Strategic Programs Administrator

Overview:
 
NOTE: 5.0% MMBA differential will apply 
 
Valley Water is seeking a highly skilled and motivated individual to fill the Strategic Programs Administrator position within the Office of Integrated Water Management reporting to the Assistant Chief Executive Officer. This Strategic Programs Administrator will lead the development and maintenance of Executive level processes and procedures and implementation of strategic projects and initiatives. The ideal candidate will possess a unique blend of expertise in project management, financial analysis, and policy development. The position will coordinate with the Chief of Staff to the CEO to ensure execution of directives from the Assistant CEO and CEO. This position may lead and participate in the work of staff and consultants, both internally and externally. 
 
The ideal candidate will possess knowledge of public sector administration and project management techniques and will be skilled in generally accepted research methodologies.  They will be able to lead diverse groups, establish trust and credibility with co-workers and the public and have the ability to create and achieve "win-win" solutions to problems and conflicts. Strong written and verbal communications skills are essential in this position.
Key Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Identify key issues and participate in setting and establishing priorities to meet the organization’s strategic direction; develop budget policies and procedures; participate in the administration of assigned budgets; recommend revisions as needed.
• Evaluate and develop appropriate procedures to address current and proposed Executive level policies, regulations, legislation, and projects that impact the strategic goals and direction of Valley Water.
• Prepare and deliver presentations and briefings to staff, management, and the Board, other agencies, local, State and Federal elected officials, and their staff, prepare comprehensive reports for Valley Water staff, management, and the Board.
• Interact extensively with Executive management, senior technical, legal, and policy staff and elected officials including other water agencies, business groups, regulatory, and governmental agencies, and environmental groups.

Ideal Candidate's Background Includes:
Applicants whose experience and background best match the ideal experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and education are considered ideal candidates for the position. To determine the top candidates, each applicant will be assessed based on the ideal candidate criteria as listed below.
 
Ideal Experience:

• Six (6) years of increasingly responsible experience involving the preparation and review of economic and/or planning documents and experience in financial analysis or strategic planning.
• Project management, financial analysis, and policy development experience.
• Experience developing, implementing and managing processes and procedures. 

Ideal Skills and Abilities:

• Good judgment with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to understand and translate guidelines into action and high level problem solving skills.
• Ability to identify key issues, develop policy recommendations, and advance organizational policies.
• Outstanding project management skills with the ability to apply strong critical thinking and facilitation skills.
• Strong and persuasive presentation skills and ability to obtain a win-win for all parties involved.
• Advanced problem solving skills.
• Excellent writing skills.
• Ability to plan, assign, lead, review, and evaluate the work of staff.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Ideal Knowledge:

• Principles and practices of budget development and administration.
• Principles and practices of project management.
• Specialized computer software applications, e.g. Vena, Infor, Legistar, etc.
• Principles and practices of public sector contract administration and management.
• Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations.

Ideal Training and Education:
Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in business administration, economics, or a related field.
Substitution: Directly related experience may be substituted for the college requirement based on one and one-half years of experience for one year of education to a maximum of four years.