Finance Director

City of Seattle • Seattle, WA

6d • Hybrid

About The Position

The City of Seattle Department of Education and Early Learning (DEEL) seeks a Finance Director to lead and oversee the department’s financial activities. The role provides fiscal control over a $196 million annual budget and $1.3 billion in levy funds, ensuring financial operations comply with city and state requirements. The Finance Director develops and oversees the annual budget process, manages implementation of investment directives, and represents the department in financial matters and public presentations.

The position directs the Finance Division, including Accounting, Grants and Contracts, and Finance and Budget functions. It oversees department revenues and expenditures, financial policies and controls, contracts, grants, financial reporting, and long-range financial planning. The role also manages financial relationships and agreements with city departments and external public partners, and serves as the department’s lead engagement officer with the City Budget Office and State Auditor.

The position reports to the Deputy Director and is classified as Executive 1. It is exempt from the FLSA and Civil Service system. The work schedule is hybrid, with employees expected to work in the office three days per week. The advertised individual salary range is $90.00–$92.84 per hour, based on the 2026 salary schedule. The City offers a comprehensive benefits package, and eligible bilingual employees may qualify for Language Premium Pay.

Requirements

• Extensive and progressive experience in finance and/or budget management, providing direct oversight to operating divisions in a complex public or not-for-profit organization.
• Experience interpreting complex financial data and preparing concise management reports on a variety of topics.
• Direct experience managing a multimillion-dollar budget with multiple funding sources.
• Experience managing contracts and overseeing compliance.
• Experience managing a diverse team of professionals, including contracting, invoicing, finance, and accounting staff.
• Experience working in or with the public sector and understanding government budgets.
• Strong organizational, detail, and time-management skills.
• Strong critical-thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills, including experience delivering public presentations to diverse audiences.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build collaborative relationships and influence others.
• Ability to work effectively independently and collaboratively with diverse people and behavioral styles.
• High proficiency with Windows and Microsoft Office, including a high-level understanding of Excel.
• Ability to understand and oversee fiscal systems and controls and work within a large or complex financial and budgeting system.
• Ability to execute work while managing a team productively and positively.
• Ability to manage and navigate a dynamic political environment.
• Ability to manage complex and stressful situations with calmness and tact.
• Ability to contribute positively to a diverse and equitable work environment.
• Ability to develop collaborative, productive, and respectful relationships with internal and external partners.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise good judgment.
• Commitment to active listening, making space for diverse perspectives, and pursuing inclusive and just outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Provide fiscal control and oversight of DEEL’s $196 million annual budget and $1.3 billion in levy funds.
• Ensure financial operations comply with city and state legal requirements, and oversee financial policies, procedures, and audits conducted by city or state auditor offices.
• Develop and oversee the department’s annual budget process in coordination with the Mayor’s Office, City Budget Office, and City Council.
• Represent the department and make presentations on its behalf.
• Manage implementation of investment directives from the Mayor’s Office and City Council.
• Manage partnership agreements and financial relationships with Seattle Public Schools, Seattle Colleges, and Seattle King County Public Health.
• Develop and implement policies and procedures and oversee department functions, with emphasis on financial management and accountability systems.
• Develop and manage Memoranda of Agreement with other city departments for the use of Levy funds.
• Oversee levy funding processes and contracts to ensure they are fair, consistent, and legally compliant.
• Recommend and manage performance contracting, funding processes, and investment course corrections to improve results.
• Manage periodic financial reports and updates for the Levy Oversight Committee, Mayor, City Council, and public.
• Direct and manage the Finance Division, including Accounting, Grants and Contracts, and Finance and Budget units.
• Serve as lead engagement officer with the City Budget Office and State Auditor.
• Oversee, develop, manage, and monitor all DEEL fund revenues and expenditures.
• Shape, develop, recommend, and present department fiscal policies.
• Oversee development and implementation of long-range financial planning models and portfolios for levy renewal packages.
• Execute contracts for newly awarded RFPs in alignment with the FEPP I&E Plan.
• Plan and report on FEPP finances, including quarterly and year-end reporting, underspend planning, and departmental presentations.

Benefits

• Vacation leave
• Holiday leave
• Sick leave
• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents
• Eligible qualified bilingual employees may receive a $200 monthly Language Premium Pay stipend.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: No Education Listed