Senior IT Analyst

City of Lancaster (CA); Lancaster (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Lancaster (CA) seeks a Senior Innovation & Technology Analyst to lead citywide initiatives that modernize operations through data, technology, and process improvement. The role partners across departments, supports smart city programs, and frames policies around AI use and data governance.

You will build dashboards, evaluate emerging tools, manage cross‑functional projects, and prepare staff reports for the City Council.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Business, Data Science, Information Systems, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in innovation, technology, data analysis, or public sector strategy.
• Equivalent combination of education and work experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Lead and implement citywide innovation initiatives aligned with Council priorities and organizational goals.
• Identify opportunities to improve services through technology, automation, and process redesign.
• Support the development and execution of innovation roadmaps and pilot programs.
• Evaluate and deploy emerging technologies (e.g., AI, smart city systems, digital platforms).
• Serve as a liaison between departments, IT, and external vendors on technology projects.
• Monitor industry trends and recommend solutions that enhance service delivery.
• Develop dashboards, metrics, and performance tracking systems.
• Use data analytics to inform decision-making and improve operational outcomes.
• Support open data and transparency initiatives.
• Manage complex, cross-departmental projects from concept through implementation.
• Coordinate pilot programs, procurements, and vendor partnerships.
• Prepare staff reports, presentations, and recommendations for executive leadership and City Council.
• Conduct research on best practices, legislation, and funding opportunities related to innovation and technology.
• Assist in developing policies, standards, and governance frameworks for new technologies (e.g., AI use policies, data governance).
• Build partnerships with universities, startups, regional organizations, and the private sector.
• Support community engagement efforts related to innovation initiatives.
• Represent the City at meetings, conferences, and regional collaborations.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Project management

Communication

Cross-department collaboration

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Business, Data Science, Information Systems, or related field

Tools

Power BI

Tableau

Civic tech platforms

Job description

The Senior Innovation & Technology Analyst leads strategic initiatives that modernize City operations through technology, data, and process improvement. This role drives innovation efforts across departments, supports smart city initiatives, and evaluates emerging technologies - such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, and digital service delivery to improve efficiency, transparency, and resident experience. This is a highly collaborative, forward-thinking role that blends policy, technology, and operational strategy.

Responsibilities

Innovation & Strategy

• Lead and implement citywide innovation initiatives aligned with Council priorities and organizational goals
• Identify opportunities to improve services through technology, automation, and process redesign
• Support the development and execution of innovation roadmaps and pilot programs

Technology & Emerging Tools

• Evaluate and deploy emerging technologies (e.g., AI, smart city systems, digital platforms)
• Serve as a liaison between departments, IT, and external vendors on technology projects
• Monitor industry trends and recommend solutions that enhance service delivery

Data & Performance

• Develop dashboards, metrics, and performance tracking systems
• Use data analytics to inform decision-making and improve operational outcomes
• Support open data and transparency initiatives

Project Management

• Manage complex, cross-departmental projects from concept through implementation
• Coordinate pilot programs, procurements, and vendor partnerships
• Prepare staff reports, presentations, and recommendations for executive leadership and City Council

Policy & Research

• Conduct research on best practices, legislation, and funding opportunities related to innovation and technology
• Assist in developing policies, standards, and governance frameworks for new technologies (e.g., AI use policies, data governance)

Community & Partnerships

• Build partnerships with universities, startups, regional organizations, and the private sector
• Support community engagement efforts related to innovation initiatives
• Represent the City at meetings, conferences, and regional collaborations

The duties listed above are not intended to be all-inclusive. An employee may also perform other related duties as assigned by their immediate supervisor. This position is considered exempt.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Business, Data Science, Information Systems, or a related field
• Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in innovation, technology, data analysis, or public sector strategy
• Equivalent combination of education and work experience may be considered

Desirable/Bonus Qualifications

• Experience in a municipal or public agency setting is highly desirable
• Experience with AI applications, data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau), or civic tech platforms
• Familiarity with procurement processes and public-private partnerships
• Master's degree in a related field
• Certifications in project management (e.g., PMP) or data analytics
• Knowledge Of:
  • Smart city technologies, data analytics, and digital transformation strategies
  • Project management principles and process improvement methods
  • Public sector operations, budgeting, and policy development
• Skills & Abilities:
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear, actionable recommendations
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Proven ability to manage multiple projects and work across departments
  • Strategic thinker with a practical, solutions-oriented mindset

Core Competencies

• Problem Solving - Analytically and logically evaluating information.
• Learning Agility - Seeking learning opportunities and applying the lessons to work.
• Handling Stress - Maintaining emotional stability and self-control under pressure, challenge, or adversity.
• Professional Integrity & Ethics - Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability.
• Safety Focus - Showing vigilance and care in identifying and addressing health risks and safety hazards.
• Customer Focus - Attending to the needs and expectations of customers.
• Informing - Proactively obtaining and sharing information
• Teamwork - Collaborating with others to achieve shared goals.
• Valuing Diversity - Appreciating the benefits of varied backgrounds and cultures in the workplace.
• Allocating Resources - Prioritizing the use of fiscal and material resources to maximize organizational effectiveness.

Guiding Principles

1. Put people first.
2. Be visionary.
3. Be an ambassador for Lancaster.
4. Be Fiscally Responsible.
5. Be creative.
6. Always improving.
7. Be adaptable and resilient.

Essential Physical Requirements

• Ascend/Descend stairs/ladders/balance (moderate)
• Position self to bend or twist (frequent)
• To move, transport, position items up to 15 lbs. (frequent)
• Exposed to outdoor weather conditions (infrequent)
• Operate equipment (none)
• Stationary or squatting position (frequent)

Environmental Factors

• Work under time pressure (moderate to frequent)
• Interruptions (frequent)

Essential Cognitive Functions

• Analyze (continuous)
• Computations (frequent)
• Generate written work product (moderate)
• Independent problem solving (continuous)
• Interruptions (frequent)
• Maintain positive public relations (continuous)
• Organize (frequent)

Reasonable