Program Manager - Performance and Budget

Salary Range: $60,000-$73,000 Posting Expires: 2/16/2026

General Description and Classification Standards

The Program Manager of Performance and Budget is a pivotal role that will drive the successful execution and oversight of key cross-functional projects and programs focused on financial planning, resource allocation, and measuring organizational performance. This team member will be instrumental in ensuring our financial and operational strategies are aligned and executed with excellence, maximizing our organizational impact. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of performance metrics, program management best practices, and budgeting cycles, with a proven ability to translate complex data into actionable insights and strategic recommendations for executive leadership.

Supervision Received

Reports to the Executive Director and/or Deputy Director. The direction received is general and focuses on end results and is typically collaborative in nature.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

These are typical responsibilities for this position and should not be construed as exclusive or all inclusive.

• Performs process analysis and re-engineering to recommend strategies to improve efficiency, lower costs, and improve the quality of service delivery.
• Facilitate the design and implementation of new/improved process models and organizational structures.
• Manages and leads process teams to achieve desired results. Assist in the development of new process capabilities.
• Conduct operational assessments, audits, and performance evaluations.
• Perform project management, analyses of analytics and other data-driven reviews, and measure changes to ensure milestones are met and deliverables are achieved.
• Lead the planning, execution, and closing of high-priority programs and projects within the Performance and Budget portfolio, such as short and long-range financial planning initiatives, monitoring the budget of city-wide high-profile projects, and enterprise-wide mapping and performance dashboard development.
• Define program scope, objectives, governance, resource needs, and success metrics in collaboration with stakeholders and executive sponsors.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive program documentation, including detailed project plans, risk registers, decision logs, and status reports.
• Ensure programs are delivered on time, within budget, and meet established quality standards and strategic objectives.

Budget and Performance Integration

Design and implement mechanisms to link program expenditures directly to strategic organization outcomes and key performance indicators.

• Serve as a liaison between the financial planning and performance measurement functions, ensuring seamless integration and data consistency across both domains.
• Facilitate executive-level reviews of program budgets, performance forecasts, and variance analyses, providing clear and concise commentary on financial health and program efficacy.

Technology & Digital Transformation

Identify and integrate smart city solutions, data-driven tools, and emerging technologies to improve program/project efficiency.

• Stakeholder Engagement & Communication

Manage communication and collaboration with a diverse set of stakeholders, including Finance, Operations, and Technology.

• Prepare compelling, data-driven presentation for the Executive Director to inform leadership of critical resource needs, project updates, and program management decisions.

Performance Measurement & Impact Analysis

Establish metrics to assess the effectiveness of programs/projects and report findings to office leadership.

Cross-Departmental Coordination

Work closely with government agencies to streamline processes, reduce redundancies, and improve service delivery.

Team Contribution

Mentor and guide project managers and contributors within the broader team on best practices for program execution and data analysis.

Other Duties

Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

This is a partial listing of necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job successfully, it is not an exhaustive list.

• Technical & Analytical Skills:
• Demonstrated expertise in managing financial forecasting and enterprise performance management initiatives.
• Proven track record of leading complex, cross-functional programs from initiation to closure, leveraging structured methodologies.
• Exceptional quantitative and qualitative analytical skills, with an ability to synthesize large data sets, identify trends, and draw strategic conclusions.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (financial modeling, pivot tables, etc.) and PowerPoint.
• Knowledge of smart city technologies, digital governance tools, and open data platforms.
• Experience with project management tools and methodologies (Agile, Lean, Design Thinking).
• Strong data analysis abilities for performance tracking and decision-making.
• Soft Skills:
• Visionary thinking & problem-solving abilities
• The ability to understand the "big picture" and align program activities with long-term organizational strategy.
• Effective stakeholder communication & leadership skills.
• Collaboration & relationship-building across sectors.
• A self-starter who anticipates needs, tackles challenges head-on, and maintains effectiveness under pressure.
• Meticulous attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to integrate seamlessly into a team.
• Ability to navigate bureaucratic structures while driving meaningful change.

Work Environment

Work is primarily performed in a standard office environment (in person). May require occasional evening and weekend work to attend meetings or events. May involve local travel to various city departments or event locations.

Lifting Requirements

Sedentary work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Atlanta is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, ender identity, marital status, veteran's status or national origin, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law.

Education

Bachelor's degree in public administration, urban planning, business, finance, data science, or related field.

Experience

Minimum 4-6 years in performance management, budget management, program development, government operations, or technology strategy.

Licensures and Certifications

Program Management (PgMP), or Project Management (PMP, Agile) preferred.