Participatory Budgeting (PB) Programs Analyst

City of Durham; Durham (NC); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Durham is seeking a PB Program Analyst to manage all phases of the Participatory Budgeting process. You will lead community outreach, coordinate PBSC activities, and align projects with city partners to ensure timely, within-budget delivery.

You will engage underserved communities, facilitate meetings, analyze program data, and prepare materials for City Council. This role blends community work with governance and program administration in a dynamic city setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Public Policy, Planning, or related field.
• Two years of professional program administration and/or analytical experience in area of assignment.
• Master’s degree (MPA, MPP, or related) preferred.
• Experience working in or with local government and navigating cross-departmental coordination.
• Experience facilitating groups, trainings, or working with volunteer teams.
• Strong data management and analysis skills, including experience using data to inform decisions and improve programs.
• Experience supporting project implementation, including tracking timelines, budgets, and deliverables.
• Experience developing reports, presentations, and public-facing materials.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all phases of the Participatory Budgeting process.
• Coordinate with internal departments to assess project feasibility, scope, and cost.
• Support residents and stakeholders in developing project proposals.
• Oversee implementation of funded projects, ensuring timelines, budgets, and deliverables are met.
• Design and implement outreach and engagement strategies to ensure broad and equitable participation.
• Serve as the primary liaison to the Participatory Budgeting Steering Committee (PBSC), including meeting coordination, facilitation, and ongoing support.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with residents, community organizations, and stakeholders.

Skills

Project management

Communication

Data analysis

Community engagement

Facilitation

Writing skills

Stakeholder relations

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration/Public Policy/Planning/related field

Master’s degree (MPA/MPP or related)

Two years professional program administration/analytical experience

Job description

Work, Serve, Thrive. With the City of Durham

Advance in your career while making a realdifferencein the community you serve.

Hiring Range: $80,000 - $90,000

Hours/Shift: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm (some flexibility available)

***This position is primarily in-person and based in the field/community; limited remote work may be available. Occasional evening and weekend work is required to support community meetings, events, and engagement activities.

The City of Durham’s Community Partnerships & Engagement Department leads inclusive, coordinated, and data-driven community engagement across all departments. By centralizing efforts, we streamline communication, maximize resources, and ensure consistent, high-quality outreach. Equity is at the core of our mission—centering the voices of historically marginalized communities through integrated Digital Inclusion, Language Access, and ADA programs. We serve as the hub for all engagement initiatives, helping the City connect more effectively with residents and make better, more inclusive decisions.

The Participatory Budgeting (PB) Program Analyst manages the day-to-day implementation of the City’s Participatory Budgeting program, leading all phases from community idea collection through proposal development, voting, and project implementation.

The Participatory Budgeting (PB) Program Analyst manages the day-to-day implementation of Durham’s Participatory Budgeting program, from community idea collection and proposal development through voting and project implementation.

Community engagement is central to this role. The Analyst develops engagement strategies, builds trusted relationships, and creates meaningful opportunities for residents—especially those from historically underserved communities to participate in public decision-making. The position works closely with residents, schools, neighborhood groups, community organizations, and other stakeholders while serving as an ambassador for PB throughout Durham.

The Analyst leads the proposal development process, guiding resident Budget Delegates through project review and coordinating meetings, workflows, feasibility assessments, and proposal development. The position also coordinates the PB Steering Committee and works with City departments and community partners to track project timelines, budgets, deliverables, and commitments.

The ideal candidate is a dependable, organized self-starter with experience in community engagement, public participation, or community-based program management. Strong communication, facilitation, relationship-building, data management, and project coordination skills are essential, along with the ability to manage competing priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced, highly visible environment.

***As part of the hiring process, candidates will be asked to complete exercises to assess key competencies, including?writing skills, presentation development, communication, and program design.

Key Responsibilities

Community Engagement & PBSC Leadership

• Lead the development and implementation of community outreach and engagement strategies across all phases of the Participatory Budgeting process, ensuring broad, equitable, and meaningful participation.
• Coordinate and lead community meetings, presentations, outreach events, and neighborhood-based engagement activities, with a focus on reaching historically underserved communities.
• Serve as the primary liaison to the Participatory Budgeting Steering Committee (PBSC), leading meeting planning, agenda development, facilitation, member communication, follow-up, and ongoing support.
• Guide the PBSC’s work by establishing clear expectations, tracking decisions and action items, and ensuring members have the information and resources needed to fulfill their responsibilities.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with residents, community organizations, schools, neighborhood groups, City departments, and other stakeholders to strengthen participation and advance the PB program.
• Represent and promote Participatory Budgeting at community events, partner meetings, and public presentations throughout Durham.

Program Management & Implementation

• Lead and manage all phases of the Participatory Budgeting process
• Coordinate with internal departments to assess project feasibility, scope, and cost
• Support residents and stakeholders in developing project proposals
• Oversee implementation of funded projects, ensuring timelines, budgets, and deliverables are met
• Design and implement outreach and engagement strategies to ensure broad and equitable participation
• Serve as the primary liaison to the Participatory Budgeting Steering Committee (PBSC), including meeting coordination, facilitation, and ongoing support
• Build and maintain strong relationships with residents, community organizations, and stakeholders

Data, Reporting & Communications

• Track and analyze program data, participation, and outcomes
• Prepare reports, presentations, and City Council agenda materials
• Ability to analyze data and support program evaluation and improvement
• Proficiency with technology and digital tools for program management, communication, and data tracking

Core Skills & Competencies

• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment with tight timelines
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience developing reports, presentations, and training materials
• Experience with community engagement and building relationships with divers

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Public Policy, Planning, or a related field.
• Two years of professional program administration and/or analytical experience in area of assignment.

• Master’s degree (MPA, MPP, or related).
• Experience working in or with local government and navigating cross-departmental coordination.
• Experience facilitating groups, trainings, or working with volunteer teams.
• Experience working in or with local government and navigating cross-departmental coordination.
• Strong data management and analysis skills, including experience using data to inform decisions and improve programs.
• Experience supporting project implementation, including tracking timelines, budgets, and deliverables.
• Experience developing reports, presentations, and public-facing materials.