Policy and Budget Director

**Job Posting Title:**Policy and Budget Director**Department:**County Manager**Location:**415 SILVER AVE SW**Pay Range:**$145,787.00 - $182,250.00**Close Date:**October 20, 2025Employees at Bernalillo County enjoy the ability to team up with each other to build a high quality of life for our county residents, communities, and businesses. In addition to being an organization with a strong focus on work-life balance, building a culture of flexibility, learning, and belonging the County offers many benefits. Employees of Bernalillo County enjoy many thoughtful rewards such as, but not limited to generous leave accruals; career development opportunities; remote & flex-work options as appropriate; longevity pay; education assistance program; health benefits; lucrative retirement; and so much more.The Policy and Budget Director reports to the Chief of Staff and serves as a senior advisor to the County Manager and Executive Team, with primary responsibility for leading strategic policy development, advancing countywide initiatives, and ensuring alignment with the Board of County Commissioners’ priorities. This position oversees policy research, development, and implementation while driving Operations Excellence and Continuous Improvement across county departments. The Policy & Budget Director plays a key role in shaping Bernalillo County’s long-term vision through data-driven decision-making, performance management, and innovation.**DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES*** Research, analyze, and recommend policies that advance the County’s strategic priorities.* Draft, review, and monitor legislation, regulations, and county initiatives impacting operations and services.* Provide policy briefings and recommendations to the Chief of Staff, County Manager, Executive Team and elected officials.* Oversee the budget office in the preparation, coordination, and administration of the County’s annual budget in alignment with County priorities.* Oversee long-term financial planning and forecasting to ensure fiscal sustainability.* Lead a team to provide analysis of budget requests, program expenditures, and funding proposals to support evidence-based decisions.* Ensure transparency and accountability in budget reporting and public communication.* Develop and oversee countywide continuous improvement strategies to streamline processes, eliminate redundancies, and enhance service delivery.* Lead performance management systems that track outcomes, improve accountability, and support evidence-based decision-making.* Foster a culture of innovation, efficiency, and organizational excellence across all county departments.* Support intergovernmental and stakeholder engagement to advance county policy priorities.* Represent the Bernalillo County in policy discussions with community groups, regional partners, and other jurisdictions.* Assist in communication strategies that ensure transparency and accessibility of county initiatives.* Collaborate with the COO and department directors and staff to ensure policies are implemented effectively.* Identify opportunities for cross-departmental collaboration and alignment with county goals.* Serve as a thought leader on best practices in policy, governance, and organizational improvement.***\*The above information is intended to outline the general nature and scope of the duties required for this position. It is not an exhaustive list and may vary depending on specific job assignments and responsibilities.*****MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS*** Master’s degree in public administration, Public Policy, Political Science, Business Administration, or related field; **OR** equivalent combination of education and experience.* Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in public policy, government affairs, or organizational performance management.* Demonstrated experience in operations excellence, continuous improvement, or organizational development.* Strong knowledge of local government functions, legislative processes, and policy research.SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION**KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES / COMPETENCIES*** Strategic thinking and problem-solving.* Policy analysis and development.* Leadership and team collaboration.* Process improvement and performance measurement.* Exceptional communication and presentation skills.* Ability to navigate politically sensitive and high-profile issues.**ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS*** Experience in county or municipal government at a leadership level.* Certification in performance excellence frameworks, or process improvement methodologies.* Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage complex initiatives.**SCREENING AND COMPLIANCE*** Successfully complete the post-offer employment medical examination and background investigation.* Comply with County safety guidelines.* Possess a valid New Mexico driver’s license by the date of employment and maintain it while in this position.* Complete required FEMA training(s) as assigned to the position.* Complete required Supervisor classes, if applicable.* Possess a valid New Mexico driver’s license by the employment date, or obtain within 90 days of hire, and maintain it while employed in this position.**WORKING CONDITIONS*** Most essential duties are performed indoors.* Work takes place in a temperature-controlled environment.* Duties are performed on an even surface, typically carpeted or tiled, and generally dry.* Duties may occasionally be performed outdoors, where the employee may be exposed to weather conditions, uneven surfaces, or construction environments.**EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, AND MATERIALS*** Equipment commonly used includes a telephone, computer, and copy machine.* Materials handled include files, smart boards, markers, forms, reports, various paperwork, and a wide variety of basic office supplies.* May operate a County vehicle as assigned. #J-18808-Ljbffr