Associate Vice President of Budgets and Planning Search

The University of Rochester, one of the nation's foremost research universities and a longtime member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), seeks a strategic, forward-thinking, and collaborative leader to serve in the critically important role of associate vice president for budgets and planning.

The motto of the University of Rochester, Meliora ("ever better"), symbolizes the continuous change and improvement that has defined the University since its founding in 1850. Steeped in Rochester's rich history of social justice and entrepreneurial spirit, the University strives to be an inclusive, equitable, sustainable, and responsible organization at every level. This is an exciting moment to be at the University: President Sarah C. Managelsdorf began her tenure in July 2019 and seeks to accelerate Rochester's momentum, developing clear strategies and objectives, strengthening the University's commitments to inclusive excellence, and continuing to raise the University's profile locally and around the world.

The University is known for its teaching, research, creative arts, and clinical care, and consists of the following academic units: The Faculty of Arts, Sciences & Engineering (comprised of the School of Arts and Sciences and the Hajim School of Engineering and Applied Sciences); the Eastman School of Music; the William E. Simon School of Business; the Warner School of Education and Human Development; the School of Medicine and Dentistry; and the School of Nursing. The 2021 edition of US News and World Report ranked the University #34 for national universities.

Reporting to the senior associate vice president for finance and deputy to the senior vice president for administration & finance and CFO, the associate vice president for budgets and planning is responsible for the stewardship and management of the University-wide operating and capital budget processes and five-year financial plans which are reviewed and approved by senior administration and the board of trustees.

This is a particularly compelling time to join the University, as it has emerged from the pandemic in a position of strength, both operationally and financially. In addition, there are a number of strategic initiatives under way in which the associate vice president will play a key role in advancing change. For example, the associate vice president will lead a budget optimization project to transition to a strategic and collaborative centered model; will participate in University-wide strategic planning initiatives expected to kick off in the next year; and will assist the organization in adapting GAAP accounting practices. In addition, the associate vice president will inherit a dedicated and seasoned team of four staff who bring depth of institutional knowledge and expertise.

The ideal candidate will be a collaborative and creative leader with demonstrated success and leadership in managing organizational change. The associate vice president will possess a deep understanding of the academic mission of the University and will bring a wealth of experience in budget and long-term planning. The successful candidate will serve as a highly visible trusted partner and creative problem solver, with the ability to work seamlessly across the institution, creating connections and deepening relationships with all key stakeholders. In addition, the new leader will bring outstanding strategic capabilities as well as the humility to operate in the details. The associate vice president will also bring a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. More information can be found at www.wittkieffer.com.

A bachelor’s degree in accounting or business degree with CPA and or MBA; 10 years of progressively comprehensive budget and financial planning leadership experience in a large complex environment; is required. Experience in higher education, academic medicine, healthcare, not-for-profit accounting, or other complex companies, as well as experience with Workday, Axiom and/or Anaplan systems is preferred.

Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or résumé and a letter of interest addressing the themes in leadership profile. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by September 15, 2021, submitted through WittKieffer’s candidate portal.

Nominations and inquiries can be directed to: Tom Quinn, Kim Brettschneider and Sarah Miller at URAVPBudgetsandPlanning@wittkieffer.com.

Institutional EEO The University of Rochester values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity for persons regardless of age, color, disability, domestic violence status, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion/creed, sex, sexual orientation or any other status protected by law.