Deputy Director Policy, Management, & Grants #2410-0852-01

Are you ready to play a key role in shaping New Haven's financial landscape and policies? The City is seeking an experienced and visionary leader to serve as Deputy Director of Policy, Management, and Grants. This critical role offers the opportunity to oversee the daily operations of the Office of Policy, Management, and Grants (OPMG) and the Department of Finance, ensuring the city’s financial stability and strategic policy initiatives. If you have a strong background in finance, budgeting, and public policy, along with a passion for impactful city government work, we invite you to apply and help drive New Haven’s success forward.

The Deputy Director of Policy, Management, and Grants position is a highly responsible administrative, supervisory, and technical role, assisting the Budget Director (Director of Policy, Management, and Grants in administration of the Office of Policy, Management, and Grants (“OPMG”). The position will also work in conjunction with the City Controller on various Department of Finance administrative and supervisory work from time to time.

The Deputy Director of Policy, Management, and Grants primary responsibility will be in the areas of overseeing day-to-day operations of OPMG and Finance, personnel management, including but not limited to hiring and training of staff, disciplinary actions, labor relations matters (i.e. CHRO, grievances), liaising with Human Resources and Labor Relations on matters, developing organizational policies, performing highly complex analysis, evaluation, and review of financial conditions, revenues and expenditures of the City of New Haven.

Performs in the acting capacity as Budget Director in their absence. Work is performed utilizing independent judgement in applying established policies and prescribed procedures to resolve problems.

• Plans, supervises, and drives process improvements for key deliverables produced by the Mayor’s Budget team, including financial planning and status reports, annual budget planning tools, strategic budget initiatives, and ultimately, a balanced budget on June 1 of each year.
• Oversees a portfolio of senior-level departments or budget assignments, including reviewing, and analyzing annual budget submissions, preparing, and presenting policy and budget recommendations, and monitoring department spending and hiring over the course of the year.
• Guides, reviews, and approves work provided by staff. Monitors service quality and compliance with applicable regulations, standards, codes, policies and/or business requirements. Manages operational risk. Identifies and implements process improvements for the optimization of resources and the effective delivery of high-quality services.
• Provides technical guidance. Monitors and evaluates projects and processes. Performs research of specialized and technical information. Analyzes and resolves complex and sensitive issues. Handles escalated customer concerns. Creates, negotiates, and implements initiatives and solutions.
• Forecasts revenues, expenditures, and workloads for specific periods of time; and consolidates information for the Budget Director.
• Collaborates with Labor, Human Resources, and relevant Departments on interpreting and implementing bargaining Agreements as they relate to budgetary and personnel matters. Works with Labor, Human Resources, and relevant Departments in Agreement negotiations.
• Represents and partners with the Mayor’s Budget Director and the Mayor’s Office in strategic planning conversations, the presentation of budget information, and budget negotiations with Citywide financial leaders, department heads, senior staff in the Mayor’s Office, the Mayor, labor unions, the Office of the Budget and Legislative Analyst, and the Board of Supervisors.
• Assists the Budget Director and Controller with financial and operational policy city-wide.
• Oversees day-to-day operations of Office of Policy, Management, and Grants and Department of Finance.
• Oversees and provides direct staff supervision including conducting, coordinating training, and implementing hiring and termination procedures; including but not limited to CHRO, union grievances, and other matters.
• Handles disciplinary and other Labor matters related to the Office of Policy, Management, and Grants in accordance with City policies, procedures, and bargaining unit agreements.
• Collaborates with Labor, Human Resources, and relevant Departments on interpreting and implementing bargaining Agreements as they relate to budgetary and personnel matters. Works with Labor, Human Resources, and relevant Departments in Agreement negotiations.
• Liaises with Human Resources on personal and confidential information related to Office of Policy, Management, and Grants and Department of Finance employees.
• Conducts special projects as assigned by the Director or Mayor’s Office.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in Public administration, Business Administration, Economics, Finance, Accountancy or Public Policy or related field; 3 to 5 years’ experience of relevant experience in budgeting, financial analysis, or public policy; 2-3 years of supervisory experience or any equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to provide the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and ability to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.

• Extensive knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles applicable to local governments.
• Extensive knowledge of all aspects of municipal finance.
• Extensive knowledge of the organization, functions, procedures, and intergovernmental relationships of city government.
• Knowledge of implementing budgets within a Human Resource/Finance/Budget ERP system.
• Ability to read, interpret, and articulate federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
• Ability to interpret and implement bargaining Agreements and to provide solutions to related issues during negotiations.
• Proficiency in developing and implementing project plans and timelines, ensuring adherence to project requirements and compliance with regulatory standards.
• Must have strong time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks, allocate resources efficiently, and meet tight deadlines without compromising quality or accuracy.
• Proven ability to adapt to changing priorities and unforeseen obstacles while maintaining a focus on meeting firm deadlines and achieving project milestones.
• Ability to identify and solve complex problems; innovate, plan, and implement change initiatives.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills, with the ability to maintain both digital and paper filing systems.
• Expertise in utilizing standard computer applications for data entry, document management, reporting, correspondence, and presentations.
• Proficiency in using standard office equipment such as copiers, scanners, telephones, and fax machines.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to effectively convey information to employees and other stakeholders, as well as write clear and concise reports and other media presentations.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including city officials, staff, community leaders, and the public.
• Strong ethical standards and the ability to handle confidential information with discretion and integrity.
• Ability to work independently and follow instructions.
• Ability to perform effectively under high-pressure budget cycles and occasional extended hours, demonstrating resilience and a commitment to meeting critical deadlines.
• Open only to current employees of the City of New Haven meeting minimum requirements.

Applications will be reviewed by the Department of Human Resources. Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the minimum requirements as listed within the job description; failure to do so may result in disqualification. Applicants meeting minimum requirements may be invited to participate in a Civil Service exam process at a later date.

It is critical that you complete the application thoroughly and submit information as outlined above, as the information you provide will be used to ascertain if you are eligible to move forward in the selection process. This information may be used to determine the eligibility list. As such, this job announcement should be considered the exam announcement, and submissions may be evaluated and scored while the application period is open.

Information regarding the employment and selection process can be found HERE.

We reserve the right to extend an application deadline or close a job posting early to ensure we can attract and identify the best candidate(s) for a position.