Program Specialist

City of Sacramento•Sacramento, CA

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

This position is part of the Department of Utilities (DOU) Water Division and will primarily serve as the project manager for the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Program. During the first year, this position will develop an operations plan, establish monthly key performance indicators (KPIs) for the program, coordinate and lead regular cross-functional meetings, and support the Water Distribution team by managing operational needs, including budget administration, logistics coordination, purchasing, and waste disposal. This position will also coordinate procedure development and the preparation of the Personnel and Policies Manual. The anticipated workload during the first two years is approximately 75% AMI and 25% Water Distribution. Beginning in Year 3, the anticipated workload is approximately 60% AMI and 40% Water Distribution. This position also serves as the Water Division co-contact for providing program information and responding to data and program-specific information requests from Engineering, Wastewater/Storm Drainage, the City Attorney's Office, Public Records Act requests, and other stakeholders. The ideal candidate will possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, collaborate effectively in a team-oriented environment, and manage competing priorities to meet established deadlines. They will demonstrate the ability to compile and analyze complex financial information and prepare and present recommendations to customers, supervisors, and management. They will possess strong relationship-building skills, proactive communication, timely follow-up, and a commitment to providing exceptional customer service. Under general direction the Program Specialist plans, directs, and supervises all of the activities of a major department or Citywide program or project with moderate visibility and impact; conducts studies and makes recommendations; monitors program compliance; represents the department in contacts with media, internal and external agencies, and organizations.

Requirements

Four years of progressively responsible professional-level administrative experience.
A Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in business or public administration or a closely related field.
Knowledge of: Principles and practices of public administration and governmental finance, budgeting, and accounting.
Knowledge of: Procurement methods.
Knowledge of: Research techniques, methods and procedures.
Knowledge of: Methods and practices of modern office management.
Knowledge of: Principles and practices of program management and administration.
Knowledge of: Technical report writing.
Knowledge of: Methods of analysis.
Knowledge of: Principles and practices of supervision.
Skill in: Managing multiple tasks and deadlines.
Skill in: Customer service, including dealing with people under stress, and problem solving.
Skill in: Use of computers, computer applications, and software.
Ability to: Effectively plan, develop, and implement a comprehensive program with a broad scope and high degree of complexity.
Ability to: Supervise and direct professional, technical, and clerical staff.
Ability to: Analyze fiscal problems and make sound policy and procedural recommendations.
Ability to: Make effective presentations to public officials, committees, and outside agencies.
Ability to: Establish and effective working relationships with employees and the general public.
Ability to: Prepare technical and analytic reports.
Ability to: Communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
Ability to: Make program or project changes based on analysis of results, new legislation, or departmental changes.
Ability to: Meet multiple deadlines.

Nice To Haves

Incumbents may be eligible for intermittent remote work; however, they must physically reside within the Sacramento region or have the ability to regularly report to a City of Sacramento physical worksite with little notice.
It is highly desirable the required years of professional-level experience be attained in a governmental jurisdiction.

Responsibilities

Plans, coordinates, and administers, a project or program with department or Citywide impact; supervises, trains and evaluates the work of professional, technical and clerical staff.
Confers with department heads, division managers, members of professional staff, and other officials concerning the administrative needs and requirements related to the program or project; represents the program in contacts with news media, business and civic organizations, other City departments, and various outside public and private agencies.
Interprets new policies, procedures, and regulations, and develops new or amended programs or projects as need dictates, monitors program objectives to assure compliance with State and administrative regulations and program guidelines.
Conducts studies and surveys, performs research and analysis and prepares recommendations for department management; monitors and evaluates program effectiveness and outcomes; creates and implements program policies and procedures; develops guidelines, forms and related documents.
Reviews grant opportunities; compiles and analyzes information for preparation of grants, contracts and agreements; negotiates terms; implements, monitors and prepares reports on conduct and performance of grants.
Identifies program, project or system enhancements; selects and coordinates installation of new and revised programs and systems.
Provides exceptional customer service to those contacted in the course of work.