CIP Manager

City-of-Wilmington,-Nc; Wilmington (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Wilmington, NC seeks a CIP Manager to oversee the annual Capital Budget and the five-year CIP, analyze trends, and advise departments on budget planning and resource allocation. The role may supervise staff and supports citywide financial reporting and community engagement.

The position emphasizes transparency, equitable investment, and collaboration with City Council and departments to prioritize capital needs and funding strategies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field as listed; 3–5 years in financial, budgeting, public sector, accounting, or related field.
• Equivalent combination of training and/or experience may be substituted.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of the annual Capital Budget and five-year CIP.
• Analyze financial trends and evaluate funding options.
• Advise departments on budget planning and resource allocation.
• Coordinate citywide and cross‑departmental projects and initiatives.
• Provide training on budget processes and promote community engagement in budgeting.

Skills

Budget planning

Data analysis

Project management

Communication

Financial forecasting

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration/ Public Administration/ Accounting/ Finance/ Public Policy

Tools

Budgeting software

Excel

Financial analysis tools

Job description

One City. One team. One mission

Do you enjoy turning financial strategy into projects that make a lasting difference in your community?

We are looking for a CIP Manager to help shape how the City invests in its future. From infrastructure and public facilities to long-term capital improvements, your financial analysis and recommendations will help guide funding priorities, support City departments, and ensure resources are directed toward the City's most important needs.

In this role, you will lead the development of the annual Capital Budget and five-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP), analyze financial trends, evaluate funding options, and advise departments on budget planning and resource allocation. You will also contribute to operating budget development, citywide financial reporting, and initiatives that promote transparency, community engagement, and equitable investment. The position may supervise staff.

• Capital Budget and CIP

  • Coordinates the annual Capital Budget and five-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP).
  • Collects and evaluates departmental capital requests and develops spending recommendations for the City Manager.
  • Monitors capital project budgets, expenditures, and progress.
  • Leads the CIP Steering Committee and prioritizes long‑term capital needs.
  • Prepares budget materials and presents the Capital Budget to City Council.

• Operating Budget Management

  • Coordinates departmental budget submissions and reviews revenue and expenditure projections.
  • Evaluates operating and supplemental budget requests and recommends funding priorities.
  • Prepares budget narratives and verifies the accuracy and balance of budget information. Processes budget transfers and amendments and prepares related City Council memoranda.

• Financial Analysis and Grants

  • Analyzes the financial impact of proposed projects, policies, and operational changes.
  • Coordinates departmental grant activities and prepares cost‑benefit analyses.
  • Evaluates the budget impact of employee reclassifications and pay adjustments.

• Departmental Support and Project Management

  • Advises assigned departments on budget planning, financial projections, and budget management.
  • Coordinates Citywide and cross‑departmental projects.
  • Conducts research, evaluates existing processes, and recommends improvements.
  • Prepares reports, presentations, and City Council agenda materials.

• Training and Community Engagement

  • Provides training to budget analysts and departments on budget processes and procedures.
  • Develops accessible budget information and opportunities for community input.
  • Promotes public and employee understanding of the City’s budget and capital improvement plans.

• Leadership and Other Duties

  • Leads, assigns, and prioritizes employee work and provides guidance and training.
  • Performs related work as required.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Accounting, Finance, Public Policy, or related field; 3 to 5 years' experience in financial, budgeting, public sector, accounting, or a related field
• Any equivalent combination of training and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be substituted.

Additional Information

Knowledge of:

• Local government financial and management concepts
• Applicable laws, codes, regulations, and standards
• Principles of budgeting and management for operating and expertise in capital projects
• Long‑term debt and debt service funds
• Capital budget financing mechanisms and strategies
• Strategy development and execution
• Policy research and development
• Rate modeling, multi‑year budget projections, and personnel cost projections
• Budgeting, planning, and project management software and financial and capital project management systems
• Government ethics
• Modern office practices and procedures including the use of standard office equipment and computer applications such as word processing, database, and spreadsheet applications

Skill in:

• Planning, initiating, and managing complex projects simultaneously
• Data analysis and visualization
• Analytical and critical thinking
• Interpreting, monitoring, and reporting financial information and statistics
• Meeting facilitation and project management
• Authoring and preparing original reports, documents, and presentations
• Monitoring project schedules, status, and compliance
• Organizing and maintaining fiscal program/process documentation, schedules, records, and files
• Coordinating deadlines and prioritizing competing demands

Ability to:

• Manage complex, cross‑departmental projects
• Exercise political acumen, tact, and diplomacy
• Learn new systems and adjust in a fast‑changing environment
• Provide policy and planning guidance around capital investments and infrastructure and the funding mechanisms to acquire, build, and maintain public assets
• Lead and train budget analysts in the annual Capital Improvement Process and Five‑Year Capital Plan
• Design and make presentations to and for internal and external audiences
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships at all levels of the organization, and work with several teams

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Office Work: Primarily sedentary, involving prolonged sitting, computer use, and standard office tasks. Requires visual acuity, hearing, and manual dexterity for reviewing documents, analyzing data, and completing administrative responsibilities.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

This position is primarily office‑based, utilizing standard office equipment in a climate‑controlled setting and adhering to applicable safety and ergonomic guidelines.

The position functions in a fast‑paced, collaborative, and public‑facing municipal environment, involving interaction with elected officials, employees, community members, and external partners. Attendance at evening meetings and occasional after‑hours or emergency response may be required.