Chief Strategy Officer (Office of the Director)

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Public Administration, Communication, Public Information, Political Science, or other related field, plus eight (8) years progressively responsible professional experience at least three (3) of which were in a supervisory or managerial capacity.
• Master’s degree in a related field may substitute for two (2) years of the required experience. Experience may substitute for education for up to four (4) years.

Licenses or Certifications:

• None.

Notes to Applicants
DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW :
Please learn more about our department and how we serve our community: What does the Watershed Protection Department do?

POSITION OVERVIEW :
The Chief Strategy Officer ( CSO ) serves as a key member of the Watershed Protection Department’s executive team, reporting directly to the Office of the Director. This role is responsible for providing visionary leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight to the Planning, Geospatial Analytics, Data Analytics and Data Support, Office of Performance Management, and Equity Office sections. The CSO will lead cross-functional initiatives to align the department’s and City of Austin’s long-term goals with evolving environmental, regulatory, and community needs. This position ensures that data-driven strategies, performance management, equitable practices, and innovative planning frameworks are integrated into the department’s operations to enhance the protection and sustainability of watersheds. The CSO will also champion efforts to foster a culture of inclusion and continuous improvement across the department.

EDUCATION :
Verification of education will be conducted on the top candidate.

CRIMINAL BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION :
Job Offer is contingent on passing a Criminal Background Investigation.

ASSESSMENTS :
The candidate selected to interview is subject to pre-employment screening assessments to evaluate skill levels and competencies required for this position.

TRAVEL :
If you are selected for this position and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program, you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.

BENEFITS :
Working with the City of Austin provides a number of health and welfare benefits such as low-cost medical, dental, vision, paid leave time, a highly competitive retirement plan, career development opportunities and more. Please click here for more information.

ABOUT YOUR EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION (Please read carefully):
When completing the City of Austin Employment Application:

• Include details on the application or prior or current work history with the City of Austin.
• A resume and cover letter is required. It does not substitute for a complete employment application.
• A detailed and complete employment application will help us better evaluate your qualifications and will be used to determine salary if you are selected for this position.
• Include details on the application of any previous employment that you wish to be considered as part of your qualifications and relevant experience. Provide each job title and employment dates for all jobs on the application. Your work history should include duties you performed. “See Resume” is not acceptable and your application will be considered incomplete.
• Work history must include the month and year of employment and whether it was full or part-time work.
• Any relevant work history on the resume must also be reflected in the employment application in order to be considered.

Pay Range
$48.38 - $62.90

Hours
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Monday - Friday with the ability for a 60% telework schedule per week after initial training period. Exceptions may apply subject to the business needs of the department.

May require working outside of normal business hours, including emergency events, evenings, weekends, and holidays as dictated by business needs.
Job Close Date 11/18/2024 Type of Posting External Department Watershed Protection Regular/Temporary Regular Grant Funded or Pooled Position Not Applicable Category Professional Location 505 Barton Springs Road, Austin, Texas Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with more than one of the programs that will be overseen i.e.Planning, Geospatial Analytics, Data Analytics, and Data Support, Performance Management, and Equity.
• Experience with change management theory and practice.
• Strong ability to work with data to analyze and synthesize for program evaluation.
• Familiarity with the City of Austin’s equity work and history.
• Ability to travel to multiple sites as part of the regular job duties.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities
Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

Plans, organizes, directs, audits, and controls strategic operations within the department. The services assigned to this type of workgroup provide a more complex strategic focus to the overall business operations. Analyzes business and workforce needs to develop targeted short and long range strategies, and implements operational plans to meet performance measures. Operational plans include the strategic involvement and mediation for departmental workforce issues. Works to align the programmatic services and activities of internal systems, which are associated with the desired outcomes for the department. Serves as a direct or indirect resource for the department’s organizational needs. Works to influence and serve as an advisor by communicating the business strategy to Executive leadership, City Officials ,or policy makers both internal and external to the department. Confers with the stakeholders to execute comprehensive program development which impacts the departmental policy initiatives. Provides solutions to complex problems and works to resolve difficult issues between involved parties. This position may have the responsibility for the development and monitoring of a departmental budget. In large departments, this job serves as an administrative resource tying budget needs to the programs of the organization. Develops and evaluates short range and long range strategic plans and establishes the criteria for a variety of human resources and business services projects, programs, and plans. Administers contracts and vendors to ensure delivery of agreed upon deliverables. Prepares and reviews reports as part of the process of monitoring and communicating performance results. Makes recommendations associated with purchasing and expenditures for departmental programs.

Responsibilities- Supervision and/or Leadership Exercised:

• Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of business case development, strategic business planning, reengineering, organizational change strategies, performance measurement, and project management.
• Knowledge of fiscal planning and budget preparation.
• Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws.
• Knowledge of City practices, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of supervisory and managerial techniques and principles.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Skill in using computers and related software.
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
• Skill in planning and organizing.
• Skill in handling conflict and uncertain situations.
• Ability to analyze and resolve irregular events.
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with City employees and the public.
• Ability to train others.
• Ability to quickly recognize and analyze irregular events.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with city employees and the public.

Criminal Background Investigation This position has been approved for a Criminal Background Investigation. EEO/ADA
City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual’s AIDS , AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

Information For City Employees: If you are an employee within the department, are in good standing and meet both the minimum and preferred qualifications, then you will receive an initial interview.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
* This position requires graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Public Administration, Communication, Public Information, Political Science, or other related field, plus eight (8) years progressively responsible professional experience at least three (3) of which were in a supervisory or managerial capacity. Master’s degree in a related field may substitute for two (2) years of the required experience. Experience may substitute for education for up to four (4) years. Do you meet these minimum qualifications?

• Yes
• No

* This position requires a criminal background check. By selecting the following, you are acknowledging that you understand if you are selected as a top candidate for this position, you will need a successful Criminal Background Investigation (CBI) to be hired.

• I acknowledge and understand this position requires a Criminal Background Investigation (CBI).

* Please describe your experience working in or providing leadership to one or more of the following programs that the Chief Strategy Officer will oversee: Planning, Geospatial Analytics, Data Analytics and Data Support, Performance Management, and Equity. Include specific examples of your responsibilities in these areas.
(Open Ended Question)
* Describe your experience with change management theory and practice, particularly in leading cross-functional initiatives that drive strategic transformation.
(Open Ended Question)
* Describe your experience in leading strategic change within an organization. Include specific strategies you used to integrate data-driven decision-making, equity-focused practices, and innovative planning frameworks.
(Open Ended Question)
* Describe your experience in working with data analytics within an organizations that uses engineering, scientific research to develop programs and solutions.
(Open Ended Question)
* Describe your understanding of the City of Austin Equity Office, including its mission, key initiatives, and the historical context that led to its creation.
(Open Ended Question)


Optional & Required Documents

Required Documents Cover Letter Resume Optional Documents

• 

• City of Austin

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