Budget Director - Operations Director I

Baltimore City • Cocoa, FL

1d • $185,000 - $202,068

About The Position

The City of Baltimore, Maryland, a vibrant and historic city of approximately 570,000 residents, serves as the economic and cultural hub of the region. Located along the Chesapeake Bay with close proximity to major East Coast metropolitan areas, Baltimore offers the energy of a major city combined with the accessibility and character of a close-knit community. The City is seeking a dynamic and strategic Budget Director to lead the Bureau of Budget & Management Research (BBMR) within the Department of Finance.
The Budget Director is responsible for the development, presentation, and oversight of the City’s $4.2 billion operating budget and plays a central role in long-term financial planning and policy analysis. This is a senior leadership position at the intersection of finance and public policy. The Budget Director works closely with the Mayor, Chief Administrative Officer, and City Council to ensure fiscal integrity, structural balance, and alignment of financial resources with the City’s strategic priorities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, finance, economics, accounting, or related field.
• At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in governmental budgeting or public financial management.
• Minimum of 5 years of supervisory or executive-level leadership experience.
• Demonstrated experience presenting complex financial information to elected officials and senior executives.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree (MPA, MBA, or related field).
• Experience in a large urban jurisdiction.
• Knowledge of municipal revenue structures, state aid frameworks, and enterprise fund operations.
• Experience with financial forecasting models and ERP systems.
• Familiarity with capital budgeting and long-term debt planning.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Financial Planning Lead development of the City’s annual operating budget and multi-year financial forecast.
• Develop and publish a comprehensive 10-year financial forecast each fall to guide budget policy decisions.
• Coordinate with senior leadership to establish citywide fiscal targets and performance expectations.
• Provide strategic fiscal analysis of policy proposals and major initiatives across service areas including public safety, housing, transportation, economic development, and public health.
• Support long-term structural balance and financial sustainability.
• Budget Development & Administration Issue annual budget instructions and manage the budget development process across all City agencies.
• Evaluate agency budget submissions and facilitate executive decision-making with senior leadership.
• Oversee preparation of budget documents, public presentations, and legislative materials.
• Present and defend budget proposals before the City Council, community groups, and the public.
• Maintain strong budgetary controls and oversee quarterly revenue and expenditure projections.
• Financial Oversight & Risk Management Monitor General Fund revenues and expenditures and identify emerging fiscal risks.
• Oversee year-end closeout processes and ensure compliance with all statutory and legislative deadlines.
• Provide fiscal analysis in support of collective bargaining negotiations.
• Collaborate with Treasury and Finance leadership on debt affordability analysis and interactions with credit rating agencies including Moody's Ratings and S&P Global ratings.
• Support financial planning for enterprise funds and capital programs, as applicable.
• Leadership & Organizational Management Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of budget professionals.
• Promote a culture of analytical rigor, accountability, and collaboration.
• Modernize budget practices, reporting tools, and performance management systems.
• Strengthen cross-departmental coordination and data-driven decision-making.

Benefits

• The city offers medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, optional life, AD&D, and FSA plans.
• This office also supplies wellness programs, support groups, and workshops.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director