re: 6-letter word I haven't seen discussed in the hiring process.

Factoring in budget, alone, removes the biggest piece of pie out there- private funding (aka TAF).

For example, I think the most a HC can make under public employee rules (i.e. from the budget of a state institution) is something like $300k (whatever the Gov makes, not sure of the number). The rest of that contract's money comes from TAF.

Granted, TAF's revenue isn't unlimited so it has a budget also. But by "budget" you have to include them for a truly accurate picture of the possibilities.

And there's where it gets hard to answer your question. Because if TAF needs the money, they will seek out additional funds (or a big booster will volunteer massive amounts if he/she feels emotional enough about it).