Job Description
Associate Vice President of Budget & Finance Policy and Deputy Chief Financial Officer
University of Colorado
Denver
Associate Vice President
of Budget & Finance Policy and Deputy Chief Financial Officer - 39583
University Staff
Description 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.
Duties
and Responsibilities: 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 .
Application Materials Required:
Resume/CV
Job Category: Executive
Primary Location: Denver
Department: S0001 -- System
Administration - 50021 - Budget and Finance
Schedule: Full-time
Posting Date: Apr 20, 2026
Unposting Date: Apr 25, 2026, 5:59:00 AM
Posting Contact Name: System HR Recruiting
Posting Contact
Email: SystemHR.Recruiting@cu.edu
Position Number: 00846760
To
apply, please visit: jeid-917896975458c14f
98400dd619ef0708
Job Tags
Full time, Temporary work, Work at office, Local area, Relocation, Visa sponsorship, Work visa, Flexible hours, 1 day per week