Managing Consultant, School Finance Initiatives

 Are you passionate about improving educational outcomes through smarter financial management? 

The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) is seeking a Managing Consultant, School Finance Initiatives to lead strategic programs supporting K-12 school districts and community colleges. In this role, you will serve as a subject matter expert, program leader, consultant, researcher, and educator, helping finance professionals address today's most pressing challenges while advancing best practices in school finance.

This position will lead GFOA's Alliance for Excellence in Smarter School Spending, a growing network of school finance leaders dedicated to improving student outcomes through effective resource allocation and budgeting practices. 

This position is based in GFOA's Chicago office with hybrid work flexibility. Some travel is required to support consulting engagements, conferences, trainings, and member events.

GFOA offers a generous benefits package, including retirement matching, medical, dental, and vision coverage. We are committed to fostering a culture of learning, collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity. GFOA is an equal opportunity employer.

Job Duties Will Include but Are Not Limited To:

Leadership of the Alliance for Excellence in Smarter School Spending

• Lead and expand GFOA's affinity group for school finance leaders across K-12 school districts and community colleges and foster other networking and collaboration opportunities for school finance practitioners, researchers, and academic professionals.
• As a subject matter expert, promote the adoption and application of GFOA's Smarter School Spending tools and resources.

Consulting and Client Support

• Lead consulting engagements focused on analysis and subsequent recommendations for policy development, operational improvement, modernization efforts, and technology adoption.
• Manage project teams, ensuring high-quality outcomes while supporting staff development and professional growth.

Education Development and Delivery

• Design, develop, and deliver educational programs, courses, and training seminars for school finance professionals including resources related to budgeting and other core public finance topics.
• Collaborate with colleagues across GFOA's resource development team to support member learning and professional development.

Research and Thought Leadership

• Lead and contribute to research initiatives focused on emerging issues and trends in school finance and development educational materials that advance best practice in financial management.
• Support the development of innovative tools and frameworks that help school finance leaders make strategic decisions.

Advocacy and Member Engagement

• Support GFOA advocacy efforts related to federal programs, legislation, and regulations affecting school finance professionals.
• Promote and strengthen relationships with members, partners, and stakeholders throughout the education finance community and at GFOA’s Annual Conference and other member events. 

Qualifications & Skills

Subject Matter Expertise and Critical Thinking 

• Deep knowledge of school finance, particularly budgeting within K-12 school districts and/or community colleges as well as financial management best practices in educational institutions.
• Knowledge of public sector finance and awareness of challenges facing educational institutions and local governments.
• Ability to analyze complex information, interpret data, identify trends, and develop actionable recommendations.

Program and Project Management and Collaboration 

• Demonstrated success leading complex initiatives, managing multiple priorities, and delivering high-quality results using organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively across departments and with both internal and external stakeholders.

Communication and Relationship Building

• Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and facilitation skills.
• Ability to effectively engage diverse audiences, including finance officers, administrators, policymakers, and educators.

Physical Requirements

Ability to move about the office and operate standard office equipment. Must be able to occasionally lift, carry, push, pull, or move objects weighing up to 10 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

About GFOA

Established in 1906, the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) is dedicated to advancing excellence in state and local government financial management to help build thriving communities. Our 30,000+ members throughout the United States and Canada rely on GFOA for practical education, timely resources, professional networking, and industry-leading best practices.

Through research, training, consulting, and advocacy, GFOA empowers public finance professionals to make informed decisions that strengthen government operations and improve outcomes for the communities they serve.