Legislative Analyst Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

Budget & Policy Analyst - Planning, Budget, Purchasing & Accounting - 1.0 FTE
Budget/Planning/Accounting
Doyle Administration Building
Compensation: $82,118.40 - 106,059.20 Annual Salary
Employment Type: Exempt
MMSD is seeking highly motivated and energetic applicants! Applicants should have a good attitude, willingness to learn, and passion for impactful work and learning.
Why You Should Work with MMSD!
The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is the second-largest school district in Wisconsin. We have a simple but bold vision - to ensure that every school is a thriving school, that prepares every student to graduate from high school ready for college, career, and community. We welcome applicants who will actively contribute to our ongoing commitment to making MMSD a thriving, welcoming environment for all students, families, and staff.
In addition, we have a great compensation package. Visit our benefits page and compensation page for more information.
Becoming a Model School District
The Madison Metropolitan School District is committed to being anti-racist, culturally responsive, and inclusive. We have a simple but bold vision - to ensure that every school is a thriving school, fostering the growth of every student so they graduate from high school ready for college, career and community.
Our strategy is captured in our strategic framework, and centers on three major goals: that all children achieve academically, that our schools are places where children and adults thrive, and that our Black youth excel at school. To achieve this vision, we seek to retain staff in all positions, who are committed to being anti-racist, culturally responsive, and inclusive. Staff who will actively contribute to our ongoing commitment to making MMSD a thriving, welcoming environment for all students, families and staff.
We firmly believe in and are here to create a work environment that is challenging and rewarding, while supporting employees in their career path. We strive to provide, encourage, grow, and develop a talented workforce that better supports and represents the diversity of our student population. We know this vision doesn't come to life without dynamic leaders and support staff in every school.
About Our District
The Madison Metropolitan School District is the second largest school district in Wisconsin. The district serves a beautifully diverse population of more than 25,000 students. More than half are students of color. Almost half come from low income households. Nearly one third are English Language Learners, and more than 100 languages are represented in our schools. Madison schools are committed to making this district a place where every child thrives.
Purpose of Position:
Under the general supervision of the Budget Manager, this position will develop, analyze, coordinate, present and document Madison Metropolitan School District's (MMSD) annual budgets and legislation. This position will provide budget and policy support for all stages of the annual budget processes and for various budget development purposes. This position will be responsible for analyzing complex financial, operational and legislative information.
This position will have a high degree of integrity, sustain a culture of continuous improvement, and be committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive work environment while having a growth mindset to a multi-faceted operation while having a focus on creating a positive work culture.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Budget Development, Analysis & Planning 45%

1. Prepare and analyze base budget data across multiple fund sources for departments, schools and supported district operations
2. Develop program and appropriation structure changes in response to operational, legislative and programmatic changes, assessing fiscal impact
3. Monitor and evaluate the financial health and performance of assigned departments and programs
4. Facilitate budget planning sessions with departments and school leadership, providing technical guidance and developing data-informed budget justifications and alternative funding scenarios
5. Review and analyze budget requests for accuracy, compliance and alignment with program objectives, and prepare supporting analysis for leadership review
6. Prepare fiscal impact analyses for proposed legislation and district initiatives
7. Develop and utilize queries to extract, analyze and present budget and financial data
8. Maintain and update budget and position data within enterprise financial systems to ensure accurate representation of district operations.

B. Financial Analysis & Program Evaluation 35%

1. Conduct organizational, fiscal and policy analyses to support the resolution of budgetary, operational and administrative matters
2. Lead and participate in analytical studies, surveys and data collection to evaluate budgetary and policy issues developing alternative solutions and recommendations for leadership consideration
3. Prepare written and oral reports summarizing findings from studies and analyses for the Budget Manager and Assistant Superintendent of Financial Services
4. Develop implementation timelines for approved recommendations and monitor progress
5. Evaluate district programs and functions for statutory compliance, compliance with the Board of Education intent and overall program effectiveness.
6. Assist managers in evaluating service rates, assessment and cost recovery techniques, and operational performance; identify opportunities to improve procedures, increase efficiency, and enhance output value.

C. Budget Monitoring & Policy Implementation 15%

1. Monitor modifications made to district budget requests and legislative changes, evaluating fiscal, staffing, statutory and operational impacts
2. Prepare responses to Board of Education information requests and provide follow-up analysis as directed
3. Allocate approved budget appropriations and supplements, provide justification to leadership and interpret allotment policies
4. Prepare general operating budget guidelines and technical instructions for district management
5. Prepare standing financial summaries and evaluate the fiscal condition of operations and conduct briefings for leadership Follow-up to clarify fiscal or operational issues. Develop justification for and recommend alternative courses of action when appropriate
6. Serve as a liaison between PBPA and department/school leadership, providing customer-focused support for budget and policy matters

D. Other Duties as Assigned 5%

1. Perform other duties as assigned by executive leadership or their representatives or designees.
2. Attend district and school functions that support MMSD's strategic framework, initiatives, and core values.
3. Complete any and all district required training.
4. Build collaborative relationships with business partners.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required to Perform Essential Job Functions:

1. Knowledge of professional budgeting and accounting principles.
2. Knowledge of Wisconsin statutes and administrative rules and federal rules and regulations
3. Knowledge of research and analysis principles and techniques.
4. Knowledge of public administration and public policy interpretation and development
5. Ability to exhibit excellent written and oral communications skills
6. Ability to develop and present technical and financial reports to stakeholders.
7. Ability to use a technical computer system, including to develop and run queries and searches to extract and analyze data and financial information
8. Knowledge and ability to use Google or Microsoft Office Suite, including but not limited to the use of Google Sheets or MS Excel to efficiently organize, extract, analyze, and visualize large data sets and complex information
9. Ability to anticipate trends, provide insights or recommend improvements
10. Knowledge of and ability to use enterprise financial and human resource systems to extract, analyze, and report data efficiently
11. Ability to interpret legislative and policy requirements and apply them to district operations and budget decisions
12. Ability to employ a high degree of diplomacy and tact and to provide excellent customer service
13. Knowledge and ability to perform complex fiscal and legislative analysis.
14. Ability to solve problems in an efficient and logical manner
15. Ability to plan, prioritize, and complete multiple tasks in a timely manner
16. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues and executive leadership both internal and external to the Department
17. Working knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
18. Working knowledge of the Wisconsin Uniform Financial Accounting Requirements

Required Qualifications:

1. Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, public administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
2. Minimum of two years professional budget or finance experience in an educational or public administrative setting.

License or Certification Requirements:

1. None

Physical Requirements:
Ability to work under generally safe and comfortable conditions where exposure to environmental factors is minimal and poses little to no risk of injury. This position requires the ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally and may involve walking, sitting, stooping or reaching. Manual dexterity is necessary for completing general tasks while operating office equipment. This position may require being stationary for extended periods of time.
Ability to perform work in a variety of indoor and outdoor environments throughout the year, including in inclement weather, spaces without air conditioning, and areas where temperatures may be uncomfortable or fluctuate rapidly.
Working Conditions:

1. Work requires travel to different locations within the district and to off-site meetings.
2. Certain positions within the District may allow hybrid work flexibility for a portion of their work schedule, depending on the needs of the position and the work unit. This topic and any remote work flexibility that may be available will be discussed in more detail in the interview process
3. School-based positions are required to be in-person unless otherwise directed by the building principal.

Disclaimer: This position description is subject to change at any time. The above job description does not limit the duties and responsibilities listed above as they are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. Employees in this position may be required to perform additional job-related tasks as directed by the supervisor.
The Madison Metropolitan School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We continue to seek a diverse and talented workforce. We encourage veterans, women, people of color, LGBTQIA+, and people with disabilities to apply. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the District will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.