Project/Program Analyst

POSITION SUMMARY

This position reports exercises broad authorities in influencing and guiding staff and managers to meet customer needs and Strategic Goals. The position may assist with or manage the development of the Strategic Plan, budgets and long- term strategic initiatives to include procurement, monitoring, and improving all services across the Authority. Conducts analysis of processes to identify areas of improvement and/or standardization.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Manages all Authority-wide or departmental procurement activities including management of controllable assets and year-end audits. 

2. Coordinates the planning process, manages implementation, tracks budget against projections, and monitors strategic plan goals and measures.  Evaluates customer satisfaction, cost, schedule and delivery and resolve account issues to build and maintain close relationships with stakeholders. 

3. Develops processes and maintains accountability within systems to identify, screen, prioritize, define and manage programs and projects.  

4. Assures change management practices are included within program and project implementation plans. Maintains ongoing and effective communication with all stakeholders and interested parties.

5. Develops new initiatives to support the strategic direction of the organization.  Provides status and financial reports for ongoing programs.

6. Conducts independent studies and exercises broad authority to combine procurements across cost accounting structure for cost and manpower savings.

7. Responsible for the preparation, administration and development of department’s annual budget.  Coordinates and reviews budgets across the Authority and provides year-end projections.

8. Tracks execution of actual budget spend against projections and corrects or mitigates issues with responsible managers. Reports discrepancies and follows up variances to management if unable to resolve or has significant impact to the Authority.

9. Manages a central data repository for information related to project initiatives, contracts, vendor evaluation, procurement, budget administration, etc.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position has significant influence in strategic direction of the organization and directs completion and accuracy of organizational tasks.  Additionally, this position has full program management responsibility for the portfolio of Authority-wide programs which span multiple years.

FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Prepares, monitors and tracks the budget Portfolio for department. Monitors and resolves contracts and procurement—related activities.

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

Bachelor’s Degree required.

EXPERIENCE

Five to ten years of staff experience working with senior management, directing staff activities, and preparing reports and presentations.  Three years’ experience in acquisition/procurement and / or project or program management.  Experience in identifying issues and recommending solutions, preparing oral and written reports of study findings and recommendations preferred.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Valid Texas Driver’s License (Required).  Acquisition and Project Management certifications preferred

KNOWLEDGE

Must have knowledge of principles of budgeting, project management, acquisition, and staffing processes. Good knowledge of management practices; organizational design; methods of information collection.  Some knowledge of statistical   analysis techniques for management analysis.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Must possess excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to interact, convey information and coordinate projects effectively with internal and external stakeholders. Good listening skills are a must for conducting studies.  Mathematical skills needed for budget preparation.  Must have excellent interpersonal skills and able to work independently and as a team with ability to interact with senior executives and other stakeholders.  Problem-solving and creative thinking is a plus. Must possess attention to detail and accuracy and be able to analyze data and use findings to make proposals.  Time management is a must with the ability to multi-task in an extremely fast-paced environment to complete deadlines. 

GUIDANCE RECEIVED

Guided by Department Goals and Priorities. Has broad authority to make decisions that require interpreting goals and priorities into action steps and delegating responsibility for completion. Has broad latitude in regard to methods and approaches but must obtain approval for actions that have policy, service, or cost implications.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Duties are almost always carried out in an office environment. May occasionally travel to project locations.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

Office machines including computers, scanners, copiers and various software packages.