Innovation Project Lead

The work involves managing special projects and initiatives to improve the operations and functionality of the organization as part of the Office of Analytics, Performance, & Innovation for the City of Syracuse. An employee in this class is responsible for conducting research; performing data analysis; managing stakeholder relations for policy initiatives; evaluating policies, practices, and procedures; and developing and implementing specific project plans to enhance and advance City operations.

The employee exercises independent judgment and initiative under the general direction of the Director of Innovation. Does related work as required.

• Participates in interagency processes for accepting new challenges, ongoing idea generation, developing implementation plans, and managing progress towards defined targets.
• Leads the development of detailed implementation plans for delivery on major initiatives.
• Prepares workflow diagrams and structuring charts to define workflow processes.
• Ensures effective performance monitoring vehicles are in place and regularly monitors progress of initiatives and makes recommendations for correction.
• Manages projects from beginning to end, which includes scoping, resource planning, budgeting, overseeing execution and closing.
• Plans, directs, and coordinates staff and activities to ensure that assigned initiative goals are accomplished within prescribed time frames.
• Facilitates complex performance improvement activities.
• Works with departments to implement new programs to improve performance across the City.
• Leads cross-functional teams to facilitate the implementation of efficient resolutions.
• Conducts and leads qualitative research.
• Works with government and community stakeholders to lead them through a full design cycle, including testing and launch.
• Prepares visual, oral, and written correspondence.
• Assesses and recommends innovative strategies and projects.
• Provides direction to a team and conceptualizes and proposes solutions.
• Uses diplomacy in working relationships to effectively and efficiently deal with conflict and arbitrate solutions.
• Prioritizes and manages work to meet established timelines.

• Excellent problem solving, critical thinking and deductive reasoning skills
• Ability to lead transformations that involve multiple stakeholders, constituencies, and agencies.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Ability to develop and manage a high-performing team.
• Ability to establish targets and deliver measurable results on time and within budget.
• Ability to work with government or private sector leaders.
• Good knowledge of empirical data, statistical analysis, and the development of data-based recommendations for system improvements.
• Ability to research and outline best practices in strategic subject areas, contextualize research, and synthesize content to drive action-oriented dialogue.
• Good knowledge of process improvement analysis.
• Knowledge of digital tools/applications that enhance the workflow and environment.
• Ability to design maps and analyze the performance of services processes.
• Knowledge of ArcGIS Online and Arc Maps.
• Knowledge of programming languages.
• Ability to handle ambiguity in a fast-paced environment.
• Attentiveness to detail, deadlines, and the ability to handle criticism in a constructive way.

Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees with a Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Policy, Government, Business, Economics, Psychology, Sociology, Data Science, Statistics or a closely related field AND one (1) year of work experience, or its part time equivalent, in…