Lehigh University · 2 days ago
Director of Strategic Projects & Analysis
Bethlehem, PA
Full-time
Hybrid
Director/Executive
$103K/yr - $126K/yr
7+ years expLehigh University is a prestigious research institution seeking a Director of Strategic Projects & Analysis to drive transformational change within its Finance & Administration team. The role involves overseeing critical cross-functional projects and change initiatives, enhancing financial systems and processes, and leading a team to ensure alignment with the University's strategic goals.
Higher Education
Responsibilities
As a member of the Finance team, perform ad-hoc and routine analysis and reporting
Develop financial models related to new strategic ventures or operational initiatives
Develop illustrative visuals that support Lehigh’s financial analysis
Facilitate the documentation, review, and continuous improvement of core financial and administrative processes
Lead the development of material for the finance committee of the Board of Trustees
Lead the development of the Resource Planning Council materials including ensuring follow-up on action items from prior meetings
Serve as the primary project manager for the most complex, high-priority financial and administrative initiatives sponsored by the VP F&A, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and meet established strategic objectives
Lead and coordinate cross-functional teams for major initiatives
Lead the operational and change management components of University-wide F&A programs, such as 'How Lehigh Works'
Develop comprehensive training materials. Coordinate the delivery of financial literacy and process training content to administrative staff and the campus community to support change adoption
Facilitate smooth adoption of new policies, systems, and administrative processes throughout the campus
Act as a key liaison and direct representative of the VP F&A in meetings with key stakeholders, including internal directors, deans, and external partners
Prepare and present executive-level briefings, status reports, and presentations on project health and outcomes directly to the Vice President's leadership team as requested
Manage high-level stakeholder engagement and lead steering committee meetings to build consensus and drive strategic decision-making
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting or a related field
Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in financial analysis, or administrative operations, with a strong emphasis on leading large-scale, cross-functional projects, preferably within a higher education or complex non-profit environment
Proven experience with financial modeling for complex financial initiatives (e.g. systems implementation, organizational change)
Demonstrated ability to translate complex financial concepts and project requirements into clear, actionable plans and communication for executive leadership
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills
This position has fiscal or financial responsibilities other than employee expense activity, such as processing or approving transactions; monitoring or preparing budgets; or generating income for University, therefore, a credit check is required
Successful completion of standard background checks including but not limited to: social security verification, education verification, national criminal background checks, motor vehicle checks, PATCH, FBI fingerprinting, Child Abuse Clearance and credit history based upon the requirements of the position
Preferred
Master's Degree in Business Administration, Finance, or a related field
Project Management Professional (PMP) or comparable certification preferred
Direct experience leading initiatives related to Chart of Accounts structure, shared services, or employee benefits financial modeling
Experience with integrated ERP systems (e.g., Banner) and financial reporting tools in a higher education setting
Experience developing and delivering professional training content
Benefits
Health Care
Retirement
Educational benefits
Company
Lehigh University
Lehigh University is an American private research university located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
1001-5000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Lehigh University has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (38)
2024 (29)
2023 (28)
2022 (18)
2021 (20)
2020 (19)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$5M2019-04-26Grant· $5M
Leadership Team
Chagani Sajjadali
Lehigh Athletics Partnership Rep
Edward Lopez
Intern for LU/United Nations Partnership
Recent News
2025-11-01
2025-10-03
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