Senior Management Analyst

ICMA; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 125,000 - 188,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Palo Alto is seeking an experienced analyst to support Planning and Development Services with budgeting, reporting, and policy analysis.

The role requires strong analytical capabilities, excellent communication, and the ability to handle multiple priorities while ensuring ethical standards and adherence to city procedures. Supervisory experience is a plus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field with five years of professional experience in public or business administration or a related field.
• Postgraduate coursework or a Master's Degree is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop, track, and manage budgets throughout the year using SAP, Budget Pro, and advanced Excel skills.
• Review expenditures and ensure compliance with city procedures and ethical standards.
• Provide insight on the department’s business performance and operations.
• Perform policy analyses and provide recommendations.
• Coordinate with HR for recruitments and HR issues.
• Update department fee information and lead or support fee or nexus studies.
• Prepare reports for leadership and elected bodies.
• Review staff reports for budgetary impact.
• Manage special projects and administer contracts and grants.

Skills

Analytical skills

Customer service orientation

Oral and written communication

Interpersonal skills

Supervisory experience

HR liaison experience

Education

Bachelor's Degree in related field

Master's Degree preferred

Tools

SAP

Budget Pro

Excel

Job description

Description

The Palo Alto Planning and Development Services Department is responsible for a range of functions aimed at preserving and enhancing the quality of life in Palo Alto through thorough and efficient permitting and entitlement, building inspection, and code enforcement services. By providing the City Council and community with guidance and effective implementation of land use, development, planning, housing and environmental policies, plans, and programs, the department works to maintain and enhance the City’s safety, vitality, and attractiveness.

Unique Opportunity!

The Department has a unique and exciting opportunity for the right candidate to work on a variety of projects in a dynamic, fast-moving environment. Many of these projects result in significant positive impacts on the attractiveness and vitality of the community. The position will appeal to a candidate with well-honed analytical skills who appreciates playing an active part in the department’s achievements by providing budget, administrative, and operational support.

Ideal Candidate

The department seeks a detail-oriented, experienced analyst with a proactive approach, a passion for learning, and strong customer service orientation. The ideal candidate will combine high integrity with a strong work ethic and be able to effectively handle multiple priorities simultaneously, pivoting as necessary to meet critical deadlines. The ability to produce accurate financial projections and reports, evaluate complex data, and perform policy analyses is a must. The candidate should also have exceptional oral and written communication skills and outstanding interpersonal skills. Supervisory experience or experience working closely with Human Resources is a plus.

Essential Duties

• Develop, track, and manage budgets throughout the year using SAP, Budget Pro, and advanced Excel skills.
• Support the department’s business operations by reviewing and approving expenditures, following City procedures and utilizing the highest ethical standards.
• Provide insight on the department’s business performance and operations.
• Perform project and policy analyses providing recommendations, as appropriate.
• Serve as the department’s liaison with Human Resources (HR) for recruitments and various HR issues.
• Update fees and department fee information.
• Lead or support fee studies, nexus studies, or audits.
• Prepare a variety of reports for leadership and elected or appointed bodies.
• Review staff reports for budgetary impact.
• Manage, coordinate, and administer special projects.
• Administer contracts and grants for the department, tracking costs and ensuring contract compliance.
• Pursue timely procurements and contract solicitations, working closely with procurement staff and tracking costs while monitoring compliance with rules, regulations, laws and policies.
• Work with colleagues throughout the organization to obtain desired outcomes.
• Work independently and exercise good judgement and discretion.

Minimum Qualifications

Sufficient education, training and/or work experience to demonstrate possession of the following knowledge and skills, which would typically be acquired through:

• Bachelor's Degree in a related field and five years of professional experience in public or business administration, public affairs, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.
• Postgraduate coursework or a Master's Degree is preferred.

Supplemental Information

Salary: $125,195.20 - $187,782.40 annually

More than one position may be filled through this posting.

The City of Palo Alto is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.