Associate Director, Special Projects

Posted Job Title

Associate Director, Special Projects

Associate Director E, Business and Finance

The primary function of this position will be to serve as a highly versatile utility resource within the Department of Finance, providing broad-based, cross-functional support across all University funding sources. The incumbent will develop comprehensive knowledge of operating, restricted, gift and endowment funds to enable seamless coverage and strategic support across functional areas as institutional needs arise. Under the direction of the Director of Finance and Administration, this position will be a finance partner who can step in to troubleshoot, support special initiatives, process improvements, system enhancements and operational priorities across the school.

The position requires strong independent judgment, discretion, and advanced problem-solving skills, along with the ability to manage competing priorities, identify workflow gaps, mitigate risk, and deliver high-quality analytical support in a dynamic academic environment. The incumbent may track progress on multiple concurrent projects spanning a broad range of financial and operational topics. This position may serve on various project teams throughout the School and the University.

Ensures that projects stay on track within stated timelines. In coordination with the PSOM finance team, the incumbent will help identify and prioritize projects that are most beneficial to PSOM. The position operates professionally and independently when appropriate, while maintaining strong collaborative partnerships with departmental business administrators and central University colleagues. Other related duties as assigned.

• Advances special project and planning efforts on behalf of the Director of Finance and Administration, covering a broad range of financial areas. Including but not limited to analyzing fund groups that require specialized reporting and tracking; variance analysis; multi‑year financial modeling. Participates in annual budget process and ongoing financial monitoring.
• Serve as a utility resource within the department to provide cross‑functional support.
• Analyze data from various systems to produce regular and ad hoc financial reports. Ensures accuracy, clarity and appropriate interpretation of financial information.
• Develop, maintain, review and troubleshoot PSOM metrics, including those related to procurement and Work Day. Partner with school and University colleagues to improve transparency, identify trends, and explain variances.
• Evaluate and research system or technology solutions for increasing efficiency in financial tracking or business processes.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

• Bachelor of Science and 7 to 10 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Perelman School of Medicine

$ - $ Annual Rate

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

• Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts:
  Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family’s health and welfare. You can also use flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre‑tax dollars.
• Tuition:
  Take advantage of Penn’s exceptional tuition benefits. You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance here r dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other…