Budget Director - Champaign County, IL | Champaign County, IL

Champaign County, IL (pop. 206,542).   Champaign County is in the heart of the state, located in East Central Illinois, centered between Chicago, Indianapolis, and St. Louis. Home to the University of Illinois, residents will find a community with the best of both worlds: active urban living paired with easygoing affordability.

The education system in Champaign County is top-ranking, from toddlers on up to Ph.D.s.  Time magazine ranked the area #12 on its “Best Places to Walk or Bike” list.  NerdWallet named Champaign one of the top five cities for work-life balance, with everything from outstanding farmers markets (produced from some of the world’s richest farmland) to world-class entertainment — much of it free. 

The communities of Champaign, Urbana (the County seat) and Savoy make up the commercial hub of the county and are its largest population center, with over 100,000 residents. In these tri-cities, plus 24 incorporated villages and rural home sites, homes for every family size, income level and lifestyle are available.  Three interstates intersecting in Champaign–Urbana, an Amtrak station, and Willard Airport, make traveling to and from the area easy.  

About 135 miles south of the City of Chicago, the county serves an estimated population of 210,000.  County services include general government, justice and public safety, health, education, social services, development and highways and bridges. The Champaign County Board is the legislative arm of County Government. The Board consists of 22 board members, 2 from each of the 11 districts. The board members elect a chairman for a two-year term from among the members. The first elected County Executive was sworn in in 2018 and is responsible for the administration of the County’s business, similar to the Mayor at the city level or the Governor at the state level.

The Executive supervises all county activities that do not fall under the responsibility of another elected county official, including Administrative Services, the Budget Director’s department. The County's Fiscal Year 2023 consolidated budget anticipates revenues of $157M and expenditures of $226M, with a $67.5M capital budget that includes two major facility projects. The County is using bond proceeds and American Rescue Plan Act funding received in prior fiscal years to support some of its capital investments. Total outstanding debt at the end of Fiscal Year 2023 is $43.7M. County services are currently provided by a staff of 846 FTEs. Moody’s Investors Service upgraded the County’s underlying credit rating to ‘Aa1’ from ‘Aa2’ in November 2022, citing its “strong financial position and role as a regional economic center derived from the institutional presence of the University of Illinois (Aa3 stable)”.

Position Requirements

The County is seeking an experienced, collaborative public finance professional with strong analytical and communication skills to serve as the Budget Director. The successful candidate will report to the elected County Executive and manage all areas of budgeting, purchasing, and risk management for Champaign County, as well as developing and administering the County’s fiscal policies, programs, and goals.

The Budget Director develops and prepares the annual county budget to be adopted and approved by the County Board; prepares the annual tax levy ordinance and abatement resolution; is responsible for long-range financial planning and reporting, financial policies, debt administration, financial analysis and assessment of county operations and functions.  The position also oversees the County's risk management funding and self-funded insurance operations; manages the Capital Asset Replacement Fund; and collaborates with the Auditor’s Office to oversee the procurement process, including purchasing policy implementation and RFP processes.

The successful candidate will have:

• Minimum of a four-year degree from an accredited college or university in finance, public or business administration or a closely related field, preferably supplemented by a master's degree in public or business administration or CPA/CPFO; with responsible public sector or private sector management employment experience of five or more years, or any equivalent combination of education and experience that would provide the above-noted knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Knowledge of modern governmental programs including accounting, budget, finance, purchasing, risk management, information systems and facilities management.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the Champaign County Board, county elected and appointed officials, county employees, labor unions, and representatives of government agencies.

Compensation and Benefits    

The anticipated salary range is $100,000 - $150,000 DOQ depending on qualifications.  Residency is not required.  The County offers a competitive benefits package, including membership in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF), optional 457 deferred compensation plans, and a comprehensive health insurance plan.  Flexible work schedules will be considered.