About the Department

Position Summary

The Budget Director serves as the principal authority over all budget development, execution, and strategic financial planning for the South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities. This position is responsible for leading the agency’s budget formulation process, managing multi source funding streams, and ensuring alignment between financial resources and programmatic priorities.

The Budget Director functions as the primary fiscal advisor to executive leadership on budgetary policy, legislative appropriations, and long-range financial planning. This role oversees a complex, statewide budget that supports programmatic functions, mental health centers, regional disability service systems, autism residential programs, and state operated hospitals.

Key Responsibilities

Budget Development and Execution 30%

•Direct the development of the agency’s annual budget request to the General Assembly, including base, recurring, and nonrecurring funding needs. Supervise budget analysts and related financial staff. Partner with Regional Finance Directors, Controller, Program and Executive leadership to integrate budgeting with accounting and operational performance.

•Lead the preparation and submission of appropriation requests, provisos, and supporting documentation

•Oversee the allocation and execution of appropriated funds across all divisions, programs, and facilities

•Ensure alignment between budgetary decisions and agency strategic priorities

Financial Planning and Analysis 25%

•Develop multiyear financial plans, forecasts, and scenario analyses to support long term sustainability

•Analyze expenditure trends, revenue projections, and program costs to inform policy and operational decisions

•Provide ongoing budget to actual analysis and recommend corrective actions where necessary

Legislative and Executive Coordination 15%

•Serve as the primary liaison with the Governor’s Office, Executive Budget Office, and legislative staff on budget matters

•Prepare briefing materials, presentations, and fiscal impact analyses for executive leadership and policymakers

•Represent the agency in budget meetings and discussions with key stakeholders as determined by executive leadership

Policy Development and Budget Administration 10%

•Interpret and implement statewide budget policies, provisos, and directives. Lead budget training and capacity building efforts across the agency

•Develop and maintain internal budget policies, procedures, and guidance for all divisions and facilities

•Ensure consistent application of budget practices across the entire agency

Fund Management and Compliance 15%

•Oversee management of state, federal, grant, and other funding sources, ensuring compliance with all applicable requirements

•Monitor federal funding streams such as Medicaid and grants to ensure proper budgeting and utilization

•Ensure adherence to state fiscal control policies and reporting requirements

Performs other duties as assigned 5%

Position Duties

•Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Public Administration, Economics, or a related field

•Extensive experience in governmental budgeting, financial analysis, or public sector finance

•Demonstrated experience managing complex, multi fund budgets

Minimum Qualifications

•Master’s degree in a related field

•GFOA or similar certification

•Experience with South Carolina state budget processes and legislative appropriations

•Experience in healthcare, behavioral health, or human services funding structures

•Strong knowledge of governmental budgeting principles, state appropriations processes, and fiscal policy development

•Ability to analyze complex financial data and translate it into actionable recommendations

•Understanding of multi-source funding, including state, federal, and grant funds

•Strong communication skills, particularly in presenting to executive leadership and policymakers

•Ability to manage competing priorities in a complex, high visibility environment

Work Environment

This position is primarily office based with significant interaction with central office leadership, state budget officials, and legislative stakeholders. Periodic travel may be required.

Other Qualifications

The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities offers an exceptional benefits package for full time (FTE) employees: 

• Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse, and children. Clickherefor additional information.
• 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year
• 15 days sick leave per year
• 13 paid holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available(S.C. Deferred Compensation)
• Retirement benefit choices *
  • State Retirement Plan(SCRS)
  • State Optional Retirement Program(State ORP)

*Enrollment in one of the listed plans is required for all FTE employees; please refer to the contribution section of hyperlinked retirement sites for the current contribution rate of gross pay.