Management Analyst I/II

Nigel Wright Consultancy Ltd (UK); Palm Desert (CA); On-site; USD 88,000 - 106,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Palm Desert is seeking a Management Analyst I/II with experience in housing programs and property management to join our team. You will perform professional analytical duties, budgets, and program development in support of housing initiatives.

You will analyze federal/state housing policies, prepare data-driven reports, advise management on program improvements, and collaborate with multiple departments, consultants, and external partners.

Qualifications

• Analytical mindset for complex housing data and reports.
• Strong written and verbal communication across departments.
• Experience coordinating projects and programs in a public sector setting.

Responsibilities

• Analyzing federal and state housing policies and related financial data.
• Preparing clear, data-driven reports and presenting findings
• Advising management on program improvements, strategic recommendations, and operational efficiencies
• Gathering, analyzing, and summarizing data across multiple software platforms

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Project management

Time management

Job description

** Initial review of applications starts on 9/30 /2026**

The City of Palm Desert provides exemplary and sustainable services, amenities and programs for the benefit of the local and surrounding communities. When you interact with a City employee, you will find our collaborative, driven and efficient staff working together to provide strategic solutions for the community and each other. We are a city focused on external and internal customer service and try to find a way to say “yes,” while not compromising the City’s or our own integrity.

Our efforts are guided by our core values:

• Integrity
• Stewardship
• Service
• Community
• Innovation
• Teamwork

Our employees are passionate about innovation, collaboration and growth, which is supported by the City’s Council and Executive Team. We are an environment that thrives on making changes, pivoting quickly, and is full of movers and shakers. We are constantly striving to improve processes and better our approach so that we can better support the needs of the City. If you have growth mindset and find change exciting, the City of Palm Desert may be your ideal working environment!

THE OPPORTUNITY

Are you a skilled problem-solver with a passion for administrative and analytical work? The City of Palm Desert is seeking a talented Management Analyst I/II with experience in housing programs and property management to join our team.

We’re looking for a candidate with exceptional analytical, communication, project management, and time-management skills. In this role, you will collaborate closely with multiple departments, consultants, and external partners on housing, rent review, and affordable housing initiatives.

Key responsibilities include:

• Analyzing federal and state housing policies and related financial data
• Preparing clear, data-driven reports and presenting findings
• Advising management on program improvements, strategic recommendations, and operational efficiencies
• Gathering, analyzing, and summarizing data across multiple software platforms

The ideal candidate will provide outstanding internal customer service, support department leadership with administrative functions, and proactively troubleshoot challenges as they arise. Success in this role requires adaptability, strong communication abilities, and the capacity to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. Join us and help make a meaningful impact on housing initiatives in our community!

Appointment to this position is expected to fall within the salary range of $ 87,526 to $106,454 annually; however, the final amount will be carefully determined based on the candidate’s knowledge, skills, qualifications, and an evaluation of internal equity within the organization. Exceptional candidates with highly relevant experience and credentials may be considered for compensation above the anticipated hiring range.

Under general supervision (I) or direction (II), performs professional management, financial, budgetary, policy, and operational analysis, and program development in support of an assigned department, program, or function; conducts and administers budgets, contracts, special projects, programs, and studies; researches and analyzes departmental and programmatic practices and procedures by conducting needs analyses, feasibility studies, and evaluations; makes recommendations for improvements and develops implementation plans; fosters cooperative working relationships among City departments and acts as a liaison with the media and various community, public, and regulatory agencies; and performs related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives supervision from assigned supervisory or management staff. Does not directly or indirectly supervise other professional staff but may supervise or provide work direction and training to subordinate technical or clerical employees.

Management Analyst I

This is the entry-level classification in the Management Analyst series. Initially under general supervision, incumbents perform the more routine professional analytical duties related to various departmental projects, programs, and functions while learning to perform the full range of assignments associated with their positions. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied, complex, and difficult. Close supervision and frequent review of work lessens as an incumbent demonstrates skill to perform independently. Positions at this level are not expected to function at the same skill level, and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods, as compared to the Management Analyst II. Work is typically supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise.

Management Analyst II:

This is the journey-level classification in the Management Analyst series. Incumbents are responsible for performing a wide range of analytical tasks in support of assigned department. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of assigned projects and programs. Assignments are given within general guidelines and incumbents are responsible for establishing objectives, timelines, and methods to deliver work products. Work is typically reviewed upon completion for soundness, appropriateness, and conformity to policy and requirements.

Positions in the Management Analyst I/II class series are flexibly staffed and positions at the Management Analyst II level may be filled by advancement from the Management Analyst I level; progression to the Management Analyst II level is subject to management approval and is dependent on the incumbent (i) performing the full range of duties assigned to the II level, and (ii) acquiring the knowledge, skill, and experience necessary to meet the minimum qualifications for the II level of the series.

Management Analyst II positions are distinguished from Senior Management Analyst in that the latter serves as a technical expert in multiple disciplinary and programmatic areas and/or manages the most complex, politically sensitive, and/or City-wide projects, programs, and initiatives that require advanced expertise to support management and City Council priorities and directives.

Positions at the Management Analyst I level may perform some of these duties and responsibilities in a learning capacity.

• Performs a variety of professional organizational, planning, management, operational, financial, and legislative analytical duties, as well as public information and community outreach duties in support of assigned projects, programs, and activities.
• Develops, implements, and manages various programs and projects including scope, description, and implementation plans in support of departmental operations; monitors program performance by researching and analyzing operational, fiscal, and technical data and impact to determine feasibility, resolve problems, and increase efficiency;consults with City staff, management, and outside agencies;recommends and implements modifications to systems and procedures.
• Conducts a variety of analytical and operational studies by selecting, adapting, and applying appropriate analytical, research, and statistical techniques; evaluates alternatives, makes preliminary and final recommendations, and assists with the implementation of procedural, administrative, and/or operational changes after approval; prepares comprehensive technical records and reports, identifies alternatives, and makes and justifies recommendations.
• Assists in developing departmental goals, objectives, policies, procedures, work standards, and administrative control systems; conducts assessments of new and existing programs and special projects.
• Prepares and develops, monitors, and administers the operating andcapital improvement program (CIP)budgets for assigned program or department; prepares preliminary budget estimates; performs financial forecasting and planning; recommends revenue and expenditure adjustments; prepares budget reports for review by management and the Director.
• Establishes and maintains internal control procedures and ensures that accounting standards are met.
• Assists in the development and reporting of grants and alternate funding sources; ensures compliance with federal, state, and other funding agencies and City accounting and reporting requirements as well as applicable laws, regulations, and statutes.
• Prepares, reviews, and approves solicitation documents (e.g., Requests for Proposals, Requests for Quotes, Scopes of Work, and Construction Specifications); manages bid processes and administers contracts and agreements; interprets, applies, and advises staff regarding City procurement processes and policies.
• Authors sections of management, operational, staff, legal, regulatory, and financial reports; may present information to the City Council and other boards, committees, and commissions.
• Serves as a liaison and represents the department and City to local businesses, the public, media, various regulatory agencies, community groups, and other agencies; interprets and explains departmental and programmatic policies and procedures; facilitates the resolution of problems and concerns.
• Participates as a process expert in research, development, conversion, installation, and maintenance projects for computer applications and systems.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends, technologies, and innovations in area(s) of assignment; researches emerging products and enhancements and their applicability to City needs.
• Monitors changes in federal, state, and local regulations, analyzes impact, and recommends and implements policy and procedural changes after approval.
• Participates on boards, committees, and commissions as assigned.
• Receives, investigates, and responds to difficult and sensitive problems and inquiries in a professional manner; identifies and reports findings and takes necessary corrective action.
• May plan, organize, assign, review, and evaluate the work of assigned administrative support staff; may train staff in work procedures; may recommend initial disciplinary action as appropriate; may assist in employee selection.
• May oversee department fiscal administration activities including accounts receivable and payable, payroll, purchasing, and contract administration; may prepare, review, and approve invoices, check requisitions, and purchase orders; may prepares expenditure summary reports and other financial reports as requested.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
• Theories, principles, and practices of public and business administration as applied to assigned operations, programs, and projects.
• Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, program development, implementation, and evaluation, project management, budget development and administration, and contract administration.
• Organizational and management practices as applied to the analysis, evaluation, development, and implementation of programs, policies, and procedures.
• Principles and techniques of conducting analytical studies, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations, and preparing and presenting effective and technical reports.
• Public relations techniques.
• Recent and on-going developments, current literature, and sources of information related to assigned programs, projects, and services.
• Basic principles and practices of employee leadership, including work planning, assignment, and monitoring, and the training of staff in work procedures.
• Record keeping principles and procedures.
• Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications