Director of Financial Planning and Analysis, Data Analytics, and Project Management - Athletics

About the role

This Director of Financial Planning and Analysis, Data Analytics, and Project Management will report directly to the Senior Deputy Athletics Director and is responsible for providing comprehensive financial, data, and project management support for Athletics.

Responsibilities

• Perform financial reporting, reconciliations, and variance analysis

• Support budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes

• Ensure accuracy and integrity of financial data and compliance with internal controls

• Analyze financial performance and provide actionable insights

• Collect, clean, and analyze large datasets to support business decision-making

• Develop dashboards, models, and reports to track key performance indicators (KPIs)

• Identify trends, anomalies, and opportunities for efficiency improvements

• Monthly and quarterly financial reporting and analysis to senior leadership and support for budgeting by sport

• Translate complex data into clear, concise insights for stakeholders

• Plan, coordinate, and execute cross-functional projects from initiation to completion

• Track project timelines, deliverables, and budgets

• Communicate progress, risks, and outcomes to stakeholders

• Drive process improvements and operational efficiencies

• Support internal controls, audit processes, and risk mitigation efforts

• Ensure accurate and timely reporting for NCAA, conference, institutional, and external stakeholders

• Provide fiscal policy development, particularly those related to NCAA rules compliance as well as overseeing implementation of these policies

• Develop and implement operational policies, procedures, practices and standards that ensure optimal efficiencies of the athletic business office

• Prepare and present financial reports as needed to various groups both internal and external to the University

• Complete and ensure compliance with all internal and external financial reporting including financial reports to the NCAA and the U.S. Department of Education

• Provide University senior administration and Director of Athletics relevant financial projections and analysis, including those related to the NCAA dashboard indicators

• Prepare and present the financial pro forma for the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics to the President and the University Planning Committee

• Assist Senior Deputy Athletics Director in assessing financial and reputational risk related to strategic decisions

• Ensure compliance with institutional policies, conference regulations, NCAA rules, and state/federal requirements

• Direct and supervise members of the Business Office, as directed by the Senior Deputy Athletic Director

• Maintain knowledge of and comply with all rules, regulations, policies and guidelines of West Virginia University, the Big 12 Conference and the NCAA

• Manage sensitive and confidential information related to student-athletes, coaches and staff utilizing discretion and correct decisions

• Manage professional and personal time to handle time sensitive-issues, tight deadlines, extended hours beyond the normal workday, weekend work, regular travel in-season and on-call availability

• Manage personnel

• Make administrative / procedural decisions and judgments

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, management, business analytics, or related field

• A minimum of five (5) years of experience involving:

  • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, advanced formulas, data modeling; VBA/macros a plus)

  • Experience with data analysis tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau, SQL, or similar)

Skills & Abilities

• Strong knowledge of accounting principles and financial processes

• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities

• Excellent communication and presentation skills

• High attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities

• Highly detail-oriented and accuracy-driven

• Proactive and self-motivated

• Ability to bridge finance and data to drive decisions

• Proven project management experience and organizational skills

• Maintain high standard of ethics and integrity related to intercollegiate athletics

• Demonstrated knowledge of correct English, grammar, spelling, punctuation and sentence structure

• Demonstrated ability in public speaking skills

• Demonstrated ability to function professionally under high stress and confrontational circumstances

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks for extended period of time

• Demonstrated ability to independently plan and organize work

• Proactive attitude towards work and assignments

• Demonstrated ability to maintain and develop personal contacts with outside groups, i.e. student-athletes, sponsors, fans, donors, University community

• Demonstrated interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community

• Demonstrated knowledge of record keeping and adherence to schedule

• Ability to stay abreast of information impacting the affected area

• Demonstrated ability to maintain proper unit attendance and punctuality standards, work extended hours including nights and weekends (often with extensive walking and standing)

• Demonstrated ability to manage personnel

• Preferred Qualifications: CPA, CMA, or PMP certification (or progress toward certification), Experience with Power 4 athletic programs or significant private sector experience, Experience working with ERP systems or financial software, Familiarity with automation tools and data visualization platforms

Pay

The salary range for this position is $90,000 - $110,000 annually.

Schedule

The position is full-time.