Strategic Programs Administrator

Valley Water is searching for top-tier candidates to fill this exciting opportunity. Internal candidates will get first consideration.

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. The Strategic Programs Administrator serves as a strategic right-hand to the Assistant CEO helping to develop and maintain key agency-wide processes and procedures and oversee strategic projects and special initiatives. The ideal candidate will possess a unique blend of expertise in project management, financial analysis, and policy development. The position works closely with the Chief of Staff to the Chief Executive Officer and will regularly coordinate with the senior leadership team. 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 strategic planning best practices 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:

• Oversee a range of complex analytical and administrative projects, identify key issues, assist in setting and establishing priorities, and propose solutions in alignment with agency goals and objectives.
• Evaluate and develop appropriate policies and procedures to address regulations, legislation, and projects that impact the strategic goals and direction of Valley Water.
• Develop, recommend, and implement strategies, policies, and procedures to protect and promote Valley Water’s interests; prepare long-range plans for operations including forecasting financial needs and preparing budgets; monitor the financial integrity of assigned programs; and identify opportunities to enhance financial strength.
• Prepare and deliver presentations and briefings to staff, management, and the Board, other agencies, local, State and Federal elected officials, and their staff, and prepare comprehensive reports for Valley Water staff, management, and the Board.
• Interact extensively with 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 providing complex, analytical support to the executive or senior management level, preferably in the public sector, water industry, public utility, or related environment. 
• 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.
• Ability to identify key issues, develop policy recommendations, and advance organizational policies.
• Manage complex projects involving multiple stakeholders and requiring coordination and collaboration with external agencies and high-level executive managers.
• Strong and persuasive presentation skills and ability to obtain a win-win for all parties involved.
• Advanced problem-solving skills.
• Excellent writing skills.
• Can plan, assign, lead, review, and evaluate the work of staff.
• Ability to effectively represent Valley Water in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups, and various businesses, professional, and regulatory organizations, and in meetings with the public.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Ideal Knowledge:

• Principles and practices of public administration, project management, strategic planning, and budget development.
• Methods of developing, analyzing, implementing, and evaluating administrative policies and procedures.
• 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, public administration, political science, law, environmental science, engineering, 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.