What are the responsibilities and job description for the Public Sector - Higher Education Consultant position at Alvarez & Marsal?
Public Sector - Higher Education Consultant
Location: New York, NY, United States
Date Posted: Apr 3, 2026
Description
Since 2003, Alvarez & Marsal Public Sector Services (PSS) has helped government, education, and non-profit clients identify new ways to overcome challenges and implement sustainable change — pioneering a progressive, pragmatic, and forward-looking approach based on our experience applying operational and financial improvement principles in the private sector to address the unique challenges facing public sector organizations. Our Public Sector Education Practice (PSE) works to help clients realize responsible and effective use of limited financial resources to drive improved life opportunities while harnessing innovative solutions to transform organizations and support the goal of student achievement.
Individually, we are finance and operations leaders with deep industry experience. Together we work to unlock the potential of students and lifelong learners by generating equitable and effective education processes, delivered with maximum efficiency, empowered by the best in human and technological innovation. With a commitment to positive social impact, we foster a vibrant, inclusive workplace of diverse voices and talents who enjoy what they do, and with whom they do it.
The ideal candidate will have experience and knowledge in many of the following areas:
Public Sector Budgeting and Long-term financial planning
Efficiency assessment and improvement
Operations Analysis (transportation, maintenance, etc.)
Workforce modeling and analysis
Financial planning and analysis
Financial policies, procedures, and regulations
Treasury and working capital management
Resource Allocation
Experience serving in interim leadership capacities a plus
Experience developing reports and analytics from financial management systems (Oracle, SAP, Peoplesoft, etc.)
Full-cycle accounting and finance processes and performance improvement (i.e., Procure to Pay, Record to Report, Invoice to Cash)
This is a hybrid role spanning remote, client, and in-office work locations and requires travel.
Job Responsibilities:
Assist in the planning and execution project phases, and supervise others as necessary to ensure the following: coordinating work efforts with the client; completion of defined deliverables; adherence to project milestones and timelines; communication of progress to all parties (internal and external); and managing team members, as necessary
Determine client needs by supplementing the standard assessment techniques and tools with innovative approaches
Evaluate and validate analysis and develop recommendations for the client in the context of the overall engagement
Implement and oversee the quality of deliverables
Effectively manage the team and day-to-day relationships to ensure exceptional performance
Participate in the development and presentation of proposals for business development activities
Provide financial management consulting services to education institutions (school districts, LEAs SEAs, etc.), including financial analysis, forecasting, and planning
Prepare and present financial reports to various stakeholders within education institutions, including the school board, district leadership team, external partners, etc.
Develop and implement financial stabilization plans and strategies for education institutions in crisis or at risk of financial instability
Develop and maintain financial models to support decision-making related to revenue projections, expense forecasting, and cash flow management
Conduct financial assessments and risk analyses to identify potential financial issues and develop appropriate action plans
Collaborate with education institution leaders to develop and monitor annual budgets, including revenue and expense assumptions, and adjust forecasts as needed based on changes in district priorities, economic conditions, or other factors
Analyze financial statements and budgets to identify cost-saving opportunities and revenue growth potential
Analyze financial data, prepare reports, and provide recommendations to education institution leadership on budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning activities
Develop and implement financial management tools and processes that enable education institutions to effectively manage their financial resources
Monitor and analyze financial performance metrics to identify trends and potential areas of concern, and make recommendations for improvement
Research and stay up to date on industry trends and best practices, emerging technologies related to education finance and share knowledge with district leadership and staff as appropriate
Qualifications/ Requirements:
Bachelor's or Master's degree in finance, accounting, business administration, public administration, education, or related industry field
Advanced degree in business administration, public administration or finance preferred but not required
8 - 15+ years of experience in financial management or consulting, with a focus on education finance and sustainability
Demonstrated academic research experience including collecting and analyzing qualitative and/or quantitative data, and synthesizing findings for papers, presentations, or publications
Familiarity with higher education environments, including experience working with colleges or universities, understanding academic systems, or supporting programs, policies, or stakeholders within a higher education setting
Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills
Ability to clearly convey analysis in written and spoken form
Strong communication and collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively with education institution leaders and staff
Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously
Demonstrated commitment to equity and social justice in education
The following annual base salary ranges are dependent on several variables including but not limited to education, experience, skills, and geography: Director: $150,000-$225,000; Senior Director $175,000-$275,000. In addition, A&M offers a discretionary bonus program which is based on a number of factors, including individual and firm performance. Please ask your recruiter for details.
Regular employees working 30 or more hours per week are also entitled to participate in Alvarez & Marsal Holdings’ fringe benefits consisting of healthcare plans, flexible spending and savings accounts, life, AD&D, and disability coverages at rates determined from time to time as well as a 401(k) retirement plan. Provided the eligibility requirements are met, employees will also receive a discretionary contribution to their 401(k) from Alvarez & Marsal. Additionally, employees are eligible for paid time off including vacation, personal days, seventy-two (72) hours of sick time (prorated for part time employees), ten federal holidays, one floating holiday, and parental leave. The amount of vacation and personal days available varies based on tenure and role type. Click here for more information regarding A&M’s benefits programs.
#LI-KG1
Inclusive Diversity
A&M’s entrepreneurial culture celebrates independent thinkers and doers who can positively impact our clients and shape our industry. The collaborative environment and engaging work—guided by A&M’s core values of Integrity, Quality, Objectivity, Fun, Personal Reward, and Inclusive Diversity—are the main reasons our people love working at A&M. Inclusive Diversity means we embrace diversity, and we foster inclusiveness, encouraging everyone to bring their whole self to work each day. It runs through how we recruit, develop employees, conduct business, support clients, and partner with vendors. It is the A&M way.
Equal Opportunity Employer
It is Alvarez & Marsal’s practice to provide and promote equal opportunity in employment, compensation, and other terms and conditions of employment without discrimination because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, sex or gender, gender identity or gender expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, family medical history, genetic information or other protected medical condition, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by and in accordance with applicable laws. Employees and Applicants can find A&M policy statements and additional information by region here.
Unsolicited Resumes from Third-Party Recruiters
Please note that as per A&M policy, we do not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters unless such recruiters are engaged to provide candidates for a specified opening. Any employment agency, person or entity that submits an unsolicited resume does so with the understanding that A&M will have the right to hire that applicant at its discretion without any fee owed to the submitting employment agency, person or entity.
Salary : $150,000 - $225,000