Program Budget Manager (WMS Band 2)

State of Washington•Thurston County – Lacey, WA

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Washington State Department of Ecology is hiring a Program Budget Manager in its Solid Waste Management Program. The role manages a large, complex mix of funds and accounts with distinct legal requirements, spending rules, and financial risks. The manager monitors changing financial conditions, legislative developments, and program priorities, anticipating issues and advising senior leaders. The position requires sound decisions under tight timelines, clear communication of financial concepts to financial and non-financial audiences, and representation of the program in agencywide budget discussions. The position is based at the Headquarters Office in Lacey, Washington. Employees must live within a commutable distance of the duty station. The position is eligible for telework and flexible schedules, with at least two days per week in the office; schedules depend on position needs and may change. The role works across finance, policy, and environmental stewardship, collaborating with agency leadership, other state organizations, and legislative staff to align resources with program goals and assess the financial effects of proposed laws.

Requirements

At least seven total years of experience and/or education related to the duties of the position.
At least three years of experience in public-sector budget management, fiscal management, accounting, or related work.
Education in accounting, finance, business, public administration, economics, statistics, or a related field; qualifying combinations of education and experience are listed in the posting.
Ability to clearly explain financial information and support informed decisions.
Ability to collaborate effectively with staff, leaders, and partners.
Ability to develop long-term financial plans aligned with organizational goals.
Ability to analyze financial data and make sound decisions that support financial stability.
Ability to understand and apply financial policies, rules, and legislation.
Ability to guide staff and financial processes to support accuracy, efficiency, and performance.
Ability to create, monitor, and adjust budgets and forecast revenues, expenditures, risks, and legislative impacts.

Nice To Haves

Five years of experience in Washington State agency budget management.
Experience using Washington State budget and accounting systems and tools.
Supervisory experience.
Strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex information to executive management, legislators, staff, and the public.
Service focus, adaptability and flexibility, accountability, trust and integrity, relationship-building, and knowledge and creativity.

Responsibilities

Manage and monitor program budgets, accounts, revenues, expenditures, and financial trends to support financial stability.
Develop long-range budget strategies, financial forecasts, and contingency plans in support of program and agency goals.
Provide financial guidance, recommendations, and analysis to program leadership, agency executives, and staff.
Prepare and coordinate budget materials, reports, and information for agency budget processes and legislative requests.
Review and approve or recommend changes to allotments, spending plans, contracts, grants, and personnel actions.
Manage multiple program accounts and ensure compliance with requirements governing their use.
Develop fiscal notes and evaluate the financial impacts of proposed legislation on program operations and funding.
Represent the program in agencywide budget discussions and advise senior leaders on financial matters.