Director of Financial Planning and Analysis, Data Analytics, and Project Management - Athletics

Job Details

The Department of Athletics at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for a Director of Financial Planning and Analysis, Data Analytics, and Project Management.

About the Opportunity

This Director of Financial Planning and Analysis, Data Analytics, and Project Management will report directly to the Senior Deputy Athletics Director and is responsible for providing comprehensive financial, data, and project management support for Athletics by performing financial reporting, reconciliations, variance analysis, budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning while ensuring data accuracy, strong internal controls, and regulatory compliance. The position will also be responsible for analyzing financial and operational data to develop dashboards, key performance indicators (KPIs), and reports that identify trends, risks, and opportunities, supporting improved efficiency and informed, data driven decision making.

What You'll Do

Accounting & Financial Analysis

• Perform financial reporting, reconciliations, and variance analysis
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes
• Ensure accuracy and integrity of financial data and compliance with internal controls
• Analyze financial performance and provide actionable insights

Data Analytics

• Collect, clean, and analyze large datasets to support business decision-making
• Develop dashboards, models, and reports to track key performance indicators (KPIs)
• Identify trends, anomalies, and opportunities for efficiency improvements
• Monthly and quarterly financial reporting and analysis to senior leadership and support for budgeting by sport
• Translate complex data into clear, concise insights for stakeholders

Project Management

• Plan, coordinate, and execute cross-functional projects from initiation to completion
• Track project timelines, deliverables, and budgets
• Communicate progress, risks, and outcomes to stakeholders
• Drive process improvements and operational efficiencies

Compliance, Risk Management & Governance

• Support internal controls, audit processes, and risk mitigation efforts across athletics operations.
• Ensure accurate and timely reporting for NCAA, conference, institutional, and external stakeholders.
• Provide fiscal policy development, particularly those related to NCAA rules compliance as well as overseeing implementation of these policies. Develop and implement operational policies, procedures, practices and standards that ensure optimal efficiencies of the athletic business office.
• Develop, prepare and present financial reports as needed to various groups both internal and external to the University. Complete and ensure compliance with all internal and external financial reporting including financial reports to the NCAA and the U.S. Department of Education.
• Provide University senior administration and Director of Athletics relevant financial projections and analysis, including those related to the NCAA dashboard indicators. Prepare and present the financial pro forma for the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics to the President and the University Planning Committee.
• Assist Senior Deputy Athletics Director in assessing financial and reputational risk related to strategic decisions.
• Ensure compliance with institutional policies, conference regulations, NCAA rules, and state/federal requirements.
• Direct and supervise members of the Business Office, as directed by the Senior Deputy Athletic Director. Monitor work schedules, times sheets, leave requests and overtime; responsible for hiring, training and evaluations. Serve as the liaison between the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and appropriate University administrators regarding budget and financial matters.
• Serve as liaison with internal, external, and legislative auditors.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned by the Senior Deputy Athletics Director.
• Maintain knowledge of and comply with all rules, regulations, policies and guidelines of West Virginia University, the Big 12 Conference and the NCAA; must adhere to NCAA Bylaw 11.1 Conduct of Athletic Personnel. Failure to adhere to these policies will result in appropriate disciplinary action including possible suspension and termination.
• Demonstrate a cooperative attitude towards all sports within the intercollegiate athletic program.
• Represent the University on the highest professional level with dignity, integrity, and strength of character and will exhibit ethical behavior; must respect the rights and dignity of individuals with sensitivity to problems that may arise from racial, ethnical and sexual orientation differences.
• Possess the ability to adapt to any situation, make decisions and work independently; position must have the ability to build and maintain relationships with student-athletes, coaches, staff members and contractors; required to use creative abilities to develop new techniques and approaches in dealing with many issues controlled by this position; responsibilities of the position are ever-changing and require constant research and education; requires the ability to adapt to any situation and make decisions.
• Manage sensitive and confidential information related to student-athletes, coaches and staff utilizing discretion and correct decisions. Failure to use proper discretion at required level could result in major and significant embarrassment to the University and/or have a significant impact on image, revenues and eligibility of student-athletes.
• Manage professional and personal time to handle time sensitive-issues, tight deadlines, extended hours beyond the normal workday, weekend work, regular travel in-season and on-call availability.
• Faithfully and diligently execute related duties of the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, as requested or assigned by the Director of Athletics.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, management, business analytics, or related field
• A minimum of five (5) years of experience involving: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, advanced formulas, data modeling; VBA/macros a plus); Experience with data analysis tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau, SQL, or similar)
• Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.
• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA, CMA, or PMP certification (or progress toward certification)
• Experience with Power 4 athletic programs or significant private sector experience
• Experience working with ERP systems or financial software
• Familiarity with automation tools and data visualization platforms