Strategic Budget Planner

Federation of American Scientists; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 156,600 - 191,400; Full time

Job summary

The Federation of American Scientists is seeking a Strategic Budget Planner for a full-time in-person role in Washington, D.C. This position entails budget planning for the Wildland Fire Service and requires expertise in federal budgeting and appropriations. Candidates should demonstrate strong analytical skills and the ability to communicate effectively with senior leadership.

The role includes leading strategic budgeting initiatives and developing multi-year strategies while engaging interagency partners. The annual compensation for this position is $174,000, which includes additional funds for health or living expenses.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated expertise in strategic budget planning.
• Strong ability to integrate data into decision-making.
• Knowledge of federal budget processes and requirements.
• Ability to translate complex information into recommendations.
• Experience mentoring staff in budget processes.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple stakeholders.
• Strong project management skills.
• Strategic thinking with risk assessment abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic planning for budget formulation.
• Develop multi-year budget strategies.
• Guide preparation of budget justifications.
• Coordinate interagency priorities.
• Coach budget staff on processes.
• Prepare materials for senior leadership.

Skills

Strategic budget planning

Data integration

Federal budget processes

Communications skills

Project management

Intergovernmental relations

Analytical abilities

Job description

Strategic Budget Planner – Full‑time Staff (Contract). In‑person position.

Job Summary

The FAS Talent Hub is seeking a fellow for a 1‑year term (with potential extension) to join the Wildland Fire Service team within the Department of the Interior to support strategic budget planning and evaluation for the Wildland Fire Service. The role will bring an external perspective to the program while understanding its unique needs. The ideal candidate will align with the program’s mission, authorities, and operational culture to produce realistic and actionable policy recommendations. A strong working knowledge of federal budgeting, appropriations processes, and congressional engagement is required to strengthen DOI’s financial planning and support evidence‑based decisions.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic planning for budget formulation, aligning funding priorities with organizational goals, policy direction, and operational needs.
• Develop and implement multi‑year budget strategies that integrate performance objectives, risk considerations, and emerging program requirements.
• Guide preparation of budget justifications, narratives, and supporting materials for leadership, OMB, and congressional engagement.
• Guide data and evidence building to support budget decisions, integrating performance metrics, program outcomes, and analytical insights into planning processes.
• Coordinate across program, policy, and the Wildland Fire Management Program to translate strategic priorities into actionable, fundable initiatives.
• Engage with interagency and intergovernmental partners to align priorities and improve coordination.
• Coach new budget staff on intergovernmental process and provide technical guidance on budget formulation and stakeholder engagement.
• Prepare briefings and decision materials for senior leadership on budget strategy, risks, and tradeoffs.
• Support initiatives of the Fire Director and DOI Leadership.

Qualifications / Skills

• Demonstrated expertise in strategic budget planning and formulation, including aligning resources to organizational priorities.
• Strong ability to integrate data, performance metrics, and evidence into planning and decision‑making processes.
• Knowledge of federal budget processes, including OMB requirements, congressional justification, and interagency coordination.
• Ability to analyze complex financial and programmatic information and translate it into clear recommendations.
• Strong understanding of intergovernmental processes and experience working with federal, state, Tribal, and local partners.
• Proven ability to coach, mentor, and develop staff, particularly in budget formulation and coordination processes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex information clearly to senior leaders.
• Experience coordinating across multiple stakeholders and managing competing priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Strong project management and organizational skills, with attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines.
• Strategic thinking skills, including the ability to anticipate risks, identify opportunities, and develop forward‑looking solutions.

Work Environment

The position will be primarily in person at DOI’s Main Interior Building, with situational telework allowed. Occasional travel may be requested of the Agency.

Compensation

This fellowship will provide compensation for the entirety of the fellowship duration at an annual rate of $174,000 per year. Impact Fellows that are FAS contractors do not receive employer‑sponsored benefits; the listed compensation is inclusive of additional funds that can be allocated to health or living expenses.

Hiring Statement

The Federation of American Scientists is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. The Federation of American Scientists prohibits discriminating against employees and job applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose the compensation of the employee or applicant or another employee or applicant. Employment is contingent on successful verification of eligibility to work in the United States.