Working/Functional Title
Assoc. Dir. of Financial Int. & Strategy
Position Summary
The Division of Residential and Hospitality Services (RHS) is where Spartans Eat, Live, Play, and Discover. The $325 million division is responsible for Michigan State University’s on-campus dining program, residential housing, and the Auxiliary Sports Group.
The RHS Associate Director of Financial Integration and Strategy is responsible for ensuring that financial information is consistently understood, aligned, and effectively used to support decision-making and operations across RHS.
This role leads the integration of financial planning, analysis, and operational execution across RHS communities of practice. In partnership with the RHS Chief Financial Officer and alongside BFS leadership, the position brings structure, clarity, and coordination to how financial work is translated into action across the division.
The position works closely with financial operations leadership to align financial outputs with organizational needs, ensuring consistency, transparency, and effective cross-functional collaboration.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Financial Integration, Planning, and Analysis (30%)
- Leads integration of budgeting and forecasting processes across RHS and MSU Office of Financial Planning and Budget
- Translates financial results into actionable insights for RHS leadership, supporting decision-making across communities of practice
- Coordinates financial and operational analysis across Residential, Culinary, Auxiliary Sports Group, and related units
- Supports development and communication of meaningful forecasting tools, models, and scenarios to inform strategic decisions
- Ensures alignment between MAU-level expectations and account-level execution
- Lead and collaborate in developing financial analytics
- Lead and collaborate in variance and trend analysis; lead efforts to synthesize recommendations for improvements
- Ensure adhere to policies, procedures, and applicable regulations. Contribute to risk assessment and the development and maintenance of strong internal controls.
Strategy, Alignment, and Operational Effectiveness (30%)
- Leads efforts to ensure BFS operates as an integrated and cohesive unit across RHS
- Establishes and maintains effective operating rhythms, including meeting cadence, planning cycles, and decision flows
- Identifies and removes barriers to effective cross-functional coordination and consistency
- Facilitates alignment between RHS financial planning and broader institutional priorities
- Supports strategic initiatives through coordination, analysis, and implementation guidance
- Oversee integration of financial systems and processes
- Identify efficiencies and process improvements in pursuit of operational excellence
- Contribute to creation of applicable standardized and/or ad hoc reporting and development of performance dashboards
Cross-Functional Partnership and Communication (20%)
- Lead cross-functional initiatives BFS and RHS operational units, ensuring financial information is clear, relevant, and actionable
- Builds strong working relationships with RHS leadership, MSU central offices, and unit stakeholders
- Communicates financial concepts in a way that supports understanding, alignment, and informed decision-making
- Supports consistent messaging and approach across BFS when engaging with campus partners
Leadership and Culture (20%)
- Contributes to a culture of accountability, clarity, and collaboration across BFS
- Models a leadership approach that is both excellent and kind, emphasizing high standards and strong working relationships
- Supports development of staff by promoting shared understanding, continuous improvement, and trust
- Partners with BFS leadership to strengthen team cohesion and effectiveness
- Serve as a liaison within RHS Administrative Operations community of practice
- Communicate financial strategies with clarity, and collaborate within BFS for strategic and forecasting needs
All positions in RHS are designated as critical status. In the event of a university closure, modification, or suspension of operations due to snow or other emergency conditions, you will be expected to make all reasonable attempts to report to work as scheduled for the duration of the closure/suspension. If you have an approved remote work agreement to work a portion of your normally scheduled work hours remotely, you may be called upon to work on-site to serve the MSU community. If you have a permanent, on-going, and/or pervasive condition that may impede your ability to work on-site, please contact the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities (RCPD) at rcpd.msu.edu/get-started.
Minimum Requirements
Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Business Administration, Accounting, Management, or a related field; five to eight years of related and progressively more responsible work experience in finance, operations, or strategy; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Desired Qualifications
- 8-12 years of experience leading cross-functional initiatives in complex organizations
- Demonstrated ability to translate financial data into actionable insight
- Experience with budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes
- Strong communication skills, including the ability to explain financial concepts to non-financial audiences
- Experience improving organizational processes or operating models
- Comfort working across multiple stakeholders and organizational boundaries
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in higher education, nonprofit, or mission-driven environments
- Familiarity with financial systems and planning tools
Desired Personal Attributes
- Demonstrated ability to actively shape and reinforce a culture of accountability, clarity, and collaboration across teams
- Proven track record of establishing expectations for how work is done and holding both self and others to a high standard of execution
- Ability to operate with both strategic perspective and practical execution focus
- Demonstrated ability to build trust, navigate complexity, and foster strong working relationships across diverse stakeholders
- Commitment to creating a work environment that is both excellent and kind, with an emphasis on clear expectations, mutual respect, and high performance
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
Required Application Materials
Resume, cover letter, three (3) professional references.
Work Hours
Standard Monday-Friday 8am-5pm; with occasional nights and weekends.
Website
careers.msu.edu
Remote Work Statement
MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.
Bidding eligibility ends June 30, 2026 at 11:55 P.M.
