Deputy Director of Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) and Advanced Analytics

Job Description

MIT Lincoln Laboratory is seeking a visionary Deputy Director of Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) and Advanced Analytics to shape and execute the Laboratory’s financial strategy while leading the integration of cutting-edge analytics and AI capabilities. This role will transform traditional FP&A processes by embedding advanced, forward-looking analytics into planning, forecasting, and performance management processes — enabling more agile, data-driven decision-making in a dynamic, research-intensive environment.

Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), the Deputy Director will partner with senior leadership, mission support departments, program managers, and technical teams to drive financial innovation and strategic alignment across the Laboratory. The successful candidate will lead a high-performing team responsible for both core FP&A activities and the deployment of advanced analytics to enhance financial performance in support of the Laboratory’s national security mission.

We are seeking a dynamic leader who combines deep financial acumen with a strong command of analytics, predictive modeling, and AI — ideally within complex, project-based or federally funded environments

Duties and Responsibilities

Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A):

•     Spearhead a next-generation FP&A function that integrates strategic planning, dynamic forecasting, and mission-aligned financial reporting to proactively guide the Laboratory’s long-term vision and resource strategy.
•     Architect sophisticated financial models and decision frameworks that empower enterprise-wide planning, optimize resource deployment, and drive measurable impact across a diverse and evolving research portfolio.
•     Serve as a strategic financial advisor to executive leadership, delivering forward-looking insights on performance, risk exposure, investment trade-offs, and sustainability to inform high-stakes decision-making.
•     Lead the orchestration of annual and multi-year financial planning cycles, collaborating closely with operational and research leaders to ensure that funding strategies align with scientific priorities and institutional goals.
•     Oversee the delivery of high-impact financial analyses and narratives that translate complexity into clarity — enabling stakeholders at all levels to act with confidence and precision in a dynamic fiscal environment.

Advanced Analytics and Predictive Modeling:

•     Lead the transformation of FP&A by pioneering the integration of advanced analytics, predictive modeling, AI, and machine learning — enabling intelligent scenario planning, real-time forecasting, and anticipatory decision-making that drives strategic agility and long-term value creation.
•     Design and implement forward-looking forecasting models that anticipate critical financial and operational metrics — such as revenue, funding ceilings, cost structures, workforce composition, and capital investment needs — empowering leadership with predictive insights to navigate complexity and shape long-term strategy.
•     Optimize resource utilization and improve forecasting accuracy through the application of intelligent analytics tools and techniques.
•     Lead the automation of financial analysis and reporting processes, increasing efficiency, transparency, and responsiveness across finance.
•     Forge strategic partnerships with data science and IT teams to architect the next generation of analytics platforms — seamlessly integrating advanced technologies into financial systems and enterprise workflows to unlock deeper insights, accelerate innovation, and enable data-driven transformation across the Laboratory.

Duties and Responsibilities (cont.)

Strategic Leadership

• Inspire and empower a high-performing team of FP&A and analytics professionals by cultivating a culture of innovation, curiosity, and continuous development — positioning the team as a catalyst for strategic insight and operational excellence.
• Serve as a trusted strategic advisor to program managers and executive leadership, delivering forward-thinking, data-driven insights that shape investment strategies, drive research prioritization, and align financial planning with the Laboratory’s long-term mission.
• Champion the enterprise-wide adoption of advanced analytics, establishing MIT Lincoln Laboratory as a trailblazer in the digital transformation of financial management through AI, machine learning, and intelligent automation.
• Drive cross-functional collaboration to modernize and future-proof the Laboratory’s financial systems and infrastructure — ensuring seamless alignment with enterprise data architecture and emerging technology strategies.
• Anticipate and lead through change by staying at the forefront of finance technology, AI, and analytics innovation — identifying breakthrough tools, methodologies, and trends that can be harnessed to elevate financial strategy, agility, and impact

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.
• 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.
• This position is based on site at MIT Lincoln Laboratory due to the collaborative and secure nature of the role; relocation assistance will be provided for qualified candidates. 

At MIT Lincoln Laboratory, our exceptional career opportunities include many outstanding benefits to help you stay healthy, feel supported, and enjoy a fulfilling work-life balance. Benefits offered to employees include: 

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans
• MIT-funded pension
• Matching 401K
• Paid leave (including vacation, sick, parental, military, etc.)
• Tuition reimbursement and continuing education programs
• Mentorship programs
• A range of work-life balance options
• ... and much more!  

Please visit our Benefits page for more information. As an employee of MIT, you can also take advantage of other voluntary benefits, discounts and perks.

Selected candidate will be subject to a pre-employment background investigation and must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret level DoD security clearance.

MIT Lincoln Laboratory is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, or genetic information; U.S. citizenship is required.

Requisition ID: 41666 

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