Budget​/Legislative Analyst - Office Independent Budgate Analyst Unclassified

The Fiscal and Policy Analyst is a principal-level analyst position within the Office of the Independent Budget Analyst. Analysts typically concentrate on a specific field of analysis within the City organization that generally corresponds to specific business centers and/or Council Committees. The primary duty of the Fiscal & Policy Analyst is to review all legislative items within the specific field of concentration that bear a fiscal or policy impact to the City, and to provide clear, objective and unbiased analysis and advice to Council Committees and the full City Council.

The Fiscal and Policy Analyst is also responsible for analyzing and recommending modifications to the proposed fiscal year budget, monitoring the implementation of the final Council-approved budget, and conducting proactive research projects and reports as necessary.

The Office of the Independent Budget Analyst has eight budgeted Fiscal & Policy Analyst positions that review all items docketed for City Council or Council Committee consideration. Each Analyst is assigned to cover certain City departments and/or issue areas based on workload considerations, expertise, interest, and areas of need. Areas of responsibility will be assigned to the open position once a hiring decision has been made and Office needs have been evaluated.

• Review and analyze all City legislative items that have a financial and/or policy impact;
• Prepare analytical reports to the City Council and Council Committees to provide clarification on complex issues, identify potential unintended consequences, and make fiscal and policy recommendations;
• Review and analyze the annual fiscal year budget, identify budgetary and policy implications, and develop recommendations for potential revisions based on IBA analyses, community input, and City Council priorities;
• Monitor items such as City’s infrastructure improvement needs and capital financing plans; departmental budgets, needs, and outcomes; and implementation of citywide plans to achieve specified goals and objectives;
• Present reports and analysis to the City Council or Council Committee including but not limited to analysis of the annual fiscal year budget, weekly docketed legislative items, and proactive research projects and Council requests for analysis;
• Respond to inquiries from Council members, Council staff, and members of the public;
• Represent the Office of the Independent Budget Analyst in policy-level discussions with top City officials, including the Mayor, City Attorney, City Auditor, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Department Directors; and
• Participate in public outreach to educate the public and stakeholder groups on the budget process.

• Possession of a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science, Public Administration, Business Administration, Economics, Finance, or any other related field (an advanced degree is preferred but not mandatory); and
• Five years of progressively responsible professional experience in or closely related to government finance, budgeting, or operations. Experience in a state or municipal government is highly desirable; and
• Experience demonstrating the applicant possesses most of the qualifications listed below.

• Strong quantitative analytical abilities, including a thorough understanding of common data analysis tools and programs;
• Familiarity with municipal budgets, public policy, and financial systems;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and attention to detail;
• Ability to communicate complex and technical information in a simple, clear and straightforward manner, including the use of graphs and tables as needed;
• Ability to communicate effectively to different audiences, including elected officials, various levels of City management, and members of the public;
• Ability to comprehend technical details and understand how they relate to and impact the “big picture”;
• Interest in municipal activities and services, and how they impact the community;
• Strong business and political acumen to work effectively with high level administrators and elected officials;
• Highly ethical and…