Division Chief of Planning and Finance Position Available In Polk, Florida

Division Chief of Planning and Finance 3.5 3.5 out of 5 stars 500 3rd St NW, Winter Haven, FL 33881 Applications can be completed online or in person at our Human Resources Office at 500 Third Street NW. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Human Resources Team at 863-291-5650 or humanresources@mywinterhaven.com. The Division Chief of Planning and Finance is a key member of the Fire Department’s executive leadership team, responsible for leading and managing the department’s strategic planning, financial management, budgeting, grants, and analytical functions. This position ensures the long-term fiscal health of the department, supports data-driven decision-making, and enhances organizational effectiveness through sound planning and performance management practices.

Job Title:

Division Chief of Planning and Finance Category:

Full-Time Application Closing Date:

May 7, 2025, 5:00 p.m.

Salary and Benefits:

$75,774.40 – $102,440 Annually, Depending on Experience and Qualifications Annual Step for Performance Pay Adjustments 12 Paid Holidays Per Year 12 Vacation Days Minimum, Earned Per Year 12 Sick Days Earned Per Year Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance Benefits Co-Sponsored Defined Benefit Pension Plan and Social Security Coverage Education/Tuition Assistance Program; and Training and Development Opportunities Employee Assistance Program – to include

Mental Health Assistance/Services Essential Job Functions:

Under the guidance of the Fire Chief or an assigned designee, the Division Chief of Planning and Finance is responsible for leading the department’s strategic planning, process improvement, and technical and financial analysis functions. Division Chiefs may be reassigned to another Division (EMS, Training and Safety, Planning and Finance) at the discretion of the Fire Chief. This role emphasizes evaluating, developing, and implementing strategic initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and organizational effectiveness across the department. The Division Chief conducts detailed data gathering and analysis, supports informed decision making, and works on budget preparation and grant acquisition to ensure funding aligns with departmental goals. The role also entails oversight of the department’s accreditation program in alignment with International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) standards, integrating strategic planning with continuous improvement practices to maintain high standards in emergency services delivery. The Division Chief manages and drives departmental strategic planning processes, focusing on identifying, prioritizing, and implementing projects and initiatives that enhance the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the department. Working with data owners and department managers, the Division Chief develops data models and protocols for analyzing operational expenses, personnel costs, and resource allocation to ensure budget and performance targets are met. In addition, the role involves preparing, maintaining, and analyzing statistical and financial records, contributing to comprehensive budget preparation, tracking, and forecasting. The Division Chief is responsible for overseeing continuous improvement initiatives, recommending and implementing process improvements for cost savings, resource allocation, and data collection. This position also contributes to accreditation efforts by monitoring compliance with relevant standards, conducting compliance audits, and preparing relevant data for accreditation reviews. The Division Chief will oversee and manage fire department facility maintenance, fleet maintenance, and logistics. Regular collaboration with the Fire Chief ensures up-to-date reporting on financial and operational statuses, helping inform departmental goals and resource management.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Comprehensive knowledge of strategic planning, process improvement methodologies, and accreditation standards, particularly International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI). High-level organizational, analytical, and leadership skills are essential for managing cross-departmental initiatives aimed at operational improvement. Expertise in database application principles, data analysis, and financial management is required, as well as proficiency with tools such as Tableau, Excel, New World, record management systems, DECCAN International, and ArcGIS. This role demands the ability to identify key improvement areas within business functions, recommend solutions, and implement strategic changes that align with the department’s mission. Strong communication skills are necessary to work with various stakeholders, including city officials, insurers, and accrediting bodies, to foster effective reporting and collaboration.

Minimum Education & Experience:

Candidates must possess State of Florida Firefighter I and II certifications per National Fire Protection Association, NFPA 1001, and Florida Statues 633.34, along with being certified as an Emergency Medical Technician per Florida Administrative Code Chapter, 64J-1008. Paramedic certification per Florida Administrative Code Chapter 64J-1.008 and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) are also required. Must have an Associate’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. Bachelor’s degree preferred. Must have State of Florida Fire Officer II, Fire Instructor II, and Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation Instructor certifications. Must have three years of continuous experience at the rank of Fire Lieutenant or higher. Alternatively, an equivalent combination of education, experience, and documented supervisory ability may be considered by the Fire Chief.

Special Requirements:

Must possess a valid Florida driver’s license and a good driving record as determined by the City of Winter Haven. The role requires in-depth understanding of the Insurance Service Office’s Fire Suppression Rating Schedule and the Commission on Fire Accreditation International’s accreditation model, encompassing knowledge of data management protocols for mining production databases and strategic planning processes. The Division Chief must stay updated on industry best practices and emerging standards, incorporating grant management by preparing data for grant applications. Additionally, effective communication skills are essential for collaborating with various stakeholders, including insurers, property owners, and accrediting commissions. Absence of non-prescribed controlled substances in the applicant’s system as verified by a laboratory approved by the City of Winter Haven. Alternate work hours may be required to support departmental operations. Must maintain a valid telephone number. Physical /

Environmental Factors:

This role requires a mix of sedentary and active work, including walking, standing, or climbing on a periodic basis; limited to normal physical exertion on a recurring basis, and routinely performing computer-data input tasks. Adequate visual acuity, hearing, speaking, and sensory abilities are required. The work may involve exposure to significant environmental hazards. Must have the physical ability, strength, and flexibility to perform the job functions in the work environment. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified individuals with disabilities.

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