Director, Business Analytics, Modeling & Strategies

The Division of Finance & Administration/Office of Budget & Finance at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) invites applications for the Director, Business Analytics, Modeling & Strategies. The Director, Business Analytics, Modeling & Strategies will lead the development and implementation of data-driven strategies to support the financial planning and decision-making processes within the university. The position involves overseeing the collection, analysis, and interpretation of financial data to provide actionable insights that enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the university's budget management. Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to, Business Intelligence (BI) analysis & strategies; multi-year planning; scenario modeling; strategic planning; and advanced reporting & visualization.

• Develop and execute a comprehensive BI strategy aligned with the university's financial goals and objectives.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to identify key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics that drive financial performance.
• Lead the BI team in delivering high-quality, data-driven insights to support strategic planning and operational decision-making.
• Manage and mentor a team of BI analysts and data professionals.
• Provide ongoing training and development opportunities to enhance the team's skills and knowledge.
• Foster a collaborative and innovative work environment that encourages professional growth.
• Oversee the collection, integration, and management of financial data from various sources.
• Ensure data accuracy, integrity, and security in compliance with university policies and regulations.
• Utilize advanced analytical tools and techniques to analyze financial data and identify trends, patterns, and anomalies.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive financial dashboards and reports that provide real-time insights to stakeholders.
• Present complex financial data in a clear and concise manner to non-technical audiences.
• Continuously improve reporting processes to enhance the accessibility and usability of financial information.
• Stay current with emerging BI technologies and trends to ensure the university's BI capabilities remain cutting-edge.
• Evaluate and implement new BI tools and platforms to enhance data analysis and reporting capabilities.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to optimize BI processes and workflows.
• Work closely with the budget office, finance department, and other university units to understand their data needs and provide tailored BI solutions.
• Foster a culture of data-driven decision-making across the university.
• Communicate findings and recommendations to senior leadership and other stakeholders through presentations and reports.
• Perform other related responsibilities as required.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in finance, business administration, data science, business intelligence/analytics or a related field.
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment visa status.
• Experience: 7 - 10 years of experience in business intelligence, data analytics, or financial analysis.

• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
• Proven track record of leading BI initiatives and managing cross-functional teams.
• Experience in developing and implementing BI strategies and solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to drive process improvements and optimize workflows.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in finance, business administration, data science, business intelligence/analytics or a related field or relevant certification (e.g., CFA, CPA, CBIP).
• Experience in business intelligence, data analytics, or financial analysis within a higher education or public sector environment.

Work Location

• Knoxville, TN – in-person, on-site.

Compensation and Benefits

• UT market range: MR17
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
• University of Tennessee employees are eligible for a comprehensive suite of benefits that includes:
• Generous paid leave, accruing up to 24 days of vacation and 12 days of sick leave annually, plus 14 paid holidays and administrative closing days
• Education benefits for employees and their dependents at UT System campuses
• Retirement and deferred compensation plans, including 401(k), 403(b), etc.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans
• Employee discounts to attractions, services, and goods

Application Instructions

Interested applicants should submit an application with the following attachments:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• List of 3 Professional References
• Any additional pertinent materials
• Nominations and confidential inquires are encouraged and may be sent via email to Anthony Lanagan, Executive Recruiter, at alanaga1@utk.edu.

About The College/Department/Division The Office of Budget and Finance provides support to university administrators in developing and implementing short and long-range financial plans for the Knoxville campus. The primary responsibilities include the preparation of the annual budget and the monitoring and tracking of the financial status of the Knoxville campus.

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees—the Volunteers—who uphold the university’s tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service.

UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee’s flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy’s largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.

UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices that attract and retain a diverse community and that support a culture where everyone matters and belongs.

The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as “Best Employer for New Graduates,” “One of America’s Best Large Employers,” and “Best Workplace for Women,” and has been designated as “Best Place for Working Parents” by Forbes Magazine.

Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!