Director of Financial Strategy & Operations (Senior Executive Manager) (U) (Vacancy)

City of Columbus•Varies by position, OH

14d•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Financial Strategy & Operations serves as a senior leader within the Mayor’s Office focused on strengthening the City of Columbus’ long-term financial stability, operational effectiveness, and organizational accountability. This role partners across departments to ensure city resources are aligned with strategic priorities, service delivery needs, and responsible stewardship of public dollars. Reporting directly to the Chief of Staff, the Director provides enterprise-wide financial and operational insight to support executive decision-making, improve coordination across departments, and identify opportunities to modernize systems, strengthen processes, and drive sustainable operational performance. This position is designed to bridge strategy and execution — taking a deeper dive into departmental operations, financial structures, and organizational systems to help ensure the City is operating efficiently, effectively, and in alignment with the Mayor’s priorities and the needs of residents. The Director will work closely with department leaders, Finance & Management, Budget, Human Resources, and operational teams to evaluate challenges, improve internal coordination, and support data-informed solutions that enhance public service delivery.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Finance, Business Administration, Organizational Leadership, or related field
Significant leadership experience in government, public administration, finance, operations, or organizational strategy
Experience working with large, complex organizations and multi-department operations
Demonstrated experience supporting budgeting, operational analysis, strategic planning, or organizational improvement initiatives
Strong understanding of public sector accountability, governance, and service delivery

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree (MPA, MBA, or related field)
Experience working within municipal government or other large public sector organizations
Experience supporting operational modernization, continuous improvement, or organizational transformation efforts (Lean Six Sigma or similar methodologies)
Familiarity with budgeting systems, procurement processes, and performance management frameworks
Experience facilitating cross-functional initiatives and enterprise-wide collaboration

Responsibilities

Support the development and implementation of citywide financial strategies that strengthen long-term fiscal sustainability
Partner with departments to align budget priorities with operational needs and strategic goals
Assist in evaluating departmental spending, resource allocation, and financial performance across City operations
Monitor financial trends, emerging risks, and operational pressures impacting service delivery
Support responsible stewardship of public funds through thoughtful analysis, accountability, and transparency
Work directly with departments to better understand operational structures, service delivery models, and resource challenges
Identify opportunities to improve coordination, efficiency, and organizational effectiveness across City operations
Conduct operational reviews and support recommendations related to staffing structures, workflows, procurement practices, and deployment of resources
Help departments evaluate systems and operational processes to improve effectiveness and sustainability
Support implementation of operational improvements that enhance resident services and internal performance
Lead and support initiatives focused on continuous improvement, operational modernization, and process redesign
Identify opportunities to streamline internal processes and reduce inefficiencies across departments
Support efforts to improve cross-departmental coordination, communication, and operational consistency
Encourage practical, resident-focused approaches to improving government operations and service delivery
Promote a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement within City government
Support development of performance measures that connect operational outcomes with financial investments
Partner with internal teams to improve reporting tools, dashboards, and data visibility for executive leadership
Analyze operational and financial data to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities for improvement
Provide clear, actionable analysis to support executive and departmental decision-making
Help strengthen the City’s ability to use data to guide strategic investments and operational priorities
Serve as a strategic partner to City departments, Finance & Management, Budget, and the Mayor’s leadership team
Support enterprise-wide initiatives requiring coordination across multiple departments and operational areas
Facilitate collaborative problem-solving related to financial pressures, operational challenges, and organizational priorities
Build strong working relationships across departments to support alignment and shared accountability
Help ensure operational and financial decisions reflect both organizational realities and resident needs
Provide objective analysis and recommendations to executive leadership on financial and operational matters
Assist in identifying opportunities for operational improvement, cost containment, and strategic reinvestment
Support implementation of mayoral priorities through operational coordination and strategic analysis
Prepare briefings, recommendations, and decision-support materials for senior leadership
Serve as a trusted advisor on organizational performance, operational effectiveness, and fiscal strategy