Chief Finance

Job Description

DEPARTMENT OF ELEMENTARY & SECONDARY EDUCATION

NON-CLASSIFIED JOB DESCRIPTION

CHIEF FINANCE OFFICER

Responsible for the management of the fiscal functions of the Department, that includes the Office of Finance, as well as oversight responsibilities of all fiscal and resource management responsibilities across the Department;
Assure coordination with other Department programs; and facilitate collaboration with other state agencies and foster partnerships with communities, organizations, and school districts. Serves as a member of the Commissioner's senior leadership team.

The functions of leadership, management and collaboration are to be integrated to achieve both product and process objectives. Teamwork and mutually supportive methods are ascribed as successful outcomes and are necessary for providing high-quality service and achieving high standards of performance. Work must be conducted in ways that include and involve those who have a stake in the outcome and must ensure that issues related to equity and special needs are addressed in a comprehensive fashion.

The context for this work must be strong advocacy for students and schools and a positive commitment to the role of the Department of Education as a central state level advocate. Must work in collaboration with other team members to support the objectives and measurable outcomes of the Department's strategic plan.

Works under the general direction of the Chief of Staff in cooperation with colleagues with considerable latitude for the exercise of initiative and independent judgment; work is reviewed upon completion of results obtained and on collaborative process used in achieving results. Incumbent is subject to an annual performance assessment.

Facilitates, directs, coordinates and assesses the work of Directors, professional, technical, and support staff. Work is reviewed in process, as necessary, and upon completion for achievement of desired results and on collaborative processes used in achieving results.

• Coordinates and implements the work of most of the Department's financial functions, including fiscal, budget, grants, purchasing, fiscal reporting, and audits.
• Assigns, monitors and reviews programs, contractual relationships, and collaborative ventures to achieve the Department's mission.
• Oversees the agency-wide administration of federal stimulus grant programs.
• Produces periodic policy and planning documents concerning the work of departmental operations, addressing issues of current and future impact, and coordinating with other offices of the Department.
• Participates in the development and preparation of short-term and long-range plans and budgets based upon broad organization goals and objectives. Recommends their adoption to the Commissioner.
• Evaluates programs as to the effectiveness in achieving the Council on Elementary and Secondary Education mission and efficiency in meeting objectives and revising programs and policies to enhance effectiveness and efficiency.
• Coordinates and oversees budget and grant proposals to obtain state, federal and foundation funding for education programs and to align with Council priorities.
• Directs the development and installation of procedures and controls, to promote communication and adequate information flow, and thereby solidify management control and direction of the enterprise.
• Coordinates program and policy development and implementation with other state agencies and private organizations.
• Works with the political structure to achieve the Council mission, including testimony before the legislative and policy bodies.
• Develops and maintains appropriate advisory groups for programs within the department.
• Performs related work as assigned.

• Knowledge of applicable Federal, State laws, regulations, and policies.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of policy development, strategic planning, budget development and communication with a focus on education and education support systems and services.
• Knowledge of the legislative and regulatory process for purposes of policy and budget formation and implementation, including systemic reform efforts.
• In-depth knowledge of government operations and inter-governmental relations on the federal, state and local levels, including methods for developing government collaborations with private and not-for-profit sectors.
• In-depth knowledge of budgeting and financial management expertise required, along with demonstrated administrative and supervisory experience.
• Skilled in leading multi-faceted projects across disciplines and offices, simultaneously.
• Skilled in managing budgets and strategic planning efforts.
• Skilled in communicating effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Skilled in communicating and interpersonal exchanges as applied to interaction…