retirement contributions that add to your total compensation package.

Benefits at a Glance:

Consistent with its fundamental Jesuit values, Seattle University offers a wide range of benefits designed to care for the whole person. Choose from three different medical plans, a dental, and vision insurance programs. Protect your income with life, short & long-term disability coverage. Plan for your future with up to a 10% employer contribution for retirement benefits, comprised of a 5% nonelective employer contribution and an additional dollar-for-dollar match of your voluntary contributions up to a maximum of 5%. You may also take advantage of 100% paid tuition benefits for the employee and dependents, a subsidized transportation benefit, a wellness program with free access to an onsite fitness facility, and a wide variety of campus events. Enjoy a generous holiday schedule, including a paid Holiday break closure in December, vacation and paid sick leave, and paid community service leave. For more information explore the Benefits website at: https://www.seattleu.edu/hr/benefits/