Executive Director, Strategic Initiatives

Overview:

The Office of Finance & Treasury at Princeton University presents an exciting opportunity to join our leadership team as executive director for strategic initiatives. The executive director for strategic initiatives plays a critical role in the Office of Finance & Treasury, undertaking major projects and initiatives on behalf of the Vice President for Finance and Treasurer. This newly created role provides a unique opportunity to lead efforts to strengthen the Universitys financial operations and enhance campus financial infrastructure through major projects and initiatives. The executive director acts as a consulting partner, strategist, solution provider, and advisor to senior administrators within F&T and across the institution, including partnering with leaders from the Office of the President and the Presidents cabinet.

The Office of Finance & Treasury (F&T) at Princeton University serves as a central financial steward for the University providing financial oversight for an operating budget of just under $3 billion. The Office of Finance and Treasury is a highly collaborative unit, partnering with offices across the span of the University to support of the Universitys overall mission. F&T provides financial information, systems, and policies that meet regulatory and other external requirements, address the operational needs of the Universitys departments, and serve the needs of our students, parents, alumni, and fellow staff. The division strives to build a culture focused on service, stewardship, and connections, delivering the necessary service and financial tools to implement the Universitys strategic initiatives, provide stewardship of financial, physical, and human capital, and strengthens connections across campus to support key priorities. Our daily interactions are grounded in our values of DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion), respect, trust, personal responsibility, and collaboration.

The executive director is a highly motivated, achievement-oriented professional with exceptional judgment, an experienced collaborator and communicator, an adept project manager, and values and understands the culture and operations of higher education administration.

The executive director will report directly to the VP for Finance and Treasurer, and as such, will be a member of the VPs senior leadership team. In the role, the candidate will contribute to strategic planning within the division and partner with other senior leaders to execute strategic efforts throughout the division and across the University.

The Office of Finance & Treasury actively searches for staff members of exceptional ability and promise who share in Princeton University's commitment to excellence, and who present a diversity of viewpoints and cultures. We offer varied professional opportunities spanning all aspects of financial management, analysis, and processing in support of the teaching and research mission. As part of the University community, we respect the dignity and individuality of each member while trying to foster a sense of shared experience and common purpose. We are unwavering in our commitment to both diversity and community and embrace the variety of talents, backgrounds, and perspectives of all our colleagues.

Responsibilities:

The executive directors portfolio reflects the Universitys and the Office of F&Ts strategic priorities and programs, providing diverse experiences and campus exposure. Principle responsibilities may include:

Strategic Planning and Execution

• Lead the development and implementation of strategic planning and initiatives within the Finance Division in collaboration with the senior team, and across the University in partnership with University leaders.
• Collaborate with university leadership to identify, prioritize, and execute key strategic projects and ensure integration of the divisions strategic planning with University goals and priorities.
• Monitor and report on the progress of strategic initiatives, ensuring alignment with the university's overall mission and goals.

Project Management

• Oversee the planning, execution, and completion of special projects as assigned by the CFO.
• Develop project plans, timelines, and budgets, ensuring projects are delivered on time and within scope.
• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to gather requirements, resources, and support for projects.
• Lead change management efforts related to strategic initiatives and special projects.
• In collaboration with the Finance Admin group, develop and implement communication plans to ensure stakeholders are informed and engaged throughout project lifecycles.
• Provide training and support to staff impacted by changes resulting from strategic projects, in partnership with the Finance Admin group.

Analytical Support

• Prepare detailed analyses, reports, and presentations to support the CFO in decision-making processes.
• Conduct financial and operational analyses to identify opportunities for improvement and recommend solutions.
• Utilize data analytics and business intelligence tools to provide insights and support strategic planning.

Committee Representation

• Participate on various campus committees on behalf of the CFO.
• Represent the CFO's interests and perspectives in various university committees and working groups.
• Ensure effective communication and follow-up on action items from meetings.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders across the university, including academic and administrative departments.
• Facilitate collaboration and communication between divisions to support cross-functional strategic initiatives.
• Act as a liaison between the CFO's office and other university departments.

Other Duties

• Manage budgets and financial resources associated with projects, ensuring efficient use of funds.
• Support in the preparation of reports and presentations for the Board of Trustees and cabinet-level committees, meeting minutes, position papers, high-level correspondence, and presentation materials for the OFT.
• Supervise staff, either directly or through projects.
• Guide multi-organization committees and working groups, (e.g., frame issues and governance structures, develop project plans, facilitate interdepartmental collaboration, analyze data and financial information, develop recommendations, communicate, and present findings), set priorities, and devise strategies for managing the implementation of recommendations.

Qualifications:

• At least seven years of relevant experience, preferably in a complex relationship-based or mission-based organization similar to higher education.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and influence key efforts and constituents.
• Experience in budget analysis, complex systems, administration, and process improvement.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills, including change management.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize and manage multiple complex initiatives and projects simultaneously.
• Exceptional problem-solving skills: attention to detail coupled with the ability to think strategically and act decisively using a data-informed approach.
• Capacity to work independently with high energy and self-initiative.
• Ability to develop and maintain productive, collaborative relationships with senior administrators, campus-wide employees, and constituents.
• Demonstrated ability to gather, analyze, interpret, and present data, including financial information, for varying constituencies and purposes.
• Excellent oral/written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including identifying mutual interests and creating consensus among stakeholders with disparate positions.
• Superior judgment, diplomacy, and discretion in handling sensitive and confidential information.
• Demonstrate a thoughtful understanding of how diverse perspectives contribute to the success and advancement of our organization.
• Ability to navigate complex and ambiguous situations with a strategic mindset, a spirit of curiosity, and a framework for criteria-based decision-making.
• Bachelors degree required; advanced degree preferred.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

Standard Weekly Hours:
36.25

Eligible for Overtime:
No

Benefits Eligible:
Yes

Probationary Period:
180 days

Essential Services Personnel (see policy for detail):
No

Physical Capacity Exam Required:
No

Valid Drivers License Required:
No

Experience Level:
Director

:
#LI-NC1