Director - Budget

Baltimore City Public Schools•Baltimore, MD

61d•$118,909 - $202,832

About The Position

Plans, organizes, and directs the development and management of the district's budget. Provides leadership in ensuring equitable allocation of resources across schools and central office functions, aligned with the Blueprint for Maryland's Future and City Schools' strategic priorities. Leads and manages the budget development process for both schools and central offices. Coordinates the approval of all school and central office budgets that form the basis of the full district budget presented to the Board of School Commissioners. Provides guidance, tools, and oversight throughout the budget process that support transparency and alignment with state requirements and district priorities. Manages a team of budget analysts that support schools through both the budget implementation process and the implementation of the budget over the course of the school year.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in public administration, finance, business, economics, or related field required; advanced degree preferred.
Seven or more years of progressively responsible experience in budgeting, resource planning, or financial management, including supervisory experience.
Demonstrated knowledge of public-sector budgeting and school finance.
Strong skills in financial analysis, data visualization, and budget system management.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present to diverse stakeholder groups.
Commitment to educational equity and continuous improvement.
Proficiency in technical applications for budgeting, reporting, and analysis (e.g., ERP systems, Excel, business intelligence tools).
Ability to interact with diverse constituencies and convey complicated information with tact and diplomacy.
Proficient skill in the use of technical computer applications, including electronic databases, case management systems, and Microsoft Office, including Excel and Power Point.
Ability to exercise independent judgment.
Skill in research, presenting, and explaining policies and procedures, assembling data, preparing complex reports, and formulating and presenting recommendations.
Ability to work collaboratively.
Ability to develop and maintain strong working relationships with school system employees and managers at all levels, as well as government agencies and community stakeholders.
Ability to multi-task, prioritize changing assignments, and organize busy workload, meet deadlines, and work well under pressure, while exercising excellent attention to detail.

Responsibilities

Directs and oversees preparation of all preliminary, proposed, and final adopted budgets annually, including operating and capital components.
Ensures all aspects of district budgeting comply with state, federal, and district requirements, as well as align with strategic priorities.
Leads and manages the school-level budget planning cycle, supporting equitable and transparent allocation of resources across schools.
Coordinates with the Engagement team to promote stakeholder engagement in the budget process.
Coordinates the cross-functional reviews and approval of school budget proposals, providing guidance and technical support to school leaders throughout the process.
Develops tools, dashboards, and reports to increase transparency and accessibility of budget information for schools and stakeholders.
Provides timely and accurate budget information and analysis to the CFO, CEO, Board of School Commissioners, and other senior leaders.
Monitors budget performance across schools and offices, conducts variance analyses, and recommends corrective actions.
Partners with Human Capital, Academics, Operations, and IT to ensure integration of staffing, budget, and position control systems.
Supervises, mentors, and develops Budget Office staff to strengthen capacity and ensure high-quality support for schools and offices.
Leads continuous improvement efforts, incorporating best practices in public budgeting, school finance, and resource equity.
Utilizes resources appropriately to complete work in the most efficient manner; proactively communicates the status of work; participates and contributes fully as a team member; and exercises sound judgment and decision-making skills to resolve sensitive matters.
Maintains confidential and sensitive information.
Performs and promotes all activities in compliance with equal employment and non-discrimination policies; follows federal laws, state laws, school board policies, administrative regulations, and the professional standards.