Director of Municipal Finance
Center for Governmental Research, NY
CGR is a consulting organization that partners with public and nonprofit leaders, providing data-driven insights and tailored solutions to build stronger communities. Our vision is that all communities are safe, equitable and thriving and we work to achieve that with our clients.
We are adding to our team of highly skilled, adaptive and effective research consultants, inviting applications for Director of Municipal Finance. The Director will help develop and lead CGR’s research agenda focused on the fiscal health of governments, public infrastructure financing, and economic analysis and development. This leader must possess the ability to think critically, analyze complex financial datasets, and translate research findings into actionable policy solutions. This role centers on generating high-impact research to influence public policy, promoting transparency, and fostering sustainable financial practices for governments and other public, private and non-profit entities across New York and the Northeast.
We are committed to a healthy and inclusive work culture that values each person’s contributions and to growing the capacities of our team to support positive change in communities. With the variety of projects and clients at CGR, staff members continuously expand their skills and knowledge.
The candidate should be able to demonstrate effectiveness in building relationships with clients and/or partners, and furthering principles of diversity, equity and inclusion. Experience working with diverse and marginalized populations is valued and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.
Key Qualifications: At least 10 years of experience working in a related professional field; advanced degree (CPA, Master’s or PhD) preferred or equivalent practical experience in Public Policy, Economics, Finance, Public Administration; demonstrated research and analytical skills; strong project management, supervisory and communication experience; deep knowledge of municipal credit analysis, public budgeting, taxation, debt financing, and financial reporting standards (e.g., GASB); organizational skills; strong writing and public speaking skills; ability to translate complex data for policymakers, the media, and the general public; and mastery of Microsoft Excel (proficiency in data analysis software such as R, Python, or Stata is a plus).
Position Responsibilities: Leading analytical projects, managing project teams and producing deliverables such as reports; conducting applied research including data collection and analysis; facilitating interviews and focus groups; presenting deliverables including reports and presentations; reviewing and editing team members’ work; managing projects to budgets
and timelines; supervising other research staff; developing project proposals and securing contracts; and building relationships with potential clients. While this position will focus on municipal finance, the Director will likely also be assigned projects in other research areas such as local government operations.
Specifics: This is a permanent, benefits-eligible full-time position, with opportunity for growth. CGR’s office is in Rochester, NY. This position can be based anywhere in the Northeast United States with the ability to travel for project work and to Rochester for occasional team activities. The starting pay range is $95,000-$105,000 per year. Highly qualified applicants interested in less than a full-time commitment may be considered.
Travel: CGR works for communities throughout New York, the Northeastern United States and beyond. Travel may be required on a project-by-project basis, and candidates must possess a valid driver’s license or the ability to secure one before employment.
CGR Statement on Diversity: CGR values diversity from all backgrounds and seeks to create a welcoming workplace that attracts and retains a wide variety of talented people with different perspectives and new ideas. We value diversity among all dimensions of human experience, including gender, race, color, religion, gender identity, national origin, differing abilities, gender expression, veterans, socio-economic status, and sexual orientation. We believe diversity improves the quality of our work and the communities we are part of, making an important statement about the inherent worth of every individual. CGR endeavors to create a respectful, inclusive and welcoming workplace as the ground on which a truly equitable and diverse organization flourishes. CGR takes responsibility by being aware of the consequences of its actions, by having open dialogues, and holding all levels of the organization accountable for diversity work to minimize the burden on individuals (particularly those from marginalized and under-represented populations and cultures) to advance diversity goals. Creating an excellent workplace climate is a key priority for achieving our organizational diversity goals.