At The New School, we redefine the boundaries of education, creativity, and innovation. Founded in 1919 and located in the heart of New York City, we are home to over 9,000 students from over 100 countries, offering more than 135 degree and diploma programs across our renowned colleges, including Parsons School of Design, The New School for Social Research, Eugene Lang college of Liberal Arts, Parsons Paris, and the College of Performing Arts. Our progressive, interdisciplinary approach has earned us recognition as one of the most forward-thinking institutions in the world.
 

Reporting to the Vice President for Finance and Budget & Chief Financial Officer, the Assistant Vice President for Strategic Finance and Analytics will serve as a key leader in financial planning and analysis, supporting strategic decision-making across the university. This role will provide expertise in financial modeling, data-driven decision support, and forecasting to enhance the universityâ™s fiscal sustainability and operational effectiveness. Collaborating closely with senior leadership, the AVP will drive financial strategies that support real estate planning, collective bargaining, strategic enrollment management, program portfolio optimization, faculty affairs, and institutional research.

ROLE OVERVIEW
 

The AVP for Strategic Finance and Analytics is responsible for developing robust financial models, conducting strategic analyses, and providing critical insights that support executive decision-making. This role requires an innovative and analytical leader with deep expertise in financial planning, data visualization, and risk assessment.

The AVP will work in close partnership with the EVP for Business and Operations and COO, as well as the VP for Human Resources, the Provost Office, and other academic and administrative units to support long-term financial planning and ensure alignment between institutional priorities and financial resources.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
 

Strategic Financial Planning & Analysis

• Design, develop, and implement integrated financial models for forecasting, scenario planning, and transaction-related decisions.

• Provide financial analysis to inform institutional strategies, including program development, capital projects, and operational efficiency initiatives.

• Conduct cost-benefit and return-on-investment analyses for new and existing initiatives.

• Develop predictive models to support revenue and expense planning for short- and long-term institutional strategies.
   

Cross-Divisional Collaboration & Decision Support

• Work closely with university leadership to align financial strategies with academic and operational goals.

• Serve as a financial consultant for key stakeholders, including the EVP for Business and Operations, deans, and administrative leaders.

• In partnership with the Institutional Research and Decision Support team, ensure financial models are aligned with university data definitions and best practices.

• Support collective bargaining analysis, real estate transactions, and long-term strategic planning efforts.

Financial Reporting & Data Visualization

• Create compelling presentations, dashboards, and financial reports for senior leadership, the Board of Trustees, and the broader university community.

• Develop and maintain data visualization tools to support financial transparency and decision-making.

• Leverage Workday, Banner, Tableau, SQL, and other data systems to enhance financial reporting capabilities.
   

Process Improvement & Financial Efficiency

• Partner with Budgeting and Planning, Accounting Operations, and other finance units to enhance financial planning processes.

• Identify opportunities to improve financial systems, reporting tools, and data governance practices.

• Ensure accuracy, consistency, and transparency in financial analysis and reporting across the institution.
   

Stakeholder Engagement & Institutional Collaboration

• Represent the university in executive-level discussions, policy development, and operational negotiations.

• Build strong relationships with provost leaders, administrative leaders, and external partners to drive institutional success.

• Support internal and external budget and financial management communications strategies that enhance transparency and engagement across the university community.

• Facilitate cross-functional working groups to improve institutional governance and financial management.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Education: Bachelorâ™s degree in Accounting, Finance, Analytics, Economics, or a related field. MBA or other related Masters preferred.

• Leadership Experience: +12 years of progressive experience in financial planning, strategy, or related roles. Experience in higher education finance, real estate finance, or institutional strategic planning preferred.

• Financial & Operational Expertise: Advanced proficiency in financial modeling, forecasting, and scenario analysis. Strong knowledge of financial data structures, budgeting principles, and risk assessment methodologies. Proficiency in financial and business intelligence tools such as Workday, Banner, Tableau, and SQL. Expertise in data visualization and presentation tools (Excel, PowerPoint, dashboard applications).

• Strategic & Analytical Bearing: Experience with enterprise resource management and large and complex, or higher-ed, non-profit or blue-chip client organizations directly or working closely with them. 

• Leadership & Collaboration â“ Ability to synthesize complex financial data into actionable insights for diverse stakeholders. Strong project management skills and the ability to lead cross-functional initiatives. Commitment to clarity, transparency, and a high standard of excellence. Demonstrated ability to foster an inclusive, collaborative work environment.

• Certifications: CFA, CPA, or other construction, architecture or engineering, a plus

• Other Requirements: Commitment to TNSâ™s values.

WORK MODE

In-Person ⓠEmployees hired for this position will primarily be expected to be present on campus, with periodic and ad-hoc allowances to WFH. In those cases, the VP will exercise judgment in determining when an in-person presence is essential to fulfilling their responsibilities effectively as well as ensuring that their team understands and meets these expectations that align with their specific role and University policies. #LI-ONSITE
 

SALARY RANGE

$175,000 â“ $185,000 annually
 

WHY JOIN US?

This role offers the opportunity to implement some of the most strategic and entrepreneurial initiatives in decades and enhance the education, well-being, and overall experience of our students, faculty, and staff in the present and shape the future. 
 

The New School is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage applications from individuals who are committed to our mission and who seek to work collaboratively with all members of our community.

About The New School

The New School, a leading university in downtown New York City, offers degree and nondegree academic programs in design, the social sciences, the liberal arts, management, the arts, and media. Students benefit from small classes, superior resources, and renowned faculty members who practice what they teach. Continuing education courses and public programs place the university at the center of New York’s cultural and intellectual life.

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