Budget Director - Operations Director I

THIS IS A NON-CIVIL SERVICE POSITION

CITY OF BALTIMORE, DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE

BUDGET DIRECTOR

Salary Range: $185,000 - $202,068

Get to Know Us

Welcome to the City of Baltimore! Experience the reward of a fulfilling career and enjoy the added element of excitement in a vibrant, diverse atmosphere. The City of Baltimore offers limitless opportunities to help drive social impact, both on the job and in the community, while serving its citizens. Join us in making Baltimore a great place to live and work. In the City of Baltimore, we hire great people and provide them with the skills and opportunities to grow toward their career aspirations. If you are looking for a career change or interested in learning more, explore our opportunities and benefits programs. We are excited to have you as a part of the City of Baltimore Team!  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. You can learn about our benefits here: https://humanresources.baltimorecity.gov/hr-divisions/benefits

SUMMARY OF 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.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

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.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Qualifications

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.

LICENSE, REGISTRATION AND CERTIFICATE REQUIREMENTS

N/A

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with strong technical expertise in public finance.
• Demonstrated ability to operate effectively in a highly visible and politically dynamic environment.
• The successful candidate will combine fiscal discipline with thoughtful policy analysis and exceptional communication skills.
• Comfortable leading professional staff, advising executive leadership, and engaging with elected officials and community stakeholders.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Background Check                                           

Eligible candidates under final consideration for appointment to positions identified as positions of trust will be required to complete authorization for a Criminal Background Check and/or Fingerprint must be successfully completed. 

Probation 

All persons, including current City employees, selected for this position must complete a mandatory six-month probation. 

Financial Disclosure 

This position is required to complete a Financial Disclosure pursuant to Sections 7-7, 7-8, and 7-9 of the City Ethics Law. 

Baltimore City Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, and we are committed to a workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. The City of Baltimore prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, ancestry, creed, national origin, disability status, genetics, marital status, military service, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Applicants requiring accommodations during the hiring process should contact the Department of Human Resources directly. Do not attach your request for accommodation to the application. 

BALTIMORE CITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER