Budget Director
County of Charleston, SC
Join Charleston County as Our Next Budget Director
Shape the financial future of one of South Carolina’s fastest-growing counties.
Charleston County is hiring a strategic, visionary financial leader to serve as our next Budget Director — a high-impact role where you'll guide long-range planning, lead a high-performing team, and help shape policies that impact over 425,000 residents.
If you've managed complex, multi-department budgets over $500M, led dynamic teams, and thrive in a collaborative, mission-driven environment — we want to hear from you.
💡 Why This Role Stands Out
At Charleston County, budgeting isn’t just numbers — it’s strategy. You’ll partner with senior leadership and elected officials to ensure every dollar advances our goals for a vibrant, resilient, and sustainable future.
As Budget Director, you will:
✅ Lead the development of our $823M annual operating budget
✅ Oversee our $1.7B Capital Improvement Plan
✅ Direct long-range forecasting, debt management, and millage rate modeling
✅ Guide an 8-person Budget team toward operational excellence
✅ Serve as the County’s FEMA Applicant Agent for disaster reimbursements
✅ Shape the financial strategy behind one of the Southeast’s most livable communities
👤 Who You Are to the organization
You're more than a finance expert — you're a leader, a strategic thinker, and a trusted advisor. You can dive into detailed analysis, present clearly to elected officials, and lead teams through complex financial decisions.
Minimum Qualifications:
10+ years in government budgeting or financial management
5+ years in a leadership role in the public sector
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
Preferred:
Master’s degree, CPA, SC Certified Government Finance Officer (CGFO), or national GFOA certification
Experience with capital planning and multi-year financial modeling
Proven ability to navigate political dynamics and public transparency
🏖️ Why Charleston County?
Live where others vacation. Charleston County offers a unique blend of historic charm, natural beauty, and a growing innovation ecosystem. We are one of the most forward-thinking counties in the region — recognized for our fiscal responsibility and strategic investments in community well-being.
💼 Compensation & Benefits
💵 Salary: $120,161 – $157,393 (DOE)
✅ South Carolina Retirement System (SCRS)
✅ Paid vacation, sick leave, holidays
✅ Health, dental, vision, and life insurance
✅ Ongoing professional development and leadership training
📅 Ready to Lead?
If you're motivated by impact, ready to shape a county on the rise, and committed to fiscal excellence — apply now. Early applications are encouraged.