Fiscal & Policy Analyst
Apply NowCompany: City of Seattle, WA
Location: Seattle, WA 98115
Description:
Salary: $54.60 - $81.93 Hourly
Location : Seattle, WA
Job Type: Civil Service Exempt, Regular, Full-time
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2025-00162
Department: City Budget Office
Opening Date: 02/18/2025
Closing Date: 3/4/2025 4:00 PM Pacific
Position Description
THE OFFICE
The City Budget Office works to make the best use of the City of Seattle's financial resources in implementing the priorities of the City's elected officials. The primary role of the analyst, and of the office, is to prepare the City's annual budget. This is accomplished by analyzing departmental proposals and policies, advising decision-makers, looking for opportunities to make City government more fiscally sound and efficient, and working on behalf of the Mayor with departments and City Council staff.
CBO strives to be a collaborative, problem-solving work environment, where a diversity of backgrounds and perspectives allows us to approach some of the biggest challenges facing Seattle with solutions that work for all of the people that live, work, and play in Seattle.
Job Responsibilities
THE POSITION
The City of Seattle's City Budget Office is seeking a problem-solver who is ready to help policy makers determine which initiatives and programs to fund. Our Fiscal and Policy Analysts work as part of a team to analyze proposals and develop recommendations to the City's top officials, including the Mayor, City Council members, and members of City departments. To accomplish this, the analyst will research, analyze and summarize complex proposals, work on a variety of teams, communicate clearly with people from a variety of backgrounds and build and maintain productive working relationships.
THE SKILLS
A successful Fiscal and Policy Analyst:
Is a clear thinker and a clear communicator. Part of an analyst's role is to dig deep and find out the real details, then communicate back to a variety of audiences. Being able to figure out what is important and how to relay that information is a crucial skillset.
Feels comfortable taking the ball and running. The most successful analysts are self-starters who can take an issue and move it forward - even when the path forward isn't clear or is full of obstacles.
Is comfortable working with data. An ability to provide thoughtful mathematical/financial analysis and explain it to people in an easy-to-understand way is key for success.
Sees the forest and the trees (and the next forest over). At times, an analyst needs to focus on a small part of a bigger picture -- without forgetting the how it fits into the larger project and anticipating how it will work with the project after that.
Is capable of juggling multiple things at once. CBO is a fast-paced environment, where an analyst might work on several high-priority items in a day. A person who can judge which of their tasks are highest priority and accomplish them on time will be most successful.
Can learn as they go. The nature of the work means that there isn't always a clear solution. The most successful analysts can work in an environment where finding the right answer takes some time and identifying resources that can help is crucial.
Works well with a variety of stakeholders. Building and maintaining working relationships is crucial for success in this role. This includes coworkers, supervisors, employees in other parts of the City, representatives from partner agencies, and elected officials and their staffs.
Thinks three steps ahead. Top analysts have the ability to think ahead and to think critically, feeling empowered to ask "why" and "has anyone considered what happens if...?"
Can both lead and be part of teams. Even a relatively small proposal might require input from elected officials, executive staff, department staff, policy staff, community members and external partners. You may lead an interdepartmental team or be part of one.
Is skillful at navigating sensitive conversations. The nature of making decisions on how to spend limited funding means that sometimes people are disappointed that a project wasn't given the resources they would have liked. Having those conversations while maintaining a positive working relationship is a key component of the position.
Can apply high-level direction to specific circumstances. Part of CBO's role is to take direction and work with departments to implement it in real life, so an ability to distil that broad direction into specific actions is an important skill.
Wants to work in government. Successful analysts have an intellectual curiosity about how government works and want to help improve how it runs.
Qualifications
THE APPLICATION
We are looking for candidates that can demonstrate they have the skills listed above through a combination of their work, education, and life experience as demonstrated in their resume, cover letter, and answers to supplemental questions.
Additional Information
This full-time benefitted position is classified as a Strategic Advisor 2, Exempt-P in the City payroll system. It is exempt from the Civil Service System and FLSA (not eligible for overtime payment). This position may become represented by a union, but the final decision has not been made. The salary range for this classification is $54.60 - $81.93, the target salary for this job is $64.00 - $68.00.
Work Location and Hours: This position offers the flexibility of a hybrid work schedule. Individual schedules will be based on agreement between the employee and management.
We offer a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on our website at:https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans.
In addition, to completing the application at www.governmentjobs.com/careers/seattle fully, please attach:
This hiring process involves a background check of conviction and arrest records in compliance with Seattle's Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17. Applicants will be provided with an opportunity to explain or correct background information.
The City of Seattle recognizes every City employee must play a role in ending institutional and structural racism. Our culture is the result of our behavior, our personal commitments, and the ways that we courageously share our perspectives and encourage others to do the same. To cultivate an antiracist culture, we seek employees who will engage in the Race and Social Justice Initiative by working to dismantle racist policies and procedures, unlearn the way things have always been done, and provide equitable processes and services.
This position is open to all applicants that meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The City encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.
Accommodations:
Individuals with disabilities will be provided reasonable accommodations to participate in the job application or interview process, perform essential job functions, and receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact Kate.Moore@seattle.gov for questions or to request accommodations.
The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.
More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at:
01
Please answer the following questions in 1-2 paragraphs. Describe an experience that demonstrates your ability to analyze information or data; be specific about the tasks you performed, how you communicated your work, and how the final product was used.
02
Working independently and taking initiative are key skills of being an analyst. Please describe your experience working in an ambiguous situation where the outcome and path to success were not clear. How did you identify the best approach and work towards the solution?
03
CBO provides analysis and recommendations to varied audiences. Tell us about a time you've had to explain a complicated topic to different audiences. How did you modify your memo/presentation for the different parties?
Required Question
Location : Seattle, WA
Job Type: Civil Service Exempt, Regular, Full-time
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2025-00162
Department: City Budget Office
Opening Date: 02/18/2025
Closing Date: 3/4/2025 4:00 PM Pacific
Position Description
THE OFFICE
The City Budget Office works to make the best use of the City of Seattle's financial resources in implementing the priorities of the City's elected officials. The primary role of the analyst, and of the office, is to prepare the City's annual budget. This is accomplished by analyzing departmental proposals and policies, advising decision-makers, looking for opportunities to make City government more fiscally sound and efficient, and working on behalf of the Mayor with departments and City Council staff.
CBO strives to be a collaborative, problem-solving work environment, where a diversity of backgrounds and perspectives allows us to approach some of the biggest challenges facing Seattle with solutions that work for all of the people that live, work, and play in Seattle.
Job Responsibilities
THE POSITION
The City of Seattle's City Budget Office is seeking a problem-solver who is ready to help policy makers determine which initiatives and programs to fund. Our Fiscal and Policy Analysts work as part of a team to analyze proposals and develop recommendations to the City's top officials, including the Mayor, City Council members, and members of City departments. To accomplish this, the analyst will research, analyze and summarize complex proposals, work on a variety of teams, communicate clearly with people from a variety of backgrounds and build and maintain productive working relationships.
THE SKILLS
A successful Fiscal and Policy Analyst:
Is a clear thinker and a clear communicator. Part of an analyst's role is to dig deep and find out the real details, then communicate back to a variety of audiences. Being able to figure out what is important and how to relay that information is a crucial skillset.
Feels comfortable taking the ball and running. The most successful analysts are self-starters who can take an issue and move it forward - even when the path forward isn't clear or is full of obstacles.
Is comfortable working with data. An ability to provide thoughtful mathematical/financial analysis and explain it to people in an easy-to-understand way is key for success.
Sees the forest and the trees (and the next forest over). At times, an analyst needs to focus on a small part of a bigger picture -- without forgetting the how it fits into the larger project and anticipating how it will work with the project after that.
Is capable of juggling multiple things at once. CBO is a fast-paced environment, where an analyst might work on several high-priority items in a day. A person who can judge which of their tasks are highest priority and accomplish them on time will be most successful.
Can learn as they go. The nature of the work means that there isn't always a clear solution. The most successful analysts can work in an environment where finding the right answer takes some time and identifying resources that can help is crucial.
Works well with a variety of stakeholders. Building and maintaining working relationships is crucial for success in this role. This includes coworkers, supervisors, employees in other parts of the City, representatives from partner agencies, and elected officials and their staffs.
Thinks three steps ahead. Top analysts have the ability to think ahead and to think critically, feeling empowered to ask "why" and "has anyone considered what happens if...?"
Can both lead and be part of teams. Even a relatively small proposal might require input from elected officials, executive staff, department staff, policy staff, community members and external partners. You may lead an interdepartmental team or be part of one.
Is skillful at navigating sensitive conversations. The nature of making decisions on how to spend limited funding means that sometimes people are disappointed that a project wasn't given the resources they would have liked. Having those conversations while maintaining a positive working relationship is a key component of the position.
Can apply high-level direction to specific circumstances. Part of CBO's role is to take direction and work with departments to implement it in real life, so an ability to distil that broad direction into specific actions is an important skill.
Wants to work in government. Successful analysts have an intellectual curiosity about how government works and want to help improve how it runs.
Qualifications
THE APPLICATION
We are looking for candidates that can demonstrate they have the skills listed above through a combination of their work, education, and life experience as demonstrated in their resume, cover letter, and answers to supplemental questions.
Additional Information
This full-time benefitted position is classified as a Strategic Advisor 2, Exempt-P in the City payroll system. It is exempt from the Civil Service System and FLSA (not eligible for overtime payment). This position may become represented by a union, but the final decision has not been made. The salary range for this classification is $54.60 - $81.93, the target salary for this job is $64.00 - $68.00.
Work Location and Hours: This position offers the flexibility of a hybrid work schedule. Individual schedules will be based on agreement between the employee and management.
We offer a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on our website at:https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans.
In addition, to completing the application at www.governmentjobs.com/careers/seattle fully, please attach:
- A cover letter expressing your interest in the position and the work you have done which is most closely aligned.
- A PDF of your current resume
This hiring process involves a background check of conviction and arrest records in compliance with Seattle's Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17. Applicants will be provided with an opportunity to explain or correct background information.
The City of Seattle recognizes every City employee must play a role in ending institutional and structural racism. Our culture is the result of our behavior, our personal commitments, and the ways that we courageously share our perspectives and encourage others to do the same. To cultivate an antiracist culture, we seek employees who will engage in the Race and Social Justice Initiative by working to dismantle racist policies and procedures, unlearn the way things have always been done, and provide equitable processes and services.
This position is open to all applicants that meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The City encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.
Accommodations:
Individuals with disabilities will be provided reasonable accommodations to participate in the job application or interview process, perform essential job functions, and receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact Kate.Moore@seattle.gov for questions or to request accommodations.
The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.
More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at:
01
Please answer the following questions in 1-2 paragraphs. Describe an experience that demonstrates your ability to analyze information or data; be specific about the tasks you performed, how you communicated your work, and how the final product was used.
02
Working independently and taking initiative are key skills of being an analyst. Please describe your experience working in an ambiguous situation where the outcome and path to success were not clear. How did you identify the best approach and work towards the solution?
03
CBO provides analysis and recommendations to varied audiences. Tell us about a time you've had to explain a complicated topic to different audiences. How did you modify your memo/presentation for the different parties?
Required Question