Program Manager – Performance and Budget

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Performs process analysis and re-engineering to recommend strategies to improve efficiency, lower costs, and improve the quality of service delivery.
• Facilitate the design and implementation of new/improved process models and organizational structures.
• Manages and leads process teams to achieve desired results.
• Aid in the development of new process capabilities.
• Conduct operational assessments, audits, and performance evaluations.
• Perform project management, analyses of analytics and other data-driven reviews, and measure changes to ensure milestones are met and deliverables are achieved.
• Lead the planning, execution, and closing of high-priority programs and projects within the Performance and Budget portfolio, such as short and long-range financial planning initiatives, monitoring the budget of city-wide high-profile projects, and enterprise-wide mapping and performance dashboard development.
• Define program scope, objectives, governance, resource needs, and success metrics in collaboration with stakeholders and executive sponsors.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive program documentation, including detailed project plans, risk registers, decision logs, and status reports.
• Ensure programs are delivered on time, within budget, and meet established quality standards and strategic objectives.
• Budget and Performance Integration: Design and implement mechanisms to link program expenditures directly to strategic organization outcomes and key performance indicators.
• Serve as a liaison between the financial planning and performance measurement functions, ensuring seamless integration and data consistency across both domains.
• Facilitate executive-level reviews of program budgets, performance forecasts, and variance analyses, providing clear and concise commentary on financial health and program efficacy.
• Technology & Digital Transformation: Identify and integrate smart city solutions, data-driven tools, and emerging technologies to improve program/project efficiency.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Communication: Manage communication and collaboration with a diverse set of stakeholders, including Finance, Operations, and Technology.
• Prepare compelling, data-driven presentations for the Executive Director to inform leadership of critical resource needs, project updates, and program management decisions.
• Proactively manage and escalate program risks and issues, developing contingency plans to minimize impact on schedule and budget.
• Foster a culture of accountability, transparency, and data-driven decision-making across all managed programs and projects.
• Performance Measurement & Impact Analysis: Establish metrics to assess the effectiveness of programs/projects and report findings to office leadership.
• Cross-Departmental Coordination: Work closely with government agencies to streamline processes, reduce redundancies, and improve service delivery.
• Team Contribution: Mentor and guide project managers and contributors within the broader team on best practices for program execution and data analysis.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of the Performance and Budget team’s tools, templates, and methodologies.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated expertise in managing financial forecasting and enterprise performance management initiatives.
• Proven track record of leading complex, cross-functional programs from initiation to closure, leveraging structured methodologies.
• Exceptional quantitative and qualitative analytical skills, with an ability to synthesize large data sets, identify trends, and draw strategic conclusions.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (financial modeling, pivot tables, etc.) and PowerPoint.
• Knowledge of smart city technologies, digital governance tools, and open data platforms.
• Experience with project management tools and methodologies (Agile, Lean, Design Thinking).
• Strong data analysis abilities for performance tracking and decision-making.
• Visionary thinking & problem-solving abilities.
• The ability to understand the “big picture” and align program activities with long-term organizational strategy.
• Effective stakeholder communication & leadership skills.
• Collaboration & relationship-building across sectors.
• A self-starter who anticipates needs, tackles challenges head-on, and maintains effectiveness under pressure.
• Meticulous attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to integrate seamlessly into a team.
• Ability to navigate bureaucratic structures while driving meaningful change.