Deputy Director, Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) and Advanced Analytics - MIT Lincoln Laboratory

Job Description

MIT Lincoln Laboratory is seeking an innovative Deputy Director of Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) and Advanced Analytics to lead the organization’s financial strategy while integrating forward-looking, advanced analytics capabilities. This role will focus on transforming financial planning, forecasting, and performance management by leveraging cutting-edge analytics, predictive modeling, and AI technologies to provide enhanced financial insights in a complex research driven environment.

As a Deputy Director, you will report directly to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and collaborate with senior leadership, service departments, research program managers, and technical teams to drive strategic financial planning across the laboratory. You will lead a team that not only delivers traditional FP&A functions but also pioneers the use of advanced analytics to optimize resource allocation, improve decision-making, and enhance overall financial performance in support of MIT Lincoln Laboratory’s national security mission.

The ideal candidate will possess a blend of deep financial expertise, advanced analytics capabilities, and experience in applying data-driven decision-making in project-based or federally funded organizations.

Duties and Responsibilities

Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A):

• Lead the FP&A function, overseeing budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and long-term planning to ensure alignment with the laboratory’s strategic objectives.
• Develop and maintain financial models that support the laboratory’s mission-critical programs, ensuring optimal allocation of financial resources across various research projects.
• Provide strategic financial guidance to senior leadership, delivering insights on financial performance, risk management, and long-term sustainability.
• Drive the creation of annual and multi-year financial plans, collaborating with business operations and program teams to ensure accurate forecasting and cost management.
• Oversee the preparation and presentation of proactive financial analyses, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and relevance for internal and external stakeholders.

Advanced Analytics and Predictive Modelin

• Integrate forward-looking advanced analytics, including predictive modeling, machine learning, and AI, into the FP&A processes to enable data-driven financial planning and scenario analysis.
• Develop and implement predictive models to forecast revenue, expenses, headcount, and capital requirements, providing leadership with early indicators and insights into financial trends.
• Use AI and machine learning tools to optimize resource allocation, enhance forecasting accuracy, and identify key financial drivers to improve overall performance.
• Lead efforts to automate financial reporting and analysis by leveraging advanced analytics tools, reducing manual processes, and increasing the speed and accuracy of insights.
• Partner with data scientists and AI experts to build and refine analytics platforms that improve decision-making across the organization’s financial and operational functions.

Duties and Responsibilities (cont.)

Strategic Leadership:

• Lead and mentor a high-performing team of FP&A and analytics professionals, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Work closely with research program managers and senior leadership to provide financial insights that support strategic initiatives, research investments, and funding strategies.
• Promote the adoption of advanced analytics across the finance organization, positioning MIT Lincoln Laboratory as a leader in applying data-driven technologies to financial management.
• Collaborate with IT and data science teams to ensure the successful integration of advanced analytics technologies into the laboratory’s financial systems and reporting infrastructure.
• Stay current with emerging trends in financial technology, data analytics, and AI, and proactively identify opportunities to implement best-in-class practices at MIT Lincoln Laboratory.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Data Science, AI, or a related field; MBA or advanced degree in Financial Engineering, Analytics, or AI preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in FP&A, finance, or related roles, with at least 5 years in a leadership capacity.
• Proven experience in implementing advanced analytics or AI-driven financial models within a complex organization, preferably in government contracting, R&D, or project-based environments.
• Proficiency in financial systems (e.g. SAP, OneStream, Oracle) and advanced analytics tools (e.g., Python, R, Power BI, or machine learning platforms like TensorFlow).
• Deep understanding of financial planning processes, forecasting methodologies, and advanced financial modeling techniques.
• Strong leadership and team development skills, with the ability to inspire innovation and collaboration across multi-functional teams.
• Demonstrated ability to translate complex data into clear, actionable financial insights and communicate them effectively to senior leadership.
• Familiarity with federal financial regulations, compliance requirements, and government contracting is highly preferred.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills, with a track record of driving process improvements and innovation.
• Strong ability to clearly and confidently present complex financial data and insights to senior leadership, program managers, and technical experts. Able to articulate ideas and recommendations persuasively, even in high-stakes situations.

Qualifications (cont.)

• Demonstrated confidence in leading discussions, presenting findings, and defending strategic recommendations in front of highly intelligent, technically adept audiences.
• Adept at engaging with highly educated and intellectually inquisitive colleagues, using facts, logic, and data to influence decision-making while maintaining professionalism and respect.
• Capable of rapidly understanding complex challenges, thinking on your feet, and addressing difficult questions or objections with confidence and clarity.
• Maintains composure and self-assurance when challenged by sharp, insightful colleagues, ensuring discussions remain productive and outcomes are clearly supported by evidence and analysis.
• Ability to engage in constructive debates, fostering an environment where ideas can be openly discussed and challenged while driving toward optimal solutions.