Senior Staff Analyst (Director's Office)
Position Overview
All persons interested may apply. Service line/section: Director's Office/Office of the Chief of Staff. Reporting location: 611 Walker, 25th Floor. Workdays & hours: Monday – Friday 8AM – 5PM. Subject to change.
Description of Duties / Essential Functions
- Investigates internal operational issues and evaluates workflows to identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, risks, and improvement opportunities.
- Conducts detailed process mapping, workflow assessments, and root‑cause analyses for medium‑to‑high‑complexity operations.
- Reviews current‑state workflows, designs future‑state workflows that improve internal efficiency, consistency, and compliance.
- Applies continuous‑improvement methodologies (Lean concepts, PDCA, Kaizen, Six Sigma principles) to develop sustainable, actionable solutions.
- Conducts gemba‑style observations and process walkthroughs to validate findings and better understand day‑to‑day realities.
- Extracts, integrates, and analyzes operational and performance data from multiple sources to support process investigations.
- Builds and maintains dashboards, visualizations, and analytical reports using Power BI, Excel, and other tools.
- Interprets qualitative and quantitative data to identify trends and support recommendations.
- Prepares concise, executive‑ready presentations, reports, and briefing materials for leadership.
- Collaborates with Service Lines and City departments to support the implementation of redesigned internal workflows.
- Facilitates cross‑functional workshops, process walkthroughs, and working groups to build consensus around proposed improvements.
- Translates improved workflows into clear, accurate, standardized SOPs in partnership with subject‑matter experts.
- Ensures SOPs reflect updated internal operational practices and meet organizational or compliance requirements.
- Partners with HPW Service Lines and COH departments to align internal workflows and resolve cross‑functional issues.
- Represents the Chief of Staff Office in meetings, provides updates, and communicates recommendations professionally.
- Gathers operational information, prepares responses, and supports documentation or correspondence as needed.
- Leads or supports strategic initiatives and special assignments focused on internal continuous improvement and organizational effectiveness.
- Conducts research, compiles data, and develops recommendations for senior leadership.
- Manages confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
Skills and Abilities
- Strong skills in data extraction, integration, and analysis.
- Ability to develop dashboards using Power BI, Excel, and related analytics tools.
- Advanced workflow mapping, process analysis, and organizational problem‑solving.
- Knowledge of continuous‑improvement methodologies (Lean, PDCA, Kaizen, Six Sigma concepts).
- Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, and operational guidelines.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including executive‑level reporting.
- Ability to manage multiple complex assignments independently.
- Strong judgment and ability to handle sensitive or confidential information.
- Skilled in facilitating cross‑functional collaboration and building consensus.
Working Conditions
The position is physically comfortable; the individual has discretion about walking, standing, etc. There are no major sources of discomfort, i.e., essentially a normal office environment with acceptable lighting, temperature and air conditioning.
Minimum Requirements
- Education: Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration or a field directly related to the type of work being performed. Graduate degrees may substitute for experience on a year‑for‑year basis.
- Experience: Five years of professional administrative, financial or analytical experience related to the type of work being performed. Experience may substitute for education on a year‑for‑year basis.
- License Requirements: None.
Preferences
- Hands‑on experience conducting workflow investigations, process mapping, and root‑cause analysis for internal operations.
- Ability to design future‑state workflows, including decision points, controls, and handoff structures.
- Experience applying continuous‑improvement methodologies to internal processes.
- Ability to extract, transform, and analyze data from varied systems or datasets.
- Proficiency in building dashboards and visualizations (Power BI strongly preferred).
- Experience guiding departments through workflow redesign, SOP development, and implementation support.
- Ability to lead cross‑functional working groups and facilitate improvement workshops.
- Exposure to change management practices such as readiness assessments, communication planning, and adoption tracking.
- Ability to translate operational needs into clear processes and well‑structured SOPs.
- Experience supporting internal operations within large, complex organizations.
- Understanding of policy interpretation, compliance requirements, and operational governance.
- Strong critical thinking with the ability to address complex internal workflow challenges.
- Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1‑6.
General Information
- Selection / Skills Tests Required: Department may administer skills assessment test.
- Safety Impact Position: Yes. If yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and if a promotional position, candidate must pass an assignment drug test.
- Salary Information: Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate's qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.
- Pay Grade: 28
- Application Procedures: Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during active posting period. Applications must be submitted online at: www.houstontx.gov.
- All new and rehires must pass a pre‑employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information provided.
EOE Equal Opportunity Employer
The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.