Senior Executive Director of Finance and Budget - Central Office - (N294-2425)
POSTING NUMBER: (N294-2425)
POSTING DATE: May 8, 2024
CLOSING DATE: Until Filled
POSITION:Senior Executive Director of Finance and Budget
REPORTS TO: Deputy Superintendent of Schools (Primary) / and the Superintendent of Schools (Secondary)
SUPERVISES: Executive Director of Financial Management, Risk and Benefits Manager, Director, Financial Planning & Grants Management, Contract Analyst, Payroll Manager, Financial Systems Manager
PRIMARY FUNCTION: The Senior Executive Director of Finance and Budget will have broad responsibility for day-to-day financial activities, as well as oversight roles for a $450 million plus budget. The Senior Executive Director is charged with oversight of appropriate controls and reports to assure compliance with state and federal laws.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The Senior Executive Director of Finance and Budget’s responsibilities will include, but not be limited to the following:
● Designs and implements the annual budget request process which includes a stakeholder engagement strategy
● Directs fund management, position management, accounts receivable, annual budget preparation and monitoring, procurement of equipment and supplies, within the boundaries established by the Superintendent and Board of Education
● Approves payments, requisitions and budgetary transfers as needed
● Works with the Director, Financial Planning and Grants Management to identify funding sources for unbudgeted items
● Assists in the production of the annual EFS for the CT State Department of Education and the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for the City of Hartford
● Assists with audit-related activities
● Testifies before the Board of Education, City Council, Municipal Accountability Review Board (MARB) City administration, and committees of the State General Assembly on financial matters
● Supports the financial goals of the Superintendent
● Assures financial compliance with City, State, and Federal laws and regulations
● Assists principals and other leaders in implementing and monitoring their budget expenditures
● Reviews budget estimates for grant applications and other initiatives
● Provides guidance and direction to subordinate managers toward their professional development to ensure and maintain a competent business unit
● Reviews potential legislative changes in State and Federal education funding
● Serves as the Plan Administrator for the district’s benefit plans and oversees risk management activities, including Workers’ Compensation
● Works cooperatively with City of Hartford’s Department of Finance
● Performs other duties as directed by Superintendent and/or Deputy Superintendent
SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED: The following characteristics are important for the successful performance of assigned duties
Empathy and commitment to cause:
● Deep understanding of the urban school system environment and commitment to improving student achievement
● Passionately believes that all students can achieve at high levels
● Demonstrates cultural competence and a deep understanding of and empathy for issues facing urban families
Communication, interpersonal and team skills:
● Builds and maintains strong relationships
● Works successfully alone or on a team
● Coaches, coordinates, and leads teams
● Strong verbal and written communication skills; tailors’ message for the audience, context, and mode of communication
● Actively listens to others and effectively interprets others’ motivations and perceptions
● Builds consensus and resolves conflicts; exhibits willingness to have difficult conversations
● Skillfully navigates existing political structures/systems
Problem solving and systems thinking:
● Understands how various systems / departments interact to achieve the long-term goal
● Understands systematic continuous improvement processes
● Makes decisions using data and technological resources
● Takes initiative to solve problems and create stakeholder buy-in
● Identifies and prioritizes mission critical issues with alignment of people, time and resources
● Offers innovative solutions to seemingly intractable problems
● Exhibits strong focus on goals and results; sets clear metrics for success
● Thrives in achievement-oriented and fast-paced environment
● Removes barriers or obstacles that make it difficult for principals to achieve their goals and ensures that school leaders have the resources they need to succeed
● Demonstrates excellent execution and project management skills, including attention to detail, organizational skills, ability to balance the big picture with detailed steps to reach the end goal, and ability to balance multiple projects under tight deadlines
Leadership skills:
● Motivates, inspires, and moves other adults to action to achieve ambitious goals
● Skilled at re-envisioning, building, and managing a team, especially in a time of growth and change; excellent at identifying talent and taking advantage of each person’s skills and contribution to team effort
● Builds and maintains positive relationships with individuals and groups
● Moves groups to consensus and resolves conflicts; exhibits willingness to have difficult conversations
● Builds coalitions and works collaboratively with diverse stakeholders at all levels, including but not limited to district personnel, students, families, communities, and/or advocacy groups
● Establishes clear expectations, deliverables, and deadlines
● Sets clear agendas and facilitates effective meetings
● Ability to train, supervise, and evaluate staff from different cultural backgrounds and skill sets
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
● Bachelor’s degree in finance or related area; advanced degree (MBA) preferred; CPA preferred
● Extensive (over 10 years) relevant work experience and knowledge of all aspects of municipal accounting, education funding, and financial management required
● Demonstrated ability to oversee large and complex budgets
● Expertise with State and Federal grant management
● Familiarity with MUNIS accounting software a definite advantage
● Proven ability to oversee staff and build consensus among peer professionals unfamiliar with financial management.
● Service orientation toward supporting schools, the Superintendent, and the City of Hartford
● Excellent communication, interpersonal, leadership, and organizational skills vital
● Demonstrated skill as an articulate and persuasive communicator, both orally and in writing
CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENT: School Business Administrator certification (085) or eligibility to apply for and attain certification required
SALARY AND TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: 12-Month work year. Non-Bargaining Grid. Salary by individual employment contract and to be determined based on experience.
EVALUATION: Evaluated annually
UNION AFFILIATION: Not applicable
APPLICATION PROCEDURE: To be considered, all internal and external applicants must fully complete a Hartford Public Schools’ online application, which can be accessed through our Applicant Tracking System, Nimble, at https://app.hirenimble.com/jobs/hartford. Internal applicants should use a personal email address when applying. Please do not use your hartfordschools.org email. Candidates’ application and supporting documents will be reviewed. Candidates who advance through the initial review will be notified and placed in the pool for consideration by hiring managers. Candidates will be contacted directly by hiring managers for interviews.
