Associate Vice President, Budget and Financial Planning

About the role

Lehigh University, a premier private residential R1 research university, invites applications and nominations for its inaugural Associate Vice President for Budget and Financial Planning (AVP). Serving as a senior strategic advisor to the Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration and the Provost, the inaugural AVP will establish a unified, modern approach to enterprise budgeting, financial forecasting, and multi-year analytical modeling. This is an exceptional opportunity for a visionary systems thinker to transform complex financial data into compelling, actionable strategic narratives that directly shape Lehigh’s long-term institutional direction.

Responsibilities

• Drive multi-year financial forecasts, sensitivity modeling, and peer benchmarking to inform executive leadership and board decision‑making.
• Partner with the AVP for Facilities and Treasurer to align operating budgets with capital financing, debt capacity, rating‑agency positioning, and facilities priorities.
• Deliver high‑impact visual financial storytelling, presenting multi‑year projections and performance analytics to the Board of Trustees’ Finance Committee, Vice Presidents, and Deans.
• Lead the financial data architecture strategy, software evaluation, and data governance practices across Budget and Treasury to foster campus‑wide financial agility.
• Direct and mentor the Office of Budget and Financial Planning, cultivating a high‑performing team focused on continuous improvement and data‑informed practices.

Qualifications

Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, Economics, Public Administration, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).

Experience: 8+ years of overall experience, with at least 7 years of progressively responsible leadership in budgeting, financial planning, forecasting, or financial analysis. Higher education experience is preferred, but not required.

Additional requirements: 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 the University, therefore a credit check will be required. Successful completion of standard background checks including 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.

Skills

• Advanced quantitative skills with proven expertise in building complex financial models, scenario modeling, and translating ambiguous data into strategic recommendations.
• Advanced skill in visual reporting and presentation, translating complex data into clear narratives for executive, board, and non‑financial audiences.
• Advanced proficiency with ERP systems, financial planning/reporting software, and business intelligence/visualization tools.
• Demonstrated capability to guide teams through process, technological, or organizational changes, leading collaboratively across institutional boundaries.
• Strong understanding of capital planning and financing considerations to effectively partner on debt, capital, and resource allocation models.

Benefits

Lehigh University offers a comprehensive and family‑friendly benefits package which includes but is not limited to health care, retirement, and educational benefits.

Pay

Grade: 14‑40 with an approximate salary range of $177,110‑$215,480, subject to change based on experience, skills and qualifications.

Schedule

The duties of the position do not allow for a remote work option; the employee in this position will be required to work on campus where they can be fully accessible to the Lehigh community.