Washington State University is seeking a strategic, forward-thinking leader to serve as Assistant Vice President for Budget and Planning during a pivotal phase of transformation. Based in Pullman, Washington, this high-impact role includes relocation support and the chance to live in a vibrant, welcoming community known for its exceptional quality of life. The AVP will help shape systemwide resource strategy across an operating budget exceeding $1.3 billion, lead transformative initiatives, and collaborate closely with senior leadership and the Board of Regents. Submit your application today and help guide the financial future of a nationally respected R1 institution committed to public impact.

Another Source’s client, Washington State University, is recruiting an Assistant Vice President for Budget and Planning to join their team in Pullman, WA.   Join a mission-driven, land-grant university committed to global impact and public service. You'll help shape WSU’s financial direction during a transformative time for higher education finance. 

Here’s a little about Washington State University and the position they are recruiting for:  

WSU was selected by The Princeton Review as one of the “Best Value Colleges” for 2022. As a land grant institution, Washington State University fosters a vibrant community of students, faculty, and staff, united by a shared vision of making a global impact. 

Learn more here: WSU Budget Office 

About Pullman, Washington 

Located in eastern Washington’s scenic Palouse region, Pullman blends the charm of a college town with the resources of a major research university. Home to Washington State University, it’s known for a strong sense of community, excellent schools, low crime, and year-round outdoor recreation. With a vibrant downtown, short commutes, and proximity to Moscow, Idaho, Pullman offers a high quality of life and a balanced lifestyle for professionals and families alike. 

Summary:  

The Assistant Vice President for Budget & Planning is responsible for the planning and administration of the system operating budget, both internally through evaluation and development of budget processes, staff and externally through planning and oversight of annual state budget requests and deliverables.  

This position manages the day-to-day operations of the Budget Office, oversees and performs complex decision support analyses and reporting, evaluates fiscal and legislative proposals, recommends policy and procedure improvements to ensure resources are administered with efficiency and transparency, leads and serves on workgroups and committees, and regularly communicates with internal and external constituents on behalf of Washington State University.  The University's total annual operating budget exceeds $1.2 billion, with an operating budget of $552.8 million. 

How you will spend your time:  

University Financial and Budget Oversight  

• Under the direction of the SAVP, oversee budget process and plans to support operations and strategic initiatives as determined by university leadership. 

• AVP is responsible for budget planning, execution, and reporting.  

• Responsible for overseeing the preparation and monitoring of the annual system-level core fund revenue and allocation plan, coordinating and planning of system-level budget development processes, and directing development of tuition projections, mass salary increase scenarios, and other analyses that support the plan and process.  

• Develop, implement, and monitor the non-core funds budget process. The AVP will work closely with the University Controller to align budget projections with actual financial performance.  

• The creation of financial dashboards to promote timely monitoring of operational trends and support monthly or quarterly financial performance meetings with college and unit leadership is a top priority, and the AVP will partner with the leadership team to move this initiative forward. 

• This position provides financial analysis and decision support by performing or directing staff that evaluate financial proposals to support budget goals, institutional policies, and financial viability.  

• Provides recommendations to senior leadership based on analyses, interprets and summarizes complex data and concepts for a variety of audiences, works with university colleagues to manage budgets and provide training and guidance. 

• Collaborates with system colleagues and/or consultants and directs Budget Office participation in advancing university initiatives such as Workday, Adaptive Planning, and new budget models., with a focus on improving internal budget development processes, management, and close processes.  

• Oversees and partners to develop materials for WSU Board of Regents related to tuition and fee rate setting, other student fees, integrated financial reports and forecasts, and state budget requests 

State Budget Development & Deliverables  

• Plan, organize, lead, and supervise staff in preparation and submission of state biennial and supplemental budget request documents. 

• Oversee timely completion of all other state budget deliverables such as allotments, activity recasts, fee inventories, and tuition and compensation models. 

• Ensure results of state budget process are widely shared and understood. 

• Partner with External Affairs and Government Relations staff to oversee the evaluation of state operating budget request proposals adhering to timeline for Regent approval. 

• Serve as liaison to the Governor’s Office and staff, legislators and their staff, the Washington Student Achievement Council, the Council of Presidents, other higher education institutions and other government staff. 

• Coordinate responses to formal and informal inquiries from legislative staff, the State Office of Financial Management, or others. 

• Keep the SAVP, EVPFA and other executive leadership apprised of government actions with impact. 

Budget-Related Policy Development and Training  

• Work closely with the AVP and executive leadership in institutional planning, policy development, and problem resolution. 

• Evaluate proposals for new academic degree programs as a member of the Faculty Senate Budget Committee. 

• Provide leadership, guidance and support for the Pullman student activity fee and Pullman technology fee hearings, deliberations and allocation process. 

• Coordinate the development and distribution of financial information and support for S&A fee and technology fee committees.  

• Track fees, and approval of these fees from each campus with the Board of Regents. 

• In collaboration with the Provost’s Office, participate in review of course and administrative fees. 

• Create and deliver budget training materials to the campus community. 

• Collaborate with the SAVP to support, serve, or lead various other committees, councils, and workgroups. Provide counsel in data and policy interpretation. 

Personnel Management  

• Lead a team of 5.5 FTE with 3 direct reports. 

• Design, implement, and sustain an organizational structure that aligns with and advances the strategic goals of Business and Financial Services and the broader strategic pillars of the University. 

• Recruit and mentor staff; evaluate direct reports. 

• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the office. 

• Promote cross-functional learning and holistic understanding of university-wide budgeting and financial operations among the team through knowledge-sharing, and staff training, development and coaching. 

• Ensure operational resilience and adaptability by cultivating a team environment where knowledge is distributed and accessible 

Qualifications and Competencies: 

• Bachelor's degree in a related field and eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience; a Master’s degree may substitute for one year. 

• Preferred: Advanced degree and senior-level management experience in higher education, government, or corporate budgeting environments. 

• Deep knowledge of financial, accounting, and budgeting principles, including fund accounting practices specific to higher education. 

• Proven ability to perform and integrate complex financial analysis, develop advanced models, and prepare detailed budget summaries and projections. 

• Demonstrated skill in strategic planning and implementation of short- and long-term goals. 

• Experience re-engineering operations, developing policies, and implementing process improvements. 

• Strong problem-solving skills and sound judgment, with the ability to make well-informed administrative decisions. 

• Effective leadership and management experience, including hiring, training, and supervising teams with attention to prioritization and workflow. 

• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, with the ability to engage diverse audiences. 

• High integrity, confidentiality, and a strong customer service orientation. 

• Commitment to continuous improvement and fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace aligned with WSU’s values. 

Location preference:  

Washington State University strongly prefers the selected candidate to reside in, or relocate to, Pullman, WA or a nearby community within daily commuting distance to the Pullman campus. While hybrid work arrangements may be considered on a case-by-case basis, regular in-person collaboration will bring the most success in building the budget office team and interacting with campus leaders. Relocation Assistance provided. 

What’s in it for you:    

Highly Visible, High-Trust Role 
This is a senior leadership position with significant influence and visibility across the university system. The AVP collaborates closely with the CFO, senior leadership, and the Board of Regents, trusted to lead and communicate on complex financial matters. 

Collaborative and Evolving Environment 
You’ll lead a highly respected, cross-trained team in a culture focused on continuous improvement, transparency, and cross-campus partnership. WSU is actively modernizing budget processes, creating opportunities to lead innovation. 

WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes paid sick and vacation leave; paid holidays; medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents; retirement; deferred compensation and optional supplemental retirement accounts. For additional information, please review the detailed Summary of Benefits offered by WSU for AP staff and Total Compensation.   

The anticipated annual salary range is up to $175k - 210k with relocation support available.   

Another Source works with their clients, on a retained project basis.  We are committed to building inclusive candidate pools as we partner with hiring teams. Veterans, women, people of color, LGBTQIA+, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. As you read through the job posting and review the list of qualifications (required and/or preferred), please do not self-select out if you feel you do not meet every qualification. No one is 100% qualified. We encourage you to apply and share your story with us.   

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