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Inside Higher Ed · 1 day ago

Director of Strategic Projects & Analysis

Bethlehem, PA

Full-time

Hybrid

Director/Executive

$103K/yr - $126K/yr

7+ years exp

Lehigh University is a prestigious research institution seeking a Director of Strategic Projects & Analysis to drive transformational change within its Finance & Administration team. This role involves leading critical cross-functional projects and initiatives to enhance financial systems and administrative processes, ensuring alignment with the University's strategic objectives.

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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

Financial analysisFinancial modelingProject managementIntegrated ERP systemsTraining developmentAnalytical skillsProblem-solving skillsInterpersonal skillsCommunication skills

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

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