Description
Lead financial strategy for an award-winning parks and recreation system. The Department seeks an accomplished financial executive who combines strategic leadership, operational accountability, and hands‑on technical expertise. This position provides strategic and operational leadership for budgeting, fiscal analysis, internal controls, cost recovery, project charge administration, and resource development while remaining directly engaged in the review, development, and presentation of complex analyses, forecasts, and financial recommendations. Reporting to the Department Director, the Division Chief guides the responsible use of public funds across the Department.
About The Department
The Department manages more than 28,000 acres of parkland, employs more than 5,000 full‑time and part‑time employees, and operates with an annual budget exceeding $492 million. A six‑time National Recreation and Parks Association Gold Medal Award recipient, it provides parks, facilities, programs, historic sites, golf courses, community centers, and more than 200 miles of trails throughout Prince George's County.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Financial Management Division guides the Department's financial planning, budgeting, analysis, and use of fiscal resources. The Division is responsible for four work programs: the Budget Unit, Cost Recovery Unit, Project Charge Unit, and Resource Development Unit. Together, these programs coordinate the Department's operating budget and available revenue sources across six funds: Park, Recreation, Enterprise, Special Revenue, Advanced Land Acquisition, and Internal Service.
Division Chief leads the Division's management team and serves as a key member of the Department's management leadership team. The position leads through subordinate managers and professional staff while maintaining strong command of the technical work, reviewing and validating critical analyses, and contributing directly to complex or high‑impact financial deliverables. The Division Chief works with senior leaders, policymakers, government officials, operating divisions, central administrative departments, and external partners.
Salary Range
$119,377.00 - $211,426.00
Examples of Important Duties
Financial Strategy, Budgeting, and Analysis
- Lead and directly contribute to budget formulation, expenditure and revenue forecasting, financial analysis, reporting, and presentation of recommendations across six operating funds.
- Review and validate complex analyses, assumptions, methodologies, forecasts, and recommendations to ensure accuracy, completeness, and sound financial judgment.
- Present and defend budget recommendations before the Planning Board, County Executive, and County Council, and communicate complex financial information to technical and non‑technical audiences.
- Develop and manage the Division's budget, monitor expenditures, and provide Department‑wide guidance on resource allocation and fiscal stewardship.
Program and Operational Leadership
- Set priorities, allocate resources, establish performance expectations, and hold managers accountable for the Budget, Cost Recovery, Project Charge, and Resource Development work programs.
- Direct Formula 2040 cost analysis and fee policy assessment and evaluate the financial and operational implications of proposed strategies.
- Oversee County Council‑mandated Project Charge allocations serving more than 150 recipients and totaling over $10 million annually, including coordination of recipient contract vetting and program administration.
- Oversee external resource development and the financial administration of grants, donations, sponsorships, naming rights, and other funding sources that expand opportunities for County residents.
Governance, Controls, and Continuous Improvement
- Develop, implement, and evaluate financial policies, systems, processes, performance standards, and internal controls; identify financial risk; and strengthen accountability and compliance.
- Review critical staff work for accuracy, completeness, sound methodology, and compliance with Commission requirements and applicable federal, state, and local laws and standards.
- Identify and implement process, policy, and system improvements that increase efficiency, strengthen controls, and improve financial reporting and decision‑making.
- Provide strategic direction for enterprise financial systems, reporting tools, and data analysis to ensure functionality is applied consistently and supports the Department's operational needs.
People Leadership and Organizational Capability
- Recruit, supervise, mentor, and develop managers and professional staff; establish clear expectations and evaluate individual and program performance.
- Support succession planning, career development, professional growth, and the enhancement of financial and technical skills across the Division.
- Provide Department‑wide training, guidance, and technical assistance that strengthen fiscal accountability, compliance, competence, and fiduciary decision‑making.
- Promote a collaborative, inclusive, accountable, and service‑oriented work environment.
Partnership and Department‑wide Influence
- Collaborate with Human Resources, Legal, Audit, Finance, Department leadership, operating divisions, and external partners to resolve complex financial and administrative matters, strengthen controls, and advance Department priorities.
- Advise the Director, Deputy Directors, Division Chiefs, and other senior leaders on financial strategy, administrative policy, resource needs, program performance, and organizational risk.
- Participate in leadership teams, audit response teams, policy groups, and interagency initiatives that require financial expertise and coordinated decision‑making.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
The ideal candidate is a strategic and hands‑on financial leader with strong technical expertise in governmental budgeting, accounting, forecasting, financial analysis, internal controls, public administration, and program management. This individual can set direction, establish accountability, lead through managers, and develop a high‑performing team while independently analyzing complex issues, reviewing and validating critical work, developing sound recommendations, and clearly communicating financial information to technical and non‑technical audiences.
The successful candidate will demonstrate sound judgment, intellectual curiosity, attention to detail, and the ability to move comfortably between executive strategy and detailed financial work. The individual must be able to challenge assumptions constructively, explain the basis for recommendations, build productive relationships, and remain accountable for the quality and integrity of the Division's work.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Finance, Communications, Human Resources, Public Administration, Public Affairs and Marketing or any related field.
- Eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience that includes four (4) years of lead or supervisory experience.
- An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted, which together total twelve (12) years.
- May require a valid driver's license in accordance with both State and Commission rules and regulations. The driver’s license must be unencumbered by restrictions, revocations, suspensions, or points that could limit the employee’s ability to drive.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's degree in Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field.
- Public‑sector financial management experience, preferably in parks and recreation or a comparable governmental agency.
- Experience managing multimillion‑dollar operating budgets across multiple fund types.
- Certified Public Finance Officer or comparable professional credential.
- Experience using enterprise financial systems, reporting tools, and data analysis to support budgeting, forecasting, and executive decision‑making.
Supplemental Information
Classification Specification: Administrative Programs Division Chief - 1196
May be subject to medical, drug and alcohol testing.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is performed primarily in an office setting and may involve a high volume of assignments and tight deadlines, particularly during budget development and presentation periods. The position regularly communicates with employees, public officials, members of the public, vendors, and contractors. Evening, weekend, and holiday work may be required.
WHY JOIN US
- Influence financial strategy and resource allocation across a large, complex public agency.
- Lead major budgeting, cost recovery, project charge, and resource development programs.
- Advise executive leadership and present financial recommendations to key governmental decision‑makers.
- Strengthen financial systems, internal controls, accountability, and organizational effectiveness.
- Develop and mentor a talented team while supporting parks, recreation programs, facilities, and services throughout Prince George's County.
Diversity Statement
The Maryland‑National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M‑NCPPC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate a workplace culture of diversity, equity and inclusion without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, gender identity, or any other non‑merit factor.
M‑NCPPC is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Applicants requiring accommodation may contact Recruitment and Selections Services at or Maryland Relay 7-1-1.
THE MARYLAND‑NATIONAL CAPITAL PARK AND PLANNING COMMISSION
2026 Benefit Summary For Merit System Employees
The following benefit summary is provided for informational purposes only and is not, nor should be construed as an employment agreement with the M‑NCPPC, implied or actual. It is not all‑inclusive and is subject to change. Benefits listed are extended to all Merit System employees of the M‑NCPPC. All plans are optional except the Defined Benefit and Long‑Term Disability plans.
Eligibility
You have 45 days from your hire date to elect your benefits. Your coverage begins on the first of the month following receipt of your enrollment forms and required documentation.
Retirement Programs
- Defined Benefit Plan (Mandatory Participation) – Plan E excludes FOP members.
Plan Employee Contribution Plan C9.5%* of base salary (FOP members only) Plan E4% of base salary up to maximum Social Security Wage Base (SSWB) and 8% in excess of SSWB.
- 457 (b) Plan (Optional) [Pre‑tax and Roth]
- Traditional and Roth IRAs (Optional)
- Retiree Healthcare – Eligibility required, at least 10 years of eligible service and continuous enrollment in M‑NCPPC plans (or proof of continuous enrollment in comparable plans) during the 36 months immediately preceding your retirement date. Premium cost share based on years of service
Health Insurance Plans (FOP Members Pay 23% for Medical, Prescription and Dental and same as all other employees for Vision.) All other employees pay percentage below.*
- Medical
- Kaiser Permanente Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) – (15%)
- UnitedHealthcare Select Exclusive Provider Organization Health Plan (EPO) – (20%)
- UnitedHealthcare Choice Plus Point of Service (POS) – (20%)
- Prescription – CVS Caremark – (15%)
- Dental – Delta Dental PPO and DeltaCare USA HMO – (20%)
- Vision – EyeMed – (80% of Low Option plan paid by Commission. Any balance paid by employee.)
- Low, moderate, and high options are available. Frequency of covered services differs.