Principal Systems Analyst

The City of Jersey is seeking an experienced principal systems analyst who will play a central role in modernizing City operations, institutionalizing continuous improvement practices, and building a culture of measurable results and responsible stewardship of public resources. Under the direction of the Business Administrator, the role supervises, plans, conducts, and develops analytical studies of existing operations and programs to determine the feasibility of converting to data processing systems, and directs the establishment of appropriate programs, as well as other related work as required.

Role Overview:

The position will primarily serve as Jersey City’s chief performance management officer and is responsible for designing, implementing, and leading a citywide data-driven performance system that strengthens accountability, improves service delivery, and enhances transparency for residents. This role further establishes and manages the City’s CitiStat program — a structured, executive-level performance framework that uses data, operational analysis, and cross-department collaboration to drive measurable improvements across municipal services. The Director works closely with department heads and City leadership to identify service gaps, monitor key performance indicators, improve response times, and ensure departments are aligned with strategic priorities.

Strategic Priorities:

• Citywide Performance Infrastructure — Design and implement a standardized CitiStat framework, including performance dashboards, departmental scorecards, and regular executive performance review sessions.
• Service Level Accountability — Establish measurable service standards across departments, track response times and operational metrics, and drive corrective action where performance gaps are identified.
• Data Integration and Transparency — Improve data quality, interdepartmental data sharing, and public-facing reporting to enhance transparency and resident trust.
• Operational Problem-Solving and Cost Efficiency — Use performance analytics to identify inefficiencies, reduce duplication, improve workflows, and support fiscally responsible decision-making.

Job Duties:

• Designs and implements the City’s CitiStat performance management framework, including reporting cycles, executive review sessions, and accountability structures.
• Develops and maintains departmental performance dashboards and key performance indicators aligned with City priorities to organize and make the appropriate work assignments relative to the conduct of studies in complex problem areas of electronic data processing or paperwork simplification.
• Works with department directors to identify measurable service standards and performance benchmarks.
• Plans and directs feasibility studies requiring the detailed analysis of existing functions and the preparation of cost estimates to determine the advisability of adopting data processing programs.
• Leads regular performance review meetings with senior leadership to analyze data trends, identify operational challenges, and track corrective actions.
• Analyzes service delivery metrics, including response times, backlog volumes, cost efficiency, and operational outputs across departments.
• Improves data collection processes and works with IT and departmental staff to strengthen data integrity and reporting systems.
• Develops standardized reporting templates and documentation protocols to ensure consistency across departments.
• Coordinates cross-department initiatives to address systemic service issues identified through performance analysis.
• Prepares executive summaries and performance reports for City leadership and public dissemination as appropriate.
• Supports budget development and resource allocation decisions through performance analysis and cost-efficiency modeling.
• Implements continuous improvement methodologies and operational best practices across departments.
• Responds to leadership inquiries regarding service metrics, operational performance, and program outcomes.
• Studies procedural difficulties and operating problems and advises on their solutions.
• Appraises the adequacy and efficiency of current data processing systems and assists in developing the organizational structure and methods required for the performance of existing, new, or expanded functions.
• Prepares clear, sound, accurate, and informative statistical, financial, and other factual reports based on surveys, investigations, and studies containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Maintains records and files.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

*Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, and five (5) years of the above-mentioned professional experience. OR Thirty (30) semester hours of credit are equal to one (1) year of relevant experience. Nine (9) years of professional experience in the design, installation, and operation of programs for electronic data processing equipment and/or in the design and implementation of systems for electronic data processing applications.

NOTE: "Professional experience" refers to work that is creative, analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range and depth of specialized knowledge of the profession's principles, concepts, theories, and practices; and is performed with the authority to act according to one's own judgment and make accurate and informed decisions.

Preferred Educational Background:

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in Public
• Administration, Data Science, Statistics, Public/Urban Policy, Business Analytics, or a related field.
• Master’s degree in Public Administration, Data Science, Statistics, Public/Urban Policy, Business Analytics, or a related field.

Required Experience:

• Minimum five (5) years of experience in performance management, public-sector analytics, data analysis, operational strategy, or a related field, including experience working with executive leadership. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered as permitted under civil service regulations.
• Minimum three (3) years of experience in performance management, public-sector analytics, data analysis, operational strategy, or a related field, including experience working with executive leadership. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered as permitted under civil service regulations.

Essential Skills and Knowledge:

• Strong knowledge of performance management systems and data analytics methodologies.
• Ability to design and implement key performance indicators across diverse municipal functions.
• Experience analyzing operational data and translating findings into actionable recommendations.
• Knowledge of data visualization tools and dashboard platforms.
• Ability to facilitate executive-level performance meetings and drive accountability conversations.
• Strong analytical, statistical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and navigate complex organizational structures.
• Strong written and oral communication skills with the ability to present complex data clearly.
• Ability to manage multiple performance initiatives simultaneously in a high-visibility environment.

The City of Jersey City is an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal and state laws, rules, and regulations relating to anti-discrimination and anti harassment.Required Educational Background: