Senior Policy Analyst

Leon County Government; Tallahassee (FL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Leon County Government seeks a senior management professional to lead complex projects involving policy development, research, and program evaluation. The role supports budgetary accuracy and aligns with the County’s priorities and strategic plan.

The position requires conducting in-depth analysis, presenting findings to senior leadership, and coordinating with the Office of Management and Budget. Strong analytical and communication skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Requires graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Finance, Public Administration, or related field.
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in policy analysis, program evaluation, or public administration.

Responsibilities

• Independently manages and conducts research and analysis on projects that includes collecting relevant data and other research materials; analyzing information and findings; presenting alternatives; and making recommendations.
• Conducts research and analysis on projects related to policy and operational improvements utilizing all levels of County government and various external stakeholders.
• Develops and recommends policy and operational improvements.
• Researches, analyzes, and prepares agenda items, workshop items, memorandum, updates, and reports on County programming, policies, and procedures as assigned.
• Manages and oversees program performance evaluations to enhance efficiency and productivity in the organization.
• Develops, recommends, and oversees the implementation of improvements in County's operations.
• Evaluates organizational and departmental metrics and benchmarks established in accordance policies and/or statutory guidelines as well as direction of the Board of County Commissioners, and County Administrator.
• Coordinates with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to review and evaluate organizational, budgetary, and fiscal records for accuracy and integrity.
• Identifies and evaluates any internal and external financial risks and recommends strategies and actions for mitigation. Also, oversees the implementation of recommended strategies and actions for mitigation.
• Assists with the development and implementation of the Leon County Strategic Plan in coordination with County departments and divisions.
• Makes presentations before the Board of County Commissioners, County Administrator, County Senior Staff, and external stakeholders on projects assigned.

Skills

Policy analysis

Data analysis

Research methods

Public administration

Budgeting

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Office software

Job description

Starting placement will generally not exceed 15% of the advertised minimal salary and is based on qualifications, experience, and internal equity.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

This highly responsible and senior management level position leads complex projects as assigned by the County Administrator that require in-depth research and analysis on policy development, adoption, and implementation. Assignments also include extensive program evaluation that requires strong analytical skills and the ability to report and communicate findings, results, and recommendations. Additionally, the position assists with evaluating the County's budgetary and fiscal activities for accuracy and consistency the County's priorities and policies. Work also includes assisting in the coordination and development, implementation and reporting of the County's Strategic Plan.

NOTE

The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. The Job Description Questionnaire (JDQ) reflects a more detailed description of the position. Neither the job description nor the JDQ constitutes an employment agreement. Both are subject to change as the needs of the County and requirements of the job change.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Independently manages and conducts research and analysis on projects that includes collecting relevant data and other research materials; analyzing information and findings; presenting alternatives; and making recommendations.
• Conducts research and analysis on projects related to policy and operational improvements utilizing all levels of County government and various external stakeholders.
• Develops and recommends policy and operational improvements.
• Researches, analyzes, and prepares agenda items, workshop items, memorandum, updates, and reports on County programming, policies, and procedures as assigned.
• Manages and oversees program performance evaluations to enhance efficiency and productivity in the organization.
• Develops, recommends, and oversees the implementation of improvements in County's operations.
• Evaluates organizational and departmental metrics and benchmarks established in accordance policies and/or statutory guidelines as well as direction of the Board of County Commissioners, and County Administrator.
• Coordinates with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to review and evaluate organizational, budgetary, and fiscal records for accuracy and integrity.
• Identifies and evaluates any internal and external financial risks and recommends strategies and actions for mitigation. Also, oversees the implementation of recommended strategies and actions for mitigation.
• Assists with the development and implementation of the Leon County Strategic Plan in coordination with County departments and divisions.
• Makes presentations before the Board of County Commissioners, County Administrator, County Senior Staff, and external stakeholders on projects assigned.

OTHER IMPORTANT OR MARGINAL DUTIES

All Leon County employees (regular full-time and part-time, OPS, and PRN) are required to work before, during and after a Declared Local State of Emergency (DLSOE). Participation is considered a condition of employment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of: Public policy analysis frameworks; local, state, and federal legislative processes; research methods, statistical analysis, and performance measurement; government operations, budgeting, and public administration principles.

Skills in: Advanced analytical and critical thinking; technical writing and policy drafting; data interpretation, statistical tools, and report creation; facilitation, negotiation, and consensus-building.

Ability to: Synthesize complex information into actionable recommendations; work independently on multiple high-priority assignments; build and maintain effective working relationships; maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive issues diplomatically.

COMPLEXITY OF WORK

Develop new policies and procedures that enhance and improve organizational and/or fiscal standards. Sound independent judgment is needed in order to determine and interpret County practices and policies.

Independent judgment is very important when dealing with broad constituencies and varied community interest. Work requires initiative and creativity in seeking solutions to a wide range of problems identified by the Board, the County Administrator, and the Deputy County Administrator. Deadlines are paramount in this position.

Must have the ability to work with other individuals, departments, agencies and the broader community to meet deadlines. These deadlines are a constant reality of the position. Attention must be shifted frequently as new projects are added on a weekly basis.

Problem solving skills are also key to this job. Problems presented include financial, policy, legal and programmatic components. Employee must seek appropriate sources of information to address each component.

Employee must have the ability to design and implement research process and the ability to analyze extensive information and make recommendations.

INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL CUSTOMER CONTACT

Requires contact with the Deputy County Administrator, Assistant to the County Administrator, Assistant County Administrator, County Administrator, Group Directors, Commissioners and Aides; Constitutional officers, Clerk Finance, OMB staff concerning project status, strategies, and budget impact. Requires contact with the general public extensively concerning projects.

EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS USED

Computer, various computer software applications and office equipment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work mainly indoors at a desk. Some stress related to dealing with multiple projects.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Requires graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Finance, Public Administration, or related field. Master's degree preferred. Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in policy analysis, program evaluation, or public administration required.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

None.

SELECTION GUIDELINES

Formal application, rating of education and experience, oral interview, reference check, and drug testing.

FLSA STATUS

Job is exempt. Employee performs responsible professional/administrative work involving the exercise of discretion and independent judgment.

Revision History: October 1, 1999; October 18, 2002; May 27, 2003; August 22, 2006, October 28, 2014; December 19, 2024; December 4, 2025; February 18, 2026; November 5, 2026.