Director of Financial Strategy & Operations (Senior Executive Manager) (U) (Vacancy)

Director of Financial Strategy & Operations (Senior Executive Manager) (U) (Vacancy)

Salary

$57.98 - $96.61 Hourly

Location

Varies by position

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

26-0064-V2

Department

40 Mayor

Division

Office of the Mayor

Opening Date

06/08/2026

Closing Date

6/22/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

• Description
• Benefits

Definition

The Director of Financial Strategy & Operations serves as a senior leader within the Mayor's Office focused on strengthening the City of Columbus' long-term financial stability, operational effectiveness, and organizational accountability. This role partners across departments to ensure city resources are aligned with strategic priorities, service delivery needs, and responsible stewardship of public dollars.

Reporting directly to the Chief of Staff, the Director provides enterprise-wide financial and operational insight to support executive decision-making, improve coordination across departments, and identify opportunities to modernize systems, strengthen processes, and drive sustainable operational performance.

This position is designed to bridge strategy and execution - taking a deeper dive into departmental operations, financial structures, and organizational systems to help ensure the City is operating efficiently, effectively, and in alignment with the Mayor's priorities and the needs of residents.

The Director will work closely with department leaders, Finance & Management, Budget, Human Resources, and operational teams to evaluate challenges, improve internal coordination, and support data-informed solutions that enhance public service delivery.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Strategy & Fiscal Stewardship

• Support the development and implementation of citywide financial strategies that strengthen long-term fiscal sustainability
• Partner with departments to align budget priorities with operational needs and strategic goals
• Assist in evaluating departmental spending, resource allocation, and financial performance across City operations
• Monitor financial trends, emerging risks, and operational pressures impacting service delivery
• Support responsible stewardship of public funds through thoughtful analysis, accountability, and transparency

Operational Assessment & Organizational Effectiveness

• Work directly with departments to better understand operational structures, service delivery models, and resource challenges
• Identify opportunities to improve coordination, efficiency, and organizational effectiveness across City operations
• Conduct operational reviews and support recommendations related to staffing structures, workflows, procurement practices, and deployment of resources
• Help departments evaluate systems and operational processes to improve effectiveness and sustainability
• Support implementation of operational improvements that enhance resident services and internal performance

Process Improvement & Systems Modernization

• Lead and support initiatives focused on continuous improvement, operational modernization, and process redesign
• Identify opportunities to streamline internal processes and reduce inefficiencies across departments
• Support efforts to improve cross-departmental coordination, communication, and operational consistency
• Encourage practical, resident-focused approaches to improving government operations and service delivery
• Promote a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement within City government

Data, Performance & Strategic Analysis

• Support development of performance measures that connect operational outcomes with financial investments
• Partner with internal teams to improve reporting tools, dashboards, and data visibility for executive leadership
• Analyze operational and financial data to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities for improvement
• Provide clear, actionable analysis to support executive and departmental decision-making
• Help strengthen the City's ability to use data to guide strategic investments and operational priorities

Cross-Departmental Collaboration

• Serve as a strategic partner to City departments, Finance & Management, Budget, and the Mayor's leadership team
• Support enterprise-wide initiatives requiring coordination across multiple departments and operational areas
• Facilitate collaborative problem-solving related to financial pressures, operational challenges, and organizational priorities
• Build strong working relationships across departments to support alignment and shared accountability
• Help ensure operational and financial decisions reflect both organizational realities and resident needs

Executive Support & Strategic Advising

• Provide objective analysis and recommendations to executive leadership on financial and operational matters
• Assist in identifying opportunities for operational improvement, cost containment, and strategic reinvestment
• Support implementation of mayoral priorities through operational coordination and strategic analysis
• Prepare briefings, recommendations, and decision-support materials for senior leadership
• Serve as a trusted advisor on organizational performance, operational effectiveness, and fiscal strategy

Core Competencies

• Public Sector Leadership
• Strategic Thinking
• Financial Stewardship
• Operational Insight
• Collaborative Leadership
• Process Improvement Orientation
• Data-Informed Decision Making
• Executive Communication

Qualifications

Highly Preferred

• Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Finance, Business Administration, Organizational Leadership, or related field
• Significant leadership experience in government, public administration, finance, operations, or organizational strategy
• Experience working with large, complex organizations and multi-department operations
• Demonstrated experience supporting budgeting, operational analysis, strategic planning, or organizational improvement initiatives
• Strong understanding of public sector accountability, governance, and service delivery

Preferred

• Master's degree (MPA, MBA, or related field)
• Experience working within municipal government or other large public sector organizations
• Experience supporting operational modernization, continuous improvement, or organizational transformation efforts (Lean Six Sigma or similar methodologies)
• Familiarity with budgeting systems, procurement processes, and performance management frameworks
• Experience facilitating cross-functional initiatives and enterprise-wide collaboration
• Please submit a cover letter and resume with all application materials.

Special Note:

A person who has been selected by an appointing authority in accordance with the Columbus City Charter, Section 148(1) is said to have received an unclassified appointment. Those individuals receiving unclassified appointments serve at the pleasure of their appointing authority and may be terminated from employment at any time. Please contact the Civil Service Commission if you would like additional information regarding this process.

Test/Job Contact Information

Recruitment #: 26-0064-V2

Employment Type: Full-Time

Should you have questions regarding this vacancy, please contact:

Tammy Bethea

Office of Diversity and Inclusion

77 N. Front St.

Columbus, Ohio 43215

P: (614) 645-0792

E:tmbethea@columbus.gov

The City of Columbus is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Columbus seeks to promote compensation strategies that maximize the recruitment, performance, development, and retention of quality employees in support of the Citys Covenant and strategic plan. In addition to a competitive pay plan, the City offers a comprehensive benefits program that includes the following:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Short-term Disability
• Life Insurance
• Wellness Program
• Tuition Reimbursement

Specifics about these benefit opportunities and eligibility can be discussed with one of the Citys human resources professionals at the time of your interview or by contacting the Department of Human Resources, Labor Relations Office at (614)645-7206 for further information.

Employer City of Columbus

Address 77 N. Front Street, Suite 330

Columbus, Ohio, 43215

Phone (614) 645-8301

Website https://www.columbus.gov/Government/Jobs