Director, Budget, Planning, and Forecasting

Reports to: Chief Financial Officer; Vice President, Finance
Staff reporting to this position: Senior Budget Analyst; Budget Analysts (3)
Department: Finance
Position classification: Exempt, full time; Nonunion - Level 7
Minimum compensation: $90,000

American Progress has an immediate opening for a Director of Budget, Planning, and Forecasting. The Director will provide leadership in budget development, financial planning, reporting, analysis, grant management, and compliance. They will work closely with team leads and development staff to prepare, monitor, and report to all stakeholders, as well as oversee grant and departmental budgets, forecasts, and periodic fiscal reporting. The position requires strong technological, organizational, analytic, and writing abilities, as well as an ability to effectively lead and communicate with others throughout American Progress to maintain fiscal control at all times.

The Director of Budget, Planning, and Forecasting will be driven by American Progress’ mission “to improve the lives of all Americans through bold, progressive ideas as well as strong leadership and concerted action, with the aim of not only changing the conversation, but changing the country.” They will join a dynamic team of colleagues to assist in strengthening the team’s policy work and supporting American Progress’ five crosscutting priorities:

• Strengthening public health and ending the pandemic
• Building an economy for all
• Securing a sustainable climate
• Advancing racial equity and justice
• Restoring social trust and strengthening democracy

Responsibilities:

• Prepare and coordinate the timelines and deliverables for the midyear and annual budgeting process for review by senior finance staff and executive leadership for presentation to the board of directors for approval.
• In collaboration with senior finance leadership and budget owners, design and build responsive new budget and forecasting policies, procedures, and reporting in order to ensure timely and accurate financial visibility for leadership.
• Act as a business adviser and technical resource to direct reports and to team leads in formulating their budget submissions, including resource management for each department.
• Review proposed budget submissions from department managers for accuracy and completeness while serving as a business adviser when necessary.
• Proactively identify and propose leadership enhancements to the budget model to senior finance staff in order to optimize planning and forecasting accuracy.
• Prepare a monthly analysis of the budget compared with actual results for senior finance leadership’s review and report on significant variances for all American Progress operational teams.
• Collaborate with the budget team to develop final consolidated budgets.
• Prepare periodic and ad hoc reports to support department and finance management.
• Function as American Progress’ resident expert in the full utilization of investment in key finance infrastructure, including identifying any enhancements to existing policies, procedures, systems, and training that will contribute to a complete and well-controlled budget.
• Manage a team of budget analysts.

Requirements and qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business, or relevant field.
• Eight years of budget leadership experience.
• Exceptional electronic spreadsheet construction skills.
• Proven ability to perform quantitative analysis.
• Ability to work well within a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Comfort working under pressure and meeting multiple, tight deadlines.
• Commitment to American Progress’ mission and goals.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and databases. Knowledge of data visualization software is a plus.
• Attention to detail.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills.
• Familiarity with ERP accounting system is a plus.

American Progress offers full and competitive benefit packages. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

When American Progress’ offices reopen, employees will be expected to work in the office three days per week. We will continue to monitor the current health emergency and adjust plans as needed in the future. Any changes to our current policy will be communicated at the time of hire. Updates will be posted on American Progress’ Jobs page.