Director Political Science Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Overview & Benefits

Oakland County is more than just a workplace. It is a place where you can make a real difference. As one of Michigan's leading public service organizations, we are committed to strengthening communities, delivering essential services, and improving the quality of life for nearly 1.3 million residents.

When you join our team, you become part of a mission-driven workforce guided by integrity, innovation, and a passion for public service. We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to do meaningful work that matters. Apply today and help shape the future of Oakland County, where we are All Ways Moving Forward.

For more information about Oakland County benefits and employee perks, please visit:

https://www.oakgov.com/government/human-resources/benefits/new-hire

General SummaryLocation: Waterford, MI (Hybrid)
Compensation: $77,841 - $ 104,291 annually
Are you a strategic financial professional who enjoys transforming complex data into sound financial decisions that drive organizational success?
Oakland County is seeking an analytical and collaborative Financial Analyst Coordinator to play a key role in the County's budget development, and financial planning. In this highly visible position, you'll partner with County departments and leadership to develop budgets, analyze financial trends, and provide the financial insights that support informed decision-making across the organization.
This is an exciting opportunity for a finance professional who enjoys combining financial analysis, strategic planning, forecasting, and process improvement while making a meaningful impact on public services.
What you'll do:
Coordinate the County's annual budget development process, including budget downloads and publication of budget documents for County leadership and the Board of Commissioners
Analyze departmental operations, funding needs, and financial trends to develop budget recommendations and long-range financial projections
Serve as the primary financial analyst for one or more County departments, providing budgetary guidance and strategic financial support
Prepare and present financial reports, analyses, and recommendations to County leadership and elected officials
Collaborate with department administrators and Human Resources to evaluate organizational structures, staffing, and budget impacts
Utilize financial management and grant reporting systems to monitor budgets, expenditures, and funding activity
Identify opportunities to improve financial reporting, and budget processes while strengthening internal controls
Why you'll love it:
Play a key role in shaping financial decisions that support essential County programs and services
Partner with executive leadership, department directors, and elected officials on strategic financial initiatives
Gain broad exposure to budgeting, forecasting, grants management, financial reporting, and organizational planning
Lead meaningful projects that improve financial processes, reporting accuracy, and operational efficiency
Expand your expertise through challenging work in governmental finance, grants, and strategic budgeting
Enjoy competitive compensation, excellent benefits, and the opportunity to build a rewarding career in public service
If you're a strategic thinker who enjoys financial analysis, budgeting, and helping organizations make informed decisions, we'd love to have you join Oakland County's Fiscal Services team.Minimum Qualifications

EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Possess a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in Finance, Public Administration, Business Administration, Accounting, Economics, Political Science, or a related field.
• Have had four (4) years of full-time work experience in financial analysis, business administration, general accounting, cost accounting, economic analysis, systems analysis, personnel administration, or related area. NOTE: A Master's degree in one of the fields listed above may be substituted for one (1) year of the work experience described above.

ADDITIONAL DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of budgetary management and accounting principles, and procedures.

Exceptional knowledge of and ability to utilize Microsoft Word, Excel (including Pivot Tables), Power BI, Outlook, AI, and other databases and Internet software

Knowledge of Program analysis and evaluation.

Ability to:

• Provide guidance and technical expertise to Financial Analyst and technical/clerical support staff.
• Make routine decisions in accordance with policies and procedures.
• Plan and complete assignments within deadlines.
• Recognize and correct departures from budgetary practices and procedures.
• Initiate improvements in budgetary operations
• Follow complex oral and written instructions.
• Prepare and present complex written and oral reports.
• Perform standardized and statistical computations.
• Work with Financial and HR Systems.
• Utilize data processing capabilities.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Assists in the coordination of the development and publication of the Recommended, Categorical, Finance Committee, Program Budget and Adopted Budget books. Reviews all necessary documentation, ensuring accuracy and appropriate formatting.
• Arranges for printing of the budget books. Receives and oversees the distribution of completed books.
• Coordinates and oversees monthly and yearly budget downloads to be used in budgetary forecasting.
• Researches and resolves issues that may occur relating to the loading of budget files.
• Under supervisory direction, loads and approves data loads into relevant ERP system.
• Under supervisory direction, provides technical guidance to departments and staff as well as developing and maintaining training for employees in the preparation and maintenance of financial reporting.
• Coordinates and assists in the analysis of specialized projects and legislation changes that impact multiple departments.
• Coordinates and helps prepare resolutions, budget amendments and reports for presentation to the Finance Committee for assigned departments, including financial impact statements relating to proposed legislative action, constitutional amendments, and grant applications and awards which must be submitted for fiscal review. May report to Board of Commissioner Standing Committees per the direction of management.
• Is responsible for the coordination and preparation of assigned departments' quarterly financial forecasts of the County's financial position for presentation to the County Executive, Finance Committee and Board of Commissioners.
• Performs financial planning, budget administration and responds to requests for information for expenditure accounts termed "non-departmental" which are included in the County budget but not ascribed to a particular department.
• Performs financial planning, budget administration and responds to requests for information for revenue and expenditure accounts, both those attributed to County departments and those that are not.
• Assists the Manager, Chief or Supervisor in the implementation of County budgetary policies, procedures and regulations by ensuring that work performed by Financial Analysts and technical/clerical support personnel is in accordance with approved methods.
• Provides technical expertise and assistance to assigned departmental representatives in the formulation of departmental budget requests, including necessary documentation, investigation, and related impact studies relative to existing policies as they relate to the budget.
• Attends budget hearings and assists in the review of requested appropriations through the presentation and exposition of data concerning the fiscal condition of operating departments and the interpretation of such data.
• Researches background data, analyzes documents and prepares reports and recommendations relative to departmental structures, functions, and procedures to increase efficiency and/or effectiveness.
• Implements departmental budgetary controls through appropriation allotments, requisition requests and periodic review of the department's total budget performance.
• Compiles budgetary and statistical data received from assigned departments to prepare statements showing the comparison of their estimated revenue receipts with revenue collections, and the historical comparison of departmental expenditures with requested departmental appropriations.
• Researches, evaluates and recommends rates for recovering and/or distributing charges for services rendered by Oakland County to County departments and/or outside agencies.
• May participate in the development of various computer applications.
• Assists management in the creation, maintenance and updates to reporting and analytics.
• Assists the department on tracking costs and allocating budgets quarterly for Temporary Business Continuity Positions (TBCP). May be required to attend and present to the Board of Commissioners' standing committee on such as determined by Fiscal and HR management.
• Responsible for completing on-going training at the County's expense in the following areas: Government Finance, Accounting, Technology, and other applicable training as assigned.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Prepares charts and diagrams showing prior, current and projected revenues and expenditures to provide a basis for comparison and evaluation.
• Monitors newly mandated County activities emanating from the State legislation to ensure adequate state financing as required by the Michigan Constitution.
• Evaluates and reports on deviations of departmental authorized practices and procedures.
• Using data processing capabilities, prepares general and special reports showing the factors involved in program expenditures that have exceeded their budgetary allotment; and general and special reports of budget requests for new or increased programs, including Federal Grant Projects.
• Attends and reports to management on fiscal activities of Board of Commissioners' standing committees that impact the budget.
• Performs related duties as assigned including, when required, duties performed by Senior Financial Analyst and Financial Analyst classifications level.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Complies with all policies and standards.
• Utilizes current countywide and/or department specific software to complete assignments.

ESSENTIAL MENTAL & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to communicate work-related information clearly and professionally.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

• Functions as a leader of Senior Financial Analysts and lower level professional staff.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The primary purpose of this job description is to set a fair and equitable salary range for this job classification. Generally, only those key duties necessary for proper job evaluation and/or labor market analysis have been included. Other duties and responsibilities will be assigned by the supervisor.

Additional Minimum QualificationsUnion*BU69 - United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 889: Management & Budget NON-Supv (UAW)

*If applicable

EEO Statement

We are committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.

Inclusion Statement

Oakland County is committed to welcoming applicants from all backgrounds, including those with prior convictions, as we believe in providing equal opportunities for all. We value the unique perspectives and experiences each individual brings to our team and are dedicated to fostering an inclusive, supportive workplace. If you have the skills and qualifications for the position, we encourage you to apply. All candidates are evaluated based on their ability to meet the job requirements, legal obligations and thrive in our organization. All ways, MOVING FORWARD.