SENIOR STAFF ANALYST (Strategic Initiatives)

Applications accepted from: All Persons Interested

Service Line/Section: Office of the Chief of Staff/Strategic Initiatives
Reporting Location: 611 Walker Street, 25th Floor
Workdays & Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm*
*Subject to change.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The Strategic Initiatives Division, housed within the Office of the Chief of Staff at Houston Public Works (HPW), serves as a departmental support function dedicated to enhancing organizational performance, efficiency, and alignment. The division leverages technical expertise, analytical insight, and tactical execution to identify and address opportunities for improvement across all operational areas. Its primary focus includes operational process improvement, data analytics, performance measurement, and the drafting of policy and procedural recommendations that strengthen department-wide outcomes and advance HPW’s operational priorities.

The Senior Staff Analyst is responsible for identifying operational inefficiencies, conducting advanced analysis, and developing data-driven recommendations that translate into actionable policies and procedures. This role serves as a bridge between operational divisions and the Deputy Chief of Staff (DCOS) team, ensuring that identified improvements are formalized into workflows, business processes, and department-wide procedures that promote alignment, efficiency, and synergy.

The Senior Staff Analyst is responsible for the following:

• Conducts advanced analysis of operational workflows to identify inefficiencies, assess performance gaps, and recommend process improvements that enhance service delivery and reduce redundancies across HPW divisions.
• Drafts recommendations for policy and procedural practices that improve efficiency, clarify expectations, and promote consistent operations in collaboration with the DCOS team and division leadership.
• Collects, compiles, and interprets operational and performance data to measure program outcomes, assess departmental effectiveness, and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Ensures accuracy and reliability of complex datasets to support informed decision-making, operational planning, and resource allocation.
• Coordinates with divisions, sections, and administrative teams to integrate information, align operational practices, and advance shared department-wide initiatives.
• Supports and tracks cross-divisional projects and process improvement efforts, ensuring deliverables align with departmental priorities and organizational standards.
• Conducts research and benchmarking to identify emerging trends, best practices, and innovative approaches that enhance efficiency and accountability.
• Prepares analytical reports, presentations, and summaries that communicate findings, recommendations, and outcomes to executive leadership and interdepartmental workgroups.
• Represents the Senior Assistant Director or designated leadership in meetings, workgroups, and committees to present data-informed recommendations, gather insights, and promote coordinated operational improvement.
• Handles confidential or sensitive information with professionalism, discretion, and sound analytical judgment.
• Extracts, consolidates, and analyzes data from multiple sources including databases, systems, and spreadsheets, and supports data linking for the development and maintenance of integrated departmental databases.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Requires a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, or a field directly related to the type of work being performed.

Graduate degrees related to the type of work to be performed may substitute for the experience requirement on a year-for-year basis.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Five years of professional administrative, financial or analytical experience related to the type of work being performed are required.
 
Professional experience related to the type of work to be performed may substitute for the education requirement on a year-for-year basis.

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
None

Preference will be given to candidates that have/demonstrate:

• A STEM-related degree and/or a Project Management Professional (PMP) or equivalent certification.
• Proven ability as a self-starter with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience in project management, including planning, scoping, budgeting, and scheduling complex initiatives.
• Proficiency in data analysis and visualization tools such as Microsoft Excel, Power BI, or equivalent platforms, with the ability to present complex information clearly to executive leadership.
• Knowledge of process improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma) and policy analysis experience that support operational efficiency and organizational alignment.

SELECTION/SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED:   None
 However, the department may administer a skills assessment evaluation.
 
 SAFETY IMPACT POSITION:   No
 If yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and if a promotional position, candidate must pass an assignment drug test.
 
 SALARY INFORMATION
 Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate's qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.

PAY GRADE 28
 
APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during active posting period. Applications must be submitted online at: www.houstontx.gov. 
 
To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/houston/default.cfm or call 832-393-6015.
 
If you need special services or accommodations 832-393-6015 (TTY 7-1-1)
 
If you need login assistance or technical support call 855-524-5627.
 
Due to the high volume of applications received, the Hiring Department will contact you directly, should you be selected to advance in our recruitment process.
 
All new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information provided.  
 
EOE Equal Opportunity Employer
The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.