Associate Vice President of Budget & Finance Policy and Deputy Chief Financial Officer

Join Our Team and Make a Difference in Higher Education!

At the System Administration office at the University of Colorado, we are dedicated to building a workplace where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. Our office is committed to fostering a culture where employees find community, a sense of belonging, and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to our mission and purpose.  

By joining our team, you’ll have a direct impact on shaping the future of higher education. In addition to the Office of the Board of Regents, the University of Colorado’s system administration includes 19 units that provide essential services to CU’s campuses in Aurora, Boulder, Colorado Springs, and Denver, as well as the Office of the President. While not a part of any one campus, we are proud to serve in the centralized office for the University system. Together, we ensure CU continues to deliver outstanding education, groundbreaking research, and valuable service to our communities.

We believe in creating an environment where the unique experiences and perspectives of everyone are embraced, enriching the work we do and the strategic outcomes we pursue. If you’re passionate about making a difference, contributing to a dynamic team, and supporting a mission that matters, we encourage you to apply and be part of our journey.  Learn more about CU System Administration.

Position Summary:

The Associate Vice President of Budget & Finance Policy and Deputy CFO serves as a strategic advisor to the Vice President and CFO of the  University of Colorado system, providing oversight for the Budget & Finance Policy Office and the Office of Institutional Research. In partnership with the Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, this role shapes the financial and economic strategies for the University of Colorado by developing long range budget strategies, advancing system-wide financial policy and guiding high impact institutional research that informs executive decision-making. This position advises the Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in developing systemwide budget and financial strategies, leading institutional research initiatives, and overseeing the development and maintenance of the University of Colorado’s statewide economic revenue and expenditure forecast, including analysis of state programmatic impacts.

The role ensures effective communication across all the University of Colorado’s campuses regarding CU’s budget processes, leads special projects, and coordinates the review and analysis of items requiring approval by the President and the Board of Regents.   The position also provides oversight of university-wide budget and finance matters, institutional research activities, and special projects identified by the Vice President and CFO.

This position works closely with campus vice chancellors, budget officers, and institutional research leaders. The Associate Vice President reports to the Vice President and CFO and is exempt from the State of Colorado Classified Staff System.

Where You Will Work:

Applicants must be Colorado residents or able to relocate to Colorado within a month of starting employment with University of Colorado System Administration.

This role is eligible for a hybrid schedule, working four days a week in the office at 1800 Grant St, Denver, CO, and 1 day a week from home.

Please note, leadership may adjust in-office work requirements with a minimum of three months' notice before any change can be implemented.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. 

Budget and Finance Leadership

• Serve as the lead budget and finance support to the Vice President and CFO.
• Manage the Budget & Finance Policy Office and the Institutional Research Office.
• Collaborate with team members and campus partners to prepare materials for the Board of Regents.
• Provide system-wide level leadership in shaping long term financial planning frameworks across the CU system.Align systemwide budget practices with the President’s strategic priorities, ensuring coherence between financial strategy, academic mission, and systemwide initiatives.
• Coordinate team in the development and delivery of annual Budget and Finance presentations.

Financial Analysis & Strategy

• Coordinate team on the delivery of CU system and public higher education financial information for internal and external audiences. 
• Lead analysis of statewide legislative or voter initiated measures affecting the state budget and CU’s financial outlook. 
• Ensure preparation of finance materials and agendas for Regent Finance Committee meetings. 
• Respond to internal CU System inquiries related to budget and finance strategies. 
• Respond to Board of Regents and leadership inquiries.
• Oversee the University of Colorado’s 10 year revenue and expenditure economic forecast.
• Lead the development and refinement of CU’s multi year economic modeling architecture, including scenario planning, sensitivity testing, and fiscal risk assessments.
• Provide strategic counsel to the CFO and President on the financial implications of systemwide initiatives, capital planning, enrollment trends, and external economic conditions.
• Guide systemwide fiscal strategy by anticipating emerging economic and policy trends that impact CU.

Institutional Research Leadership

• Coordinate information and responses for the State of Colorado’s OSPB, JBC, LCS, and CCHE on budget, finance, and institutional research matters, in collaboration with the CFO and the Director of Institutional Research. 
• Oversee institutional research projects that support systemwide planning, reporting, and decision making. 
• Analyze state policy proposals and fiscal impacts relevant to CU’s operations and financial position. 
• Provide strategic direction for Budget, Institutional Research, and special projects.
• Integrate institutional research outputs into CU’s long term fiscal and strategic planning, ensuring data informed decision making.

Budget & Finance Policy and Governance Leadership

• Lead the development and continuous refinement of systemwide budget and finance policy, ensuring alignment with state requirements, Board expectations, and institutional priorities.
• Strengthen governance structures and decision making frameworks to enhance transparency, predictability, and accountability in budget processes.
• Support the CFO during Vice Chancellor Group (VCG) meetings.
• Co facilitate monthly Budget Officer Group meetings with campus budget and finance personnel.
• Develop and oversee quality control processes to ensure accuracy and consistency of all work products.
• Coordinate team interactions with campus budget offices, ensuring timely and accurate responses to campus specific budget issues.
• Serve as the secondary CU System representative to the CDHE/CCHE CFO group.
• Lead or support special projects as assigned by the Vice President and CFO.
• Ensure effective collaboration with campus leadership, including vice chancellors, budget officers, and institutional research officers.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What We Offer:

Salary: The anticipated hiring range has been established at $290,000 - $330,000.

CU System Administration takes into consideration a combination of the selected candidate’s education, training and experience as it relates to the position, as well as the position’s scope and complexity, internal pay equity and external market value when determining a salary level for potential new employees.

Benefits: With our unparalleled range of benefits, including top-notch healthcare, comprehensive wellness programs, enriching professional development, and a dynamic work-life balance, we ensure your holistic growth and happiness.

• No-cost or low-cost medical & dental plan options, some inclusive of IVF assistance.

• Disability, Life, Vision Insurance options.

• Multiple retirement planning options including a mandatory 401(a) plan where CU contributes 10% of your gross pay, a 401k or 403b plan and a 457 deferred compensation plan.

• Pre-tax savings plans, such as Health care and Dependent care flexible spending accounts.

• Embrace a healthy work-life balance with ample sick and vacation leave, along with at least 12 paid holidays. This includes a dedicated week off for winter break.

• 6 weeks of parental leave to adjust to the joys of parenthood.

• A tuition benefit program for you and/or your dependents.

• Free RTD EcoPass and free onsite parking at our 1800 Grant Street Office.

• Many additional perks & programs with the CU Advantage.

Additional taxable fringe benefits may be available.

For more information on benefits programs, please review our Comprehensive Benefits Guide.

Access our Total Compensation Calculator to see what your total rewards could be at CU.  (This position is a University Staff position)

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

Please include all relevant experience in your resume to be accurately assessed against these qualifications.  You must meet all minimum requirements at the time of application to be considered for this role.

• Ph.D. from an accredited institution of higher education with a degree in economics or a related field
• Ten (10) years of professional experience in financial analysis, forecasting, financial policy development, and policy analysis.
• Five (5) years of experience in a leadership role, including responsibility for directing a major business function, developing and implementing strategies and initiatives, and forecasting public policy related topics.
• Experience developing multi year financial forecasts, economic models, or strategic budget frameworks. 
• Demonstrated leadership experience overseeing professional staff or leading cross functional teams. 
• Experience working in large, complex organizations, government agencies, or higher education systems.
   

Preferred Qualifications:

• More than ten (10+) year of professional experience working in a staff or leadership capacity for publicly elected officials.
• More than ten (10+) years of professional experience in financial analysis, short-term and long-term forecasting, financial policy development, demographic analysis and policy analysis.
• Six (6) years of experience in a leadership role, as described above.
• Experience working directly with Colorado state budgeting processes, higher education funding models, or statewide economic forecasting frameworks.
• Advanced proficiency with financial modeling tools
• Experience representing an organization in state level policy environments
• Strong track record of building and refining forecasting models
• Experience developing and analyzing the financial impact of public policy and/or higher education policy.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

To be successful in this position a candidate will need the following:

• Expert-level understanding of economic modeling, multi year forecasting, scenario analysis, revenue/expenditure projection methodologies, and fiscal risk assessment. 
• Deep understanding of state legislative and policy processes, including appropriations, higher education funding models, and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Understands Colorado state budgeting processes and economic forecasting methodologies relevant to the State of Colorado.
• State of Colorado legislative and executive processes.
• Organizational and financial structure of the University of Colorado.
• Economic Forecasting & Financial Modeling including demographic trends in Colorado 
• Strategic Leadership & Executive Communication
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills, including the ability to interpret data and identify trends.
• Ability to lead and inspire a cross-functional team
• Ability to anticipate emerging trends, assess their potential impact
• Ability to ensure data integrity, analytical accuracy, and methodological consistency 
• Ability to translate economic analysis into actionable financial strategy
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to foster collaboration and teamwork.
• Strong oral, written, and listening communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and the ability to learn new systems and software.
• Strong organizational skills, including the ability to manage deadlines, coordinate meetings, and prioritize multiple tasks.
• Effective employee management and team building skills, including coaching, conflict management, and accountability.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information appropriately.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
• Ability to manage competing priorities, work under pressure, and adapt to changing circumstances.
• Ability to build and maintain partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.
   

How to Apply:

For full consideration, please attach a resume which includes all relevant experience to be accurately assessed against the qualifications listed in the posting.

Please ensure you check the “Job Specific Attachments” box next to each document on the “Required Documents” page of the application for the appropriate documents to be attached.

Per the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, you are not required to provide your date of birth, dates of school attendance, or dates of graduation on your resume or cover letter. If an application requires additional materials, such as a transcript or certification, you may redact identifying information relating to your date or birth, dates of school attendance, or dates of graduation.

When to Apply:

For full consideration completed applications must be submitted by Friday, April 24, 2026.  Reference checking is a standard step in our hiring process. You may be asked to provide contact information, including email addresses and phone numbers, for up to five references as part of the search process for this position.

*Please note: All application materials must be submitted through CU Careers; emailed materials will not be considered. *

Sponsorship Statement:

We are unable to sponsor applicants for work visas for this position.

Background Check Statement:

The University of Colorado is committed to providing a safe and productive learning and living community. To achieve that goal, we conduct background investigations for all final applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial and/or motor vehicle history. The Immigration Reform and Control Act requires that a verification of employment eligibility be documented for all new employees by the end of the third day of work. The University of Colorado is committed to diversity and equality in education and employment.

ADA Statement:

We are committed to an inclusive and barrier-free search process. We provide accommodations for applicants requesting accommodation through the search process such as alternative formats of this posting.  Individuals with disabilities in need of accommodations throughout the search process should contact the ADA Coordinator at: systemhr@cu.edu.