Director of Budget and Planning

Summary and Scope of Position :Ursinus College is seeking a visionary and highly skilled professional to serve as the Director of Budget and Planning within the Finance and Administration division. Reporting directly to the Vice President for Finance and Administration, the Director of Budget and Planning will hold a pivotal role in leading the college’s procurement processes, comprehensive budget management activities, and long-term financial planning. This executive position is responsible for developing and implementing strategic procurement initiatives, optimizing purchasing practices, managing vendor relationships, and ensuring effective budget planning and allocation across all departments and programs. The Director will have 1-2 direct reports and must be capable of leading strategically while also being able to roll up their sleeves and get into the details.Specific Responsibilities:Lead the development and administration of the college’s annual budget, working closely with leadership and the Budget Long-Term Planning Committee.Develop multi-year budgeting strategies to ensure financial sustainability and alignment with institutional goals.Develop short and long-term capital budgeting plans to support the college’s infrastructure and strategic initiatives.Oversee the college’s procurement activities, including sourcing, bidding, contracting, and purchasing of goods and services.Collaborate with departmental stakeholders to identify procurement needs and establish priorities aligned with institutional goals and budgetary constraints.Negotiate contracts and agreements with vendors to secure favorable terms and pricing for goods and services.Manage vendor relationships, monitor vendor performance, and resolve any issues or disputes in a timely manner.Identify and leverage Group Purchasing Organizations (GPOs) and other purchasing consortiums to maximize procurement efficiencies and cost savings.Conduct regular reviews and assessments of procurement practices to identify areas for improvement and implement best practices.Monitor budget performance, analyze variances, and provide recommendations for budget adjustments to ensure fiscal responsibility and compliance.Prepare financial reports and presentations for senior leadership, trustees, and other stakeholders to communicate budget status and financial projections.Provide guidance and support to departmental staff on budgetary matters, including budget preparation, expenditure tracking, and financial reporting.Stay abreast of industry trends, regulatory changes, and best practices in procurement and budget management to inform strategic decision-making and ensure compliance with relevant policies and regulations.Embrace and advocate for technology solutions that enhance procurement and budget management processes.Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree in business administration, finance, accounting, or a related field; master’s degree preferred.Minimum of 7 years of experience in procurement, budget management, or financial analysis, with a preference for higher education experience.Strong understanding of procurement principles, contract management, and budgeting processes.Demonstrated ability to develop and implement strategic initiatives to improve procurement efficiency and achieve cost savings.Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.Proficiency in financial analysis, budget forecasting, and financial reporting.Familiarity with procurement software, enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, and financial management tools.Passion for technology and its application in procurement and budget management.Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.Commitment to upholding ethical standards, integrity, and transparency in all procurement and budgeting activities.

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