Job Description
The Finance Division provides strategic financial leadership, stewardship, and operational support to advance Tufts University's academic, research, and service missions. The division oversees a broad portfolio of functions including financial planning and analysis, budgeting, accounting, treasury, tax, procurement, post-award research administration, shared administrative services, and financial operations. Through the Budget Center, Financial Planning and Analysis, Controller's Office, Treasury, Tax, Procurement, Research Administration, and Tufts Support Services, the division partners with academic and administrative leaders across the university to support informed decision-making, effective resource allocation, regulatory compliance, operational excellence, and long-term financial sustainability. Finance division teams provide critical services ranging from strategic financial planning and analysis to payroll, benefits administration, accounts payable, and other transactional support functions that enable the university's schools and units to focus on their core missions. The Director, Strategic and Financial Initiatives serves as a strategic partner to the Vice President for Finance and Treasurer, supporting the execution of key Finance Division and university-wide priorities. Acting as an extension of the Office of the Vice President, the Director advances strategic initiatives through project leadership, stakeholder engagement, financial analysis, executive communications, and operational coordination. Working across schools, administrative units, and Finance Division functions, the Director gathers and synthesizes information, develops executive-level analyses and presentations, coordinates complex initiatives, and helps drive implementation of projects that support institutional priorities. The position provides broad exposure to university operations, governance, financial management, and strategic decision-making. The position is intended to provide high-potential professionals with broad exposure to university leadership, strategic planning, finance, operations, and institutional governance.
Requirements
Knowledge and experience typically acquired by: Bachelor's Degree Finance, Economics, Business Administration, Public Policy, Higher Education Administration, or a related field. 7-10 years Progressively responsible experience in strategic planning, consulting, finance, operations, project management, higher education administration, or a related field. Demonstrated experience managing complex projects involving multiple stakeholders. Experience working directly with senior leaders and supporting executive decision-making. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including experience with financial analysis and business case development. Demonstrated ability to synthesize complex information into executive-level presentations and written communications. Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills. Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent priorities. Advanced proficiency in PowerPoint, Excel, and other business productivity tools.
