Carnegie Mellon University · 6 hours ago
Assistant Vice President for Budget and Finance - Office of the Vice President for Research
Pittsburgh, PA
Full-time
Onsite
Director/Executive
10+ years expCarnegie Mellon University (CMU) is a global leader in education, research, and innovation, seeking an Assistant Vice President for Budget and Finance. The successful candidate will provide strategic direction and oversight for the financial affairs of CMU’s Office of the Vice President for Research, supporting the university's research mission and strategic goals through effective financial practices and advising leadership.
EducationHigher EducationUniversities
Responsibilities
Advise and guide CMU leadership on effective, efficient, and transparent operational and financial practices to support a leading research enterprise
Lead the OVPR’s budgeting, forecasting, and other financial planning processes
Oversee data-driven allocation of budgets across OVRP’s units, focusing on rational and equitable distribution of resources
Analyze financial performance and recommend strategies to optimize OVPR’s financial position
Ensure integration and roll-out of Finance Division initiatives to OVPR’s units and partner with the Vice Provost on work with academic units
Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation of budget and financial processes
Ensure compliance with requirements and regulations of external agencies and adherence to CMU policies, procedures, and practice guidelines
Provide training and guidance to OVPR’s units on financial processes and best practices
Lead financial scenario planning efforts for VPR and Vice Provost by evaluating, modeling and contingency planning for different types of scenarios (i.e. enrollment shifts, inflation, research funding changes, etc.)
Partner with the Vice Provost for Academic Budgets and Financial Planning to plan short- and long-term financial strategies
Build and maintain relationships with key university stakeholders, including the Finance Division, Provost’s Office, President’s Office, and academic units
Provide counsel on financial implications of strategic initiatives, growth, program development, and faculty hiring and retention
Oversee the OVPR monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close, including reconciliations, journal entries and reporting
Oversee the OVPR procurement and purchasing, including requisitions, vendor set-up, contract routing, and P-card administration
Oversee the OVPR Accounts Payable (AP) and Accounts Receivable (AR) functions, ensuring timely invoice processing, collections, and vendor payments
Provide guidance on financial aspects of major capital expenditures, building/lab renovations, and other research investments
Identify, analyze and mitigate financial risk to the Vice Provost and the VPR by developing and implementing risk management strategies and communicating risk findings accordingly
Lead special financial projects, system implementations, or process improvement initiatives
Develop accessible reporting tools to support data-driven decision making throughout the research enterprise
Oversee financial administration of sponsored research projects, gifts and endowments under the OVPR’s portfolio
Oversee financial model and administration of high-performance research computing, experimental shared user facilities, and applied research units
Ensure compliance with sponsor regulations and university policies, collaborating with the Vice Provost, Office of Sponsored Research, and Finance
Oversee resource allocation processes, including cost sharing, effort, and space
Lead and manage a team of finance professionals, ensuring alignment organizational goals and delivery of high-quality financial analysis, reporting, and operational support
Coordinate with OVPR, HR and Payroll on hiring, onboarding, and compensation allocations
Provide ongoing coaching, mentoring, and professional development to enhance team capabilities, foster engagement, and promote a culture of accountability and excellence
Conduct regular performance reviews and provide constructive feedback to support growth, recognize achievements, and address performance gaps effectively
Cultivate a service-oriented culture that balances compliance and stewardship with CMU policies and regulations with responsiveness to audits
Qualification
Required
Master's degree in business administration, finance, or related field; CPA or CRA preferred
Minimum of ten years of relevant experience with at least five years in operational financial leadership; FFRDCs, FAR 32.1 (commercial contracting), recharge centers, academic research institute or higher education experience preferred
Strong analytical and strategic planning skills; advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with financial systems and reporting tools
Knowledge of university financial systems, sponsored research administration, and compliance regulations
Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills; ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
Preferred
CPA or CRA preferred
FFRDCs, FAR 32.1 (commercial contracting), recharge centers, academic research institute or higher education experience preferred
Benefits
Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance
Generous retirement savings program with employer contributions
Tuition benefits
Ample paid time off
Observed holidays
Life and accidental death and disability insurance
Free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass
Access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs
Fitness center access
Company
Carnegie Mellon University
Carnegie Mellon University is a private research university that offers degrees in technology, arts, and various other fields.
5001-10000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Carnegie Mellon 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 (131)
2024 (131)
2023 (149)
2022 (132)
2021 (120)
2020 (99)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$488.58MKey Investors
ICANNAppalachian Regional CommissioneBPF Foundation
2025-05-29Grant· $0.45M
2024-09-05Grant· $0.5M
2024-08-29Grant· $0.05M
Leadership Team
Angela Blanton
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Amy Coutu
Assistant Vice President, Enterprise Applications
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