POSITION SUMMARY

Washington University in St. Louis (WashU), a global leader in research, teaching, and patient care, seeks an accomplished financial executive to serve as its Chief Budget Officer. This individual will provide strategic leadership for the university’s budget development, financial planning, resource allocation processes, and financial information systems, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and long-term financial sustainability.
Managing a $5 billion operating budget and supporting complex academic, research, clinical, and administrative operations, the Chief Budget Officer will serve as a key advisor to senior leadership, offering critical insights and strategic counsel on fiscal matters that impact the university’s mission and global reputation.

EDUCATION:

Master’s degree

WORK EXPERIENCE:

Progressively Responsible Leadership Experience In Financial Planning, Budgeting, Or Resource Management Within A Large, Complex Organization (10 Years)

SKILLS:

Not Applicable

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree in Finance, Business Administration, Public Policy, Economics, Higher Education Administration, or a related field.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Direct experience with budgeting and financial management in a leading research university, academic medical center, or similarly complex, mission-driven institution.
• Demonstrated success managing large-scale operating budgets and providing strategic financial leadership in a decentralized environment.
• Experience within a top-tier, private research university or similarly elite, research-intensive institution.
• Familiarity with different resource allocation and budget models (e.g., responsibility center management, activity-based budgeting) and financial frameworks that support both academic excellence and operational efficiency.
• Demonstrated ability to navigate shared governance and work effectively in a highly collaborative, intellectually rigorous environment.
• Knowledge of Workday Adaptive Planning.

EDUCATION:

No additional education beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.

WORK EXPERIENCE:

No additional work experience beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.

SKILLS:

Budget Development, Budgeting, Building Consensus, Change Management, Collaboration, Data Interpretations, Decision Making, Education Policy, Endowments, Ethical Leadership, Executive Communications, Financial Analysis, Financial Institution Management, Financial Planning, Financial Reports, Higher Education Management, Leadership, Operating Budgets, Organizational Alignment, Research Funding, Revenue Growth, Strategic Leadership, Strategic Planning, Workday Adaptive Planning

• Leads the development, implementation, and management of the university’s consolidated annual operating and capital budgets, ensuring resources are strategically aligned with academic, research, and institutional priorities.
• Oversees multi-year financial planning, long-range forecasting of operating and capital resources, and scenario modeling to support sustainable decision-making in a complex, decentralized environment.
• Partners closely with the Chancellor, EVC/Provost, EVC/Chief Administrative Officer EVC/CFO, Deans, and senior leadership to evaluate and recommend multi-year financial plans and resource allocation strategies that support academic excellence, research growth, and institutional competitiveness.
• Develops, maintains, and enhances robust financial systems (Workday/Adaptive Planning), models, and planning tools that incorporate enrollment trends, research activity, philanthropy, endowment performance, capital projects, and other key drivers.
• Provides clear, transparent financial reporting and presentations to university leadership, the Board of Trustees, and external stakeholders, including ratings agencies and accrediting bodies.
• Guides the integration of financial planning with university-wide strategic initiatives, including research expansion, capital investments, and strategic partnerships.
• Ensures effective budgetary governance, internal controls, and best practices across all budgetary and financial planning functions.
• Leads, mentors, and develops a high-performing team of financial analysis and systems professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration, analytical rigor, and service excellence.
• Performs other duties as assigned.