Strategy and Special Projects Manager

City of Golden Valley • City Hall - Golden Valley (Building #7800), MN

13h • Onsite

About The Position

The Strategy and Special Projects Manager position will work under the guidance of City Manager and Deputy City Manager to develop and present policy and data research, analysis, and recommendations to executive leadership and the City Council for use in policy development and inform decision-making processes. The individual in this position will support the development and execution of the City’s strategic plan, including the data-tracking and publication of the internal and public-facing dashboards. The Strategy and Projects Manager will also facilitate and coordinate cross-departmental teams to advance city-wide initiatives and priorities, and address operational or service delivery issues and enhancements.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, management, public administration, public policy, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Three years of project management experience.
• Two years of data management, data analysis, and data tracking experience.
• Two years of grant writing and grant reporting experience.
• One year of experience managing strategic initiatives in local government (cities, school districts, counties).
• Ability to critically analyze existing environment and prioritize areas for change, learn and develop new processes and programs, and assist staff in implementing best practices organization-wide.
• Ability to complete the essential duties and responsibilities of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in Business Administration, Management, Public Administration, Political Science, or related field.
• Five years of project management experience.
• Experience coordinating community engagement efforts, including but not limited to boards and commissions, community surveys, or community events.
• One year of experience in grant writing and reporting within local government.
• Two years of budgeting and financial management experience in local government.
• Previous experience with Minnesota State Statutes, fee schedules, and policy development.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the City’s grants program, including conducting grant research, coordinating with subject matter experts (SME) to apply, manage, and report on grants, and presenting the annual grant report to executive leaders and the City Council.
• Coordinate and facilitate the City’s expanded response implementation and evaluation, including data tracking, communications, and collaboration with Public Safety personnel and community partners.
• Oversee special initiatives and programs, including but not limited to Special Events Policy and process, and Boards and Commission processes (delegating day-to-day tasks and providing work direction to appropriate staff).
• Lead, plan, and coordinate the implementation of the City’s strategic plan and performance measurement process across all departments and divisions within the city.
• Maintain City’s Strategic Plan Dashboard, including preparing reports, conducting analysis and measurements with executive leaders, and training employees on City dashboard applications.
• Coordinate to facilitate future Strategic Plan updates and City Council Directives to meet the evolving needs of the organization.
• Lead continuous improvement, innovation, and project management efforts across the city, including conducting research and analysis of City business processes and workflows, partnering with staff to evaluate effectiveness, and identifying opportunities to improve customer service goals and achieve operational efficiency.
• Consult with all department leadership on City-wide initiatives, to ensure consistency with existing city plans, initiatives, and projects.
• Support and advance equity into strategic planning processes City-wide, including the strategic plan, long-range parks plan, comprehensive plan, etc.
• Provide training and mentorship opportunities for City staff to advance organizational capacity for strategic initiatives.
• Advised departments on data collection strategies, implementation, and analysis to increase data-informed decisions.
• Represent the City on assigned committees or task forces, both internally and externally.
• Support community engagement efforts or projects as assigned.
• Act as liaison with the communications division to support proactive and strategic communications on large-scale and long-range projects.
• Liaise with individuals and organizations looking to connect, volunteer, or partner with the City.
• Provide work direction to management fellows, interns, and external consultants.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level