GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES
The Budget Director will work closely with County Administration and the Board of County Commissioners to design, evaluate, and recommend evidence-based, results-oriented, value-driven, and best practice program and policy options, and resource allocation strategies to best leverage county resources in support of goals and priorities with clear alignment to desired outcomes, service levels, and community impact effectively, efficiently and responsively.
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS
An employee in this class plans, organizes, and directs the county budget process, and assists the County Manager ‘s Office in daily considerations regarding the allocation of resources. Work involves the supervision of a staff of professional and support personnel engaged in activities such as operations budget compilation, explanation, and monitoring, capital budget preparation, grants management, accounts auditing, strategic planning, and program evaluation.
The employee works closely and frequently with department heads and their representatives, and the County Manager and County administrative employees advising on fiscal strategy and continuous improvement of budgeting systems; the employee appears frequently before the Board of County Commissioners to explain budget content and connected strategy, including trade-offs, policy choices, and performance implications. Work is performed independently under the policy guidance and review of the County Manager, with support from the Deputy County Manager and Assistant County Managers
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Essential duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Plans, directs, and coordinates the preparation and administration of the annual operating budget in accordance with state/local/ requirements, the County’s strategic plan, best practices established by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), and using evidence-based, performance informed, and decision focused budgeting practices by collecting, evaluating, and recommending department/program funding/operational requests and revenues based on outcomes, service levels, cost drivers, and demonstrated value.
- Develops revenue estimates for county and rural fire districts in coordination with the Tax Department, Finance, and departments with established fees. Work involves coordinating development of an annual fee schedule in alignment with an establish fee philosophy.
- Plans, directs, and coordinates the preparation and administration of the Capital Improvement Plan in accordance with state/local requirements by collaborating with Facilities and Finance to collect, evaluate, and recommend project funding requests and revenues using strategic prioritization, lifecycle cost analysis, and long-term financial sustainability principles
- Plans, directs, and oversees a Countywide grants management framework, including pre-application review, award evaluation, acceptance, and in partnership with Finance and relevant departments on compliance monitoring, performance reporting, and closeout, to ensure grants align with County strategic priorities, demonstrate measurable outcomes, comply with applicable regulations, and are administered in a consistent, transparent, and fiscally responsible manner,
- Facilitates the planning and development of multi-year plans, including major equipment, vehicle replacement, and technology modernization in collaboration and with support from relevant departments.
- Designs, implements, and oversees a community-based organization (CBO) funding process that aligns external partner investments with County goals, emphasizes equity and outcomes, incorporates performance expectations and reporting, and supports effective stewardship of public funds from solicitation through monitoring and closeout. Coordinates and conducts financial and operational research studies/projects and analysis of county services to determine the most appropriate allocation of county resources, levels of service, and meaningful, outcome-oriented, performance measures and benchmarks in support of maintaining a countywide services inventory.
- Coordinates and prepares long-range financial and operational forecasts and plans to assist in the achievement of County priorities and the evaluation of future revenues and expenditures under multiple scenarios and policy options
- Supervises and directs the work of professional and other staff and fosters a culture of analytical rigor, collaboration, and department-focused customer service
- Provide various reports and recommendations regarding the status of the budget in relation to projections, including a monthly budget performance report, mid-year budget report to County Administration, and resolutions amending the annual budget.
- Prepares and presents in a clear and understandable manner complex information to others, including County Administration, departments, the Board of Commissioners, and the public to support transparency, informed decision making, and public trust
- Conducts, attends, and participates in various internal and external meetings for planning, reporting and public engagement, including supporting coordination of annual Budget Town Halls
- In the event of an emergency, as determined by the County Manager or designee, participation in preparedness and response operations should be expected. Employee may be required to fill a temporary assignment in a role different from standard duties, work hours and/or work location in preparation for, during and after the emergency. Employee may also be required to participate in relevant exercises and regular preparedness training.
RECRUITMENT STANDARDS
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration and governmental budgeting and accounting including evidence-based, performance informed, and strategic budgeting approaches.
- Thorough knowledge of the fiscal and operational policies of state and county governments.
- Considerable knowledge of the organizational, financial structure, accounting systems, and financial procedures of the county.
- Ability to research and evaluate programs, budgets, and financial reports, with emphasis on outcomes, effectiveness, efficiency, and alternative service delivery options.
- Ability to supervise the work of varied specialists in the budget process and lead cross departmental collaboration.
- Ability to communicate effectively before a group and in writing, making complex information understandable to various audiences including the Board of Commissioners and public.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with departmental employees, elected officials, external partners and stakeholders, representatives of other governmental jurisdictions, and the general public.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
A Master’s Degree in Public Administration or a related field with five years of progressively responsible experience. Education and experience should be clearly documented with demonstrated linkages to the essential duties and tasks of this position. A combination of education and experience that would provide the necessary knowledge, skills, and competencies to perform the essential duties and tasks of this position will be considered.
Preferred qualifications
Masters in Public Administration and five years of progressively responsible experience that includes manager level roles in a governmental setting.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK CONDITIONS
Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of fingering and talking.
Must be able to perform light work exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Must possess the visual acuity to prepare and analyze data and figures, accounting, operate a computer terminal, and do extensive reading.
May Require Driving
This position may require driving for this position whether driving a County owned or personal vehicle to conduct county business such as but not limited to attending conferences, meetings, or any other county related functions. Motor Vehicle Reports may be verified for valid driver’s license and that the driving record is compatible with the county’s driving criteria.
If a personal vehicle is operated for county business proper insurance is maintained as per Guilford County’s vehicle use policy.
Special Note: This generic class description gives an overview of the job class, its essential job functions, and recommended job requirements. However, for each individual position assigned to this class, there is available a completed job questionnaire with a physical abilities checklist which can give further details about that one specific position. Those documents should be reviewed before initiating a selection process. They can provide additional detailed information on which to base various personnel actions and can assist management in making legal and defensible personnel decisions.
