Human Resources / Risk | MANAGEMENT ANALYST / SENIOR MANAGEMENT ANALYST (DOQ)

Who We Are

The Management Analyst series performs a wide variety of professional-level research, administrative, analytical, and data-driven duties in support of assigned functions, operations, departments, and/or divisions. This position is found throughout various divisions and departments at the City of San Marcos, with specific tasks and projects assigned based on the needs of the assigned area. Analysts in this series work on diverse and niche programs and projects requiring technical and subject matter expertise relevant to the department they support, ensuring that decisions are informed by thorough analysis and data interpretation.

As the analytical backbone of the organization, the Management Analyst series serves as a crucial conduit between operations and management. They provide insight into operational efficiency, identify areas for improvement, and drive data-informed decision-making that enhances overall organizational performance. 

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

Core Duties (All Levels in the Management Analyst Series):

• Conducts comprehensive data collection, analysis, and evaluation to inform operational and strategic decision-making.
• Administers and coordinates assigned functions or projects, including policy implementation, monitoring, and ongoing improvement initiatives.
• Prepares and presents completed staff work in the form of comprehensive reports, memoranda and/or detailed analytical reports, summarizing key findings and offering data-driven recommendations.
• Integral Participation in division and/or department budget-related analysis, development, forecasting, and monitoring activities by managing the tracking of expenditures, revenue, and financial performance in tandem with broader data evaluation responsibilities.
• Identifies and addresses operational challenges through research and data-driven solutions; implements approved improvements based on findings.
• Coordinates and manages special projects, conducting research and analysis of new programs, services, policies, and procedures.
• Oversees divisions and/or department purchases, contracts and grant administration, ensuring compliance and proper documentation with the support of the Procurement Division.
• Analyzes federal, state, and local legislation to assess potential impacts on the department’s operations and makes recommendations accordingly, when applicable.
• Acts as a liaison between departments, external agencies, and the public; provides staff assistance to boards, committees, and commissions.
• Attends professional group meetings to remain updated on trends, regulations, and innovations in the field.
• Maintains accurate records and ensures compliance with organizational policies and regulatory requirements.
• Provides mentoring and oversight to lower-level staff, assigning tasks, reviewing work, and conducting performance evaluations.
• Responds to and resolves complex citizen and stakeholder complaints and inquiries, delivering appropriate solutions based on analysis.
• Other duties as assigned.

Differentiated Responsibilities:

Administrative Management Analyst (Entry Level):

• Level of Responsibility:

Supports operations through data collection and basic analysis, contributing to the development of reports and recommendations. Focuses on administrative support, aiding in day-to-day functions, and assisting in the analysis of operational data and workflows.

• Key Duty Examples:

• Conducts basic data analysis for reports and recommendations, assisting with identifying areas for improvement.

• Provides administrative support on contracts and grants, assisting with compliance monitoring and reporting.

• Compiles meeting materials and provides secretarial support to task forces, working groups and commissions, including taking minutes and tracking action items.

• Participates in department coordination activities, supporting cross-departmental initiatives.

• Cultivates strong relationships across departments, acting as a key resource for data-driven decision-making. Gains buy-in for recommendations by clearly communicating the rationale behind solutions and demonstrating their organizational benefits. Fosters collaborative partnerships with internal teams and external stakeholders to drive initiatives forward.

Management Analyst (Journey Level):

In addition to the level of responsibility assigned to the Administrative Management Analyst, the Management Analyst level expands in technical and leadership responsibility as follows: 

• Level of Responsibility:

Builds upon entry-level duties by independently leading data-driven projects and conducting more complex research and analysis. This level involves greater responsibility in assessing operational effectiveness, preparing detailed reports, and identifying data trends that inform management decisions.

• Key Duty Examples:

  • Demonstrates an ongoing commitment to learning and understanding the operations, functions, and strategic goals of both the department and the City. Actively seeks opportunities to broaden knowledge of organizational processes, contributing to more informed analysis and decision-making. Uses this deeper understanding to enhance effectiveness and align recommendations with broader City objectives.
  • Analyzes and understands the interconnections between various functions, processes, and departments within the organization. Considers the broader organizational impact of decisions and implements solutions that optimize efficiency across all systems. 
  • Independently and proactively conducts comprehensive data analysis, including finding fiscal efficiencies, relevant data, processing and interpreting data, preparing forecasts, and presenting findings to management for decision-making.
  • Drafts technical and administrative reports synthesizing relevant information from multiple sources, including City Council agenda items, and provides staff support in public meetings.
  • Leads process improvement initiatives by identifying inefficiencies through data analysis and leads implementing solutions.
  • Manages larger project administration tasks, ensuring compliance and recommending procedural improvements.
  • Provides Citywide training on data collection, analysis techniques, and operational best practices.
  • Balances multiple tasks and projects, ensuring that both short-term and long-term objectives are met within timeframe, scope and budget. Allocates resources efficiently, reassessing priorities as needed to adapt to changing organizational demands. Ensures the timely completion of projects while maintaining a high standard of productivity and quality.
  • Identifies and diagnoses operational, administrative, and strategic issues through data analysis and stakeholder feedback. Utilizes root cause analysis to develop innovative, evidence-based solutions that address both immediate and long-term challenges. Measures the effectiveness of solutions and refines them based on outcomes.

Senior Management Analyst (Advanced Level):

In addition to the level of responsibility assigned to the Administrative Management Analyst and Management Analyst, the Senior Management Analyst level expands in technical and leadership responsibility as follows:

• Level of Responsibility:

In this leadership role, the Senior Management Analyst manages high-level, citywide projects, providing in-depth analysis and strategic recommendations. This level oversees data analytics functions, ensuring that decision-making is driven by thorough and accurate data insights. Additionally, the Senior Management Analyst leads major initiatives across departments, providing guidance on operations and policy development.

• Key Duty Examples:

  • Demonstrates curiosity and ambition to integrate new technologies or methods that enhance operational effectiveness and streamline workflows.  Works to create innovative improvements to department/division processes.
  • Leads advanced data analytics projects, applying complex methodologies to develop comprehensive reports and strategic insights for senior management and offers meaningful solutions to solve department problems and/or achieve strategic goals within department and/or division.
  • Independently oversees niche areas of responsibility and/or program(s) specific to assigned division or department. 
  • Evaluates citywide performance metrics, identifying long-term trends and making recommendations for improvements. 
  • Oversees procurement, contract management, and major grant activities, including negotiations and monitoring compliance.
  • Provides guidance in legislative analysis, advising senior management on the operational impacts of new laws and policies.
  • Supervises and mentors other analysts, ensuring high-quality analysis and data interpretation across the organization.
  • Represents the City in meetings with external agencies, community groups, and other stakeholders, ensuring collaboration and alignment of objectives.