Budget Specialist III - Special Projects

Budget Specialist III

The Budget Specialist III provides budget management and administrative support to the Special Projects Department. This position coordinates all grants and local budgets within the department including management of budgets, invoices, purchases, and support for internal and external clients. This position will coordinate with the Special Projects staff, the Texas Education Agency, various Local Education Agencies, and other grant entities to meet grant initiatives and provide both verbal and written communication on the program progress of all grant initiatives.

Required Qualifications (Experience, Education, and Certificates):
High school diploma Minimum of five (5) years of experience in grants and budget management; working collaboratively with staff, clients, and external partners Excellent communication skills and customer service etiquette Proven attendance record Ability to disseminate information in a clear and concise manner to internal and external clients Ability to operate in a self-directed manner within a complex initiative, work under pressure, meet tight deadlines, and manage multiple projects Maintain attention to detail in a multi-project work environment

Preferred Qualifications (Experience, Education, and Certificates):
Experience managing state and federal grants Experience in the use of Smartsheet Knowledge of local, state, and federal purchasing requirements (including EDGAR) at the fiscal and programmatic level Ability to understand and complete grant applications and understand contents of applications and complete amendments through TEA Knowledge of grant proposals, including development of budgets and tasks

Knowledge and

Skills:

Database management Computer proficiency Microsoft 365 proficiency Ascender Financial

Major

Job Responsibilities /

Essential Functions:

Serve as a representative of ESC Region 13, displaying courtesy, tact, consideration, and discretion in all interactions with other members of the educational community and with the public Oversee workflow for department functions (contracting, invoicing, purchase requisitions, reporting, business office documentation, BARs, budget transfers, travel requests) Manage administrative and logistical support to internal and external clients Manage multiple budgets for the Special Projects department Assist department leadership to develop and monitor program budget Develop and monitor timelines to ensure budgets stay on track Maintain department budgets in Smartsheet Participate in the grant application process for competitive grants and LOIs Provide project management of funds including processing Letters of Agreement and expenditure claims, and maintaining LEA program finance contacts list Partner closely with Special Projects staff, the Texas Education Agency (when applicable), and the Texas Department of Agriculture (when applicable), to plan, implement, and monitor activities for initiatives such as Child Nutrition, Visiting International Teacher program, TSLAT, and other areas within Special Projects Process monthly and bi-annual department staff time and effort reports Perform fiscal year beginning and year-end tasks Maintain knowledge of business office procedures, train department staff accordingly, and monitor all paperwork for compliance with state and federal grant requirements Perform other duties as assigned Budget Responsibilities:
Assist Director and coordinators with budget development Manage budgets and allocate expenditures to correct accounts according to procedures Participate in Quarterly budget reviews with staff and bi-annual budget reviews with the Deputy Executive Director Participate in planning for revenue generation for local budgets

Working Conditions (Physical/Mental Demands & Environmental Factors):
Follow policies and procedures Light lifting and carrying (up to 20 pounds) Work in a fast-paced, team-focused environment Mange multiple projects while meeting mandated deadlines Communicates effectively and appropriately (verbal and written)

This is an onsite, in person position with the ability to work remotely one day per week up to four times per month Equipment Used:
General office equipment, Windows computer, audio/visual equipment, photocopier, Microsoft 365, and other equipment as requirements change.