Strategic Planner

Arizona Department of Administration•Phoenix, AZ

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Economic Security (DES), Child and Community Services Division (CCSD), is seeking an experienced Strategic Planner to lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of divisional strategies and high-priority initiatives. The role coordinates cross-functional work across the division and agency to align complex projects with organizational goals, improve program effectiveness, and support change management. It translates high-level vision into actionable, data-driven outcomes and cultivates local, statewide, and national partnerships. The position also provides direct team leadership to divisional staff and delivers progress reports and executive updates to CCSD Leadership. The position is based at 1789 West Jefferson Street, Phoenix, Arizona. It may offer remote work within Arizona depending on departmental needs and continued performance against expected measures. Remote work is a management option, not an employee entitlement, and may be ended at the agency’s discretion. Work, including remote work, must be performed within Arizona unless an exception is authorized in advance.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or graduate degree in business, social services, public administration, public policy, law, or a closely related field, plus three or more years of experience in project coordination or project management, or equivalent experience.
Knowledge of federal and state programs, including early childhood education, child care law, IDEA Part C and early intervention, and programs supporting economic independence, including food and housing security.
Knowledge of change management principles, DES policies and procedures, federal and state funding rules and regulations, community resources, government practices, data collection, analysis and interpretation, Lean principles, and the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging framework.
Knowledge of Google Suite, computer use for documents, spreadsheets and email, and other software applications.
Coaching, team-building, negotiation, communication, interpersonal, facilitation, planning, directing, leadership, problem-solving, and relationship-building skills.
Ability to interpret and apply complex federal and state laws and regulations.
Ability to resolve complex problems; coordinate projects; exercise independent judgment and decision-making; and manage projects with attention to detail.
Ability to work across public- and private-sector partners and promote continuous improvement and commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging.
Ability to analyze raw data or information, prepare well-organized reports, and plan, prioritize, and organize work effectively.
A current, valid class-appropriate driver’s license is required if driving or using a vehicle is an essential function of the job. Employees driving on State business must complete required training, pass applicable driving-record checks, maintain an acceptable driving record, and maintain required liability insurance when using a personally owned vehicle.
Must successfully pass background and reference checks; employment is contingent upon completion of the process and the agency’s ability to reasonably accommodate restrictions.
Must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of social policies and trends and federal and state laws and regulations pertaining to Child Care Administration programs.
Three or more years of project coordination or project management experience, or equivalent experience, with a bachelor’s or graduate degree in a relevant field.

Responsibilities

Lead divisional strategies and high-priority initiatives from development through implementation and evaluation.
Translate high-level vision into actionable, data-driven outcomes and support change management across the division.
Review and synthesize data and information; prepare reports and presentations; and provide progress reports and executive updates to CCSD Leadership.
Lead cross-functional teams across the division and agency, align complex projects with organizational goals, facilitate problem solving, and execute special projects.
Cultivate local, statewide, and national partnerships to enhance program effectiveness.
Represent the Division in high-level committees, cross-agency workgroups, and external partner meetings; align interconnected strategic goals and advocate for Division priorities.
Establish key performance indicators to evaluate the efficiency, productivity, and measurable impact of strategic initiatives and promote continuous improvement.
Design, implement, and evaluate projects for program effectiveness and enhancement.
Perform literature reviews and searches.
Respond to complex planning, program, and audit-related items and analyze data to implement solutions.

Benefits

Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
Arizona State Retirement System participation and long-term disability plans
10 paid holidays per year
Paid vacation and sick time
Paid parental leave of up to 12 weeks per year for a newborn or newly placed foster or adopted child
Deferred compensation plan
Wellness plans
Tuition reimbursement
Stipend opportunities
Infant at Work Program
Rideshare and public transit subsidy
Career advancement and employee development opportunities