Join Lehigh University's dynamic Finance & Administration team and make your mark on one of America's most prestigious research universities. As Director of Strategic Projects & Analysis, you'll drive transformational change while working alongside executive leadership in a high-visibility role that shapes our institution's future.
Reporting directly to the Vice President for Finance & Administration, you'll serve as a key member of our F&A executive leadership team. This execution-focused position combines strategic thinking with hands-on leadership as you spearhead our division's most critical cross-functional projects and change initiatives, including financial system enhancements, administrative process redesign, and the implementation of institutional programs to ensure greater efficiency, transparency, and alignment with the University's strategic plan. Your financial analysis expertise will inform major decisions while you lead initiatives that impact our entire 7,000+ student community.
Position Number: S83040
This position is a Grade: 12 - 40 with an approximate salary range of $103,300-$125,660 and is subject to change based on experience, skills and qualifications.
Key Responsibilities:
• As a member of the Finance team, perform ad-hoc and routine analysis and reporting.
• Develop financial models related to new strategic ventures or operational initiatives.
• Develop illustrative visuals that support Lehigh’s financial analysis.
• Facilitate the documentation, review, and continuous improvement of core financial and administrative processes.
• Lead the development of material for the finance committee of the Board of Trustees.
• Lead the development of the Resource Planning Council materials including ensuring follow-up on action items from prior meetings.
• Serve as the primary project manager for the most complex, high-priority financial and administrative initiatives sponsored by the VP F&A, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and meet established strategic objectives.
• Lead and coordinate cross-functional teams for major initiatives.
• Lead the operational and change management components of University-wide F&A programs, such as "How Lehigh Works".
• Develop comprehensive training materials. Coordinate the delivery of financial literacy and process training content to administrative staff and the campus community to support change adoption.
• Facilitate smooth adoption of new policies, systems, and administrative processes throughout the campus.
• Act as a key liaison and direct representative of the VP F&A in meetings with key stakeholders, including internal directors, deans, and external partners.
• Prepare and present executive-level briefings, status reports, and presentations on project health and outcomes directly to the Vice President's leadership team as requested.
• Manage high-level stakeholder engagement and lead steering committee meetings to build consensus and drive strategic decision-making.
Qualifications:
• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting or a related field
• Master's Degree in Business Administration, Finance, or a related field preferred
• Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in financial analysis, or administrative operations, with a strong emphasis on leading large-scale, cross-functional projects, preferably within a higher education or complex non-profit environment.
• Proven experience with financial modeling for complex financial initiatives (e.g. systems implementation, organizational change).
• Demonstrated ability to translate complex financial concepts and project requirements into clear, actionable plans and communication for executive leadership.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) or comparable certification preferred.
• Direct experience leading initiatives related to Chart of Accounts structure, shared services, or employee benefits financial modeling.
• Experience with integrated ERP systems (e.g., Banner) and financial reporting tools in a higher education setting.
• Experience developing and delivering professional training content.
Lehigh University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate. We are committed to a culturally and intellectually diverse community and we seek qualified candidates to contribute to the university’s mission. Lehigh University offers a comprehensive and family friendly benefits package which includes but is not limited to Health Care, Retirement and Educational benefits. Information can be found on our website.
Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing an accommodation for any part of the interview or hiring process may contact Lehigh's Accommodations Specialist.
• This position has fiscal or financial responsibilities other than employee expense activity, such as processing or approving transactions; monitoring or preparing budgets; or generating income for University, therefore, a credit check is required.
• The duties of this position may allow the employee to work partially remote as deemed appropriate by their supervisor.
Successful completion of standard background checks including but not limited to: social security verification, education verification, national criminal background checks, motor vehicle checks, PATCH, FBI fingerprinting, Child Abuse Clearance and credit history based upon the requirements of the position.
Only complete applications will be considered therefore please complete the application in its entirety. Once the posting is removed from the website applications may no longer be allowed to be completed.
