Principal Department Analyst

County of Mendocino•Ukiah, CA

12d

About The Position

Under general direction, the Principal Department Analyst performs varied professional analytical, financial, and advisory duties, providing highly responsible staff support within County departments. The role participates in budget development and administration and develops, presents, and implements plans, programs, and recommendations. The current vacancy is with BHRS - Mental Health Services in Ukiah. The recruitment list may also be used for regular full-time and part-time open or promotional vacancies across County departments, service areas, and locations during a limited period. Under current bargaining agreements, employees regularly assigned to the coastal region or Covelo may receive a 5% assignment premium. The position handles complex departmental analytical and administrative work, including budgets, organizational and operational studies, grants, contracts, compliance, policy and procedure analysis, and special projects. It may include supervisory duties and specialized assignments such as serving as a department personnel, staff development, or budget officer. Supervisors must complete the mandatory nine-course Supervisor Academy within two years; participation is required and occurs during work hours.

Requirements

Normally, a bachelor's degree or equivalent from a recognized college or university in public administration, finance/accounting, or a related field, and four years of high-level analytical experience involving administrative and/or fiscal or budget activities, including at least two years of lead or supervisory experience; an equivalent combination of higher education, training, and experience may provide the required knowledge and abilities.
Knowledge of government operations and County department organization and functions.
Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, codes, and ordinances.
Knowledge of modern public administration principles, practices, and trends relevant to the assignment.
Knowledge of grant administration, administrative and evaluative surveys, research methods, statistical analysis, and report presentation.
Knowledge of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment review, evaluation, and staff training.
Knowledge of business communication, English usage, and general office procedures and practices.
Knowledge of modern business equipment and communication tools, computers, and software such as Microsoft packages.
Ability to research, compile, interpret, and summarize informational and statistical material; analyze complex problems, evaluate alternatives, and make recommendations.
Ability to interpret applicable legislation and litigation and communicate complicated policies, procedures, and protocols.
Ability to lead, select, motivate, train, organize, direct, review, and evaluate staff and develop cooperative working relationships with employees, management, elected officials, agencies, and the public.
Ability to exercise tact, discretion, and independent judgment within policy guidelines and legal constraints.
Ability to organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, follow up on assignments, and prepare clear reports and correspondence.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, including presenting technical reports and speaking before groups.
Ability to operate and perform routine maintenance on general office machines such as copiers, fax machines, and telephone systems.
Ability to identify and analyze administrative, operational, and programmatic problems; provide consultation and direction; assemble and present reports with alternatives and recommendations; and formulate and implement plans and policies.
Ability to work under pressure, handle sensitive and stressful situations professionally and confidentially, deal tactfully with officials and the public, and carry out written and oral instructions accurately.
Ability to apply practical mathematical concepts, including fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions.
While performing essential functions, regularly walk, sit, use hands to handle objects, reach, speak and hear, and push, pull, move, or lift objects weighing up to 20 pounds above and below the neck.

Nice To Haves

Experience with grants administration, contract management, compliance monitoring, reporting, or administrative processes is desirable.
A valid driver's license is preferred but not required; some positions may require a valid California driver's license or an alternative means of transportation for essential job functions.

Responsibilities

Perform administrative and management duties involving budgets, organizational systems, policies, procedures, legislative analysis, grants, and special projects.
Research and analyze data; prepare narrative and statistical reports, recommendations, and projections.
Evaluate and help resolve sensitive, difficult, and complex operational and administrative problems; identify issues and propose solutions.
Plan, organize, coordinate, direct, or conduct administrative and management studies, selecting analytical techniques and gathering required information and data.
Analyze complex departmental operational and programmatic activities, including fiscal operations, budget preparation and control, equipment usage, staffing, workflow, space utilization, office automation, facilities, contracts, and personnel management.
Design data-collection systems, gather information from departmental and external sources, and present reports and recommendations based on analysis.
Develop complex budgets, reports, and recommendations; analyze impacts on service levels and operations and meet funding-source information requirements.
Develop fiscal procedures, control departmental purchases and expenditures, review financial data for compliance with guidelines, conduct cost-benefit studies, and recommend procedural or operational changes.
Carry out supervisory responsibilities, including interviewing, hiring, training, assigning and directing work, evaluating performance, rewarding and disciplining employees, and resolving complaints and problems.
Perform specialized assignments such as serving as department personnel, staff development, or budget officer, including analysis, monitoring, and compliance duties.
Plan, coordinate, implement, promote, and oversee significant projects and initiatives, including developing goals, policies, procedures, priorities, strategies, and work plans.
Ensure project activities and services comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws, policies, and regulations; research regulatory requirements governing government operations.
Recommend and establish contract and MOU forms and procedures; review bids and agreements, interpret contract terms, monitor adherence, and recommend solutions to contractual problems.
Serve as liaison with clients, private businesses, state and federal agencies, and County departments to coordinate projects, provide administrative services, represent the department, and gather information for studies and management decisions.
Perform other related duties as assigned.