Director of Advancement Finance

Job Description:

The Director of Advancement Finance is responsible for strategic oversight of the Division of Advancement's financial landscape. This role manages a complex institutional budget comprised of endowments, spendable gifts, and university-based funds. This role will lead the Division’s internal financial processes—including budgeting, forecasting, and year-end close—ensuring full alignment with University systems and transparency in financial reporting.

As a key strategic partner, the Director of Advancement Finance will provide the data-driven insights and multi-year planning necessary to support decision-making for a high-growth, 240+ division.

This is a hybrid position, based in Providence, RI. The Division of Advancement works in person on Tuesdays and Thursdays (at a minimum), and is remote on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Financial Oversight: Direct the planning and execution of a $40M+ budget. Create sophisticated multi-year financial models and projections to inform long-term divisional goals.

• Process Management: Lead internal budgeting and forecasting cycles. Ensure the Division operates transparently within University financial systems and adheres to all institutional year-end close procedures.

• Policy & Education: Drive the adoption of financial policies across the Division. Act as the lead educator, providing training and resources to all staff with budget responsibility to ensure fiscal literacy and accountability.

• Contract & Facilities Management: Coordinate the Division’s contract management efforts and oversee the financial and operational procedures for the Division’s facilities at South Street Landing.

• Collaborative Liaison: Serve as a critical link between Advancement and the University’s central Budget Office. Partner closely with the Vice President of Advancement Services and Development Support to align financial strategy with fundraising operations.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required (preferably a BBA in accounting).

• Minimum 7 years of progressively responsible experience within a complex organization in a related field such as finance, program management, organizational operations, organizational management, or nonprofit administration.

• Minimum 5 years of experience managing complex budgets.

• Minimum 3 years of experience supervising professional staff.

 Job Competencies

• Comprehensive knowledge and experience in financial analysis and budget planning/forecasting.

• Requires expertise in the field of procurement for materials and contracted services, including Professional Service Agreements, RFPs, etc., as well as in the areas of cash control and accounts payable.

• Proficiency with Human Resources Management database (Workday or similar) and the Windows environment, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, as well as email and calendars. Ability to navigate Google Workspace. Experience working with Adaptive Budgeting software preferred. 

• Keen analytic, organizational, and problem-solving skills, which allow for strategic data interpretation versus simple reporting.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; experience in effectively communicating key data in a user-friendly and concise manner to individuals with varying levels of financial acumen, including presentations to program managers and senior management. Ability to communicate effectively and persuasively with both internal staff and external constituents

• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage with little supervision in a fast-paced and high transaction volume environment with emphasis on accuracy and timeliness. Ability to multitask and work under deadlines. A results-oriented leader with a strong work ethic, a self-starter, and an excellent presenter with strong verbal and written communication and collaboration skills.

• Staff management with the ability to inspire, mentor, motivate, and promote team performance and accountability. Provide appropriate training, support, and feedback to staff. 

• Proficient knowledge of the principles and procedures used in budget preparation, accounting administration, and the development of internal control. Also requires professional knowledge of the theory, principles, and methods of accounting, auditing, and financial management, along with advanced math skills to perform an array of business and statistical calculations, and expertise in compliance with all federal and state regulations.

• Professional knowledge of the principles and techniques used in financial analysis and research, and the ability to convert financial information and outcomes into reports of findings, and develop conclusions and recommendations.

• Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize complex and technical work processes to meet schedules and timelines.

Background Check: All offers of employment are contingent upon a successful criminal background check and education verification satisfactory to Brown.

Additional Information: Please submit a resume and cover letter when applying for this position. Read more about the benefits of working at Brown here.

Benefits of Working at Brown:

Please review additional information on the Benefits of Working at Brown.

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Submission Guidelines:

Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any staff position at Brown University you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application.

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Still Have Questions?

If you have any questions you may contact [email protected].

Brown is an E-Verify Employer.

EEO Statement:

Brown University provides equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation based upon a person’s race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law, in the administration of its policies, programs, and activities. The University recognizes and rewards individuals on the basis of qualifications and performance. The University maintains certain affirmative action programs in compliance with applicable law.