Description

Overview 

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. The Chief Budget Officer is a newly created role that provides 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 economic sustainability. 

Managing a $5 billion operating budget and supporting complex academic, research, clinical, and administrative operations, the Chief Budget Officer reports to the Executive Vice Chancellor for Finance and CFO and leads a high-performing team of financial analysts and finance systems professionals. They 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.

University Finances

In fiscal year 2024, WashU’s operating revenues were $5.23 billion, and operating expenses were $5.08 billion. Our strong operating results comprise $2.55 billion in patient care and affiliated hospital revenues, $978 million in grants and contracts revenue (ranked #2 in NIH funding), $479.3 million in net tuition and fees, and an endowment spending distribution of $576 million. The market value of our endowment was $12 billion as of June 30, 2024.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• 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, dashboards, 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. 

Required Qualifications

The successful candidate will possess a master’s degree in finance, business administration, public policy, economics, higher education administration, or a related field, and 10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in financial planning, budgeting, or resource management in a large, complex organization.

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 similar 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 is highly desirable.

Open to negotiating mutually acceptable terms regarding work location.

Explore life in St. Louis 

Procedure for Application

For confidential inquiries, please contact Nancy Donohoo [email protected]

Please submit your resume and cover letter to our career center: https://wustl.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/External/job/Washington-University-West-Campus-Clayton-Missouri/Vice-Chancellor-for-Budget-and-Finance-Chief-Budget-Officer---Financial-Services_JR90202-1

EEO Statement

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Washington University is dedicated to building a community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment – fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.