Principal Management Analyst

Principal Management Analyst

Salary

$117,996.00 - $152,088.00 Annually

Location

City of Santa Cruz, CA

Job Type

Regular Full-Time

Job Number

27-028

Department

City Manager

Opening Date

10/22/2026

Closing Date

11/5/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

The Position

Love bringing people, projects, and big-picture plans together? As a Principal Management Analyst for the City of Santa Cruz, you'll turn complex challenges into practical solutions, connect the dots between people and priorities, and help keep City operations running smoothly. From budgets and process improvements to programs that make a difference in the community, you'll have the opportunity to put your analytical skills, sound judgment, and resourcefulness to work where they matter most.

The City is currently recruiting for Principal Management Analysts for the Office of Economic Development within the City Manager's Office and the Community Development Department. Each position offers a distinct opportunity to support City operations, solve problems, and help move important initiatives forward. APPLY NOW to be considered for these two opportunities, as well as ANY Principal Management Analyst vacancy that may arise in any City department that utilizes this classification within the next year.

CURRENT VACANCIES:

Office of Economic Development for the City Managers Office: The Principal Management Analyst in the Office of Economic Development in the City Managers Office will manage the division's administration and Citywide Graffiti Abatement Program, support property management and grants, and act as division's safety representative. This position will supervise the administrative team and provide guidance and oversight on departmental processes and procedures. In addition, the Principal Management Analyst responsibilities will include: financial analysis, budget preparation, and design of administrative, financial and grant process improvements.

Community Development Department: This is the role where the budget, the people, and the plans all come together. You will manage the departmental budget, oversee personnel and labor relations, support seven divisions and four advisory bodies, run public front counter operations, lead complex research and administrative projects, and serve as the department's go-to liaison for HR, Safety, Budget, and the Emergency Operations Center. The ideal candidate works independently, uses sound strategic judgment, and thrives on cross-departmental teamwork to advance both departmental goals and citywide initiatives.

To learn more about the City of Santa Cruz go to www.santacruzca.gov.

The eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill other Regular, Full Time, Part Time, Limited-Term, and Temporary Principal Management Analyst vacancies that may occur during the life of the list. The eligible list established from this recruitment is valid for up to one year from the date established unless the list is extended or abolished by the Human Resources Director.

Recruitment 27-028

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS:

The following process may be changed as deemed necessary by the Human Resources Director. The information contained within this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

• On Thursday, 11/05/26 recruitment will close. All application materials must be received by the Human Resources Department by 5:00 pm; postmarks are not accepted. To apply, submit:

• Application- online application only. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of filling out the application form completely. Click the Apply button to begin the online process.

• Response to supplemental questions- will be a primary tool in the evaluation of your qualifications for this position. Any work experience described here must also be included in your employment history on the main application.

• Week of 11/09 and 11/16/26: Applications will be competitively screened based on the minimum qualifications for this position. Candidates will be notified of their status in the recruitment by 11/23/26

• Weeks of 11/30, 12/07 and/or 12/14/26: Interviews will be tentatively scheduled for top candidates. The examination process will include an interview and may include a written and/or performance exercise.

Basic Function

Under direction, provides executive level assistance to the Director of a large department and other divisions in the department; manages the budget and personnel functions; researches and develops administrative policies, advises division managers on administrative and operational issues and plans and coordinates major research, administrative projects or programs.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Principal Management Analyst positions are distinguished from the Management Analyst level by the complexity and scope of the duties assigned as well as by the level of independence at which the positions function. Incumbents participate in long term planning and exercise judgment in making decisions which require interpretation and analysis, and assume significant responsibility for the development and implementation of department policies and programs.

Typical Duties

(May include, but are not limited to the duties listed below.)

• Manages the administration division or duties of a large department.
• Coordinates preparation of division budgets with division managers; may prepare program budgets including capital investments; and prepares final department budget for department head approval.
• Identifies revenue and financing strategies.
• Prepares monthly budget analysis, including financial reports and projections.
• Monitors monthly expense reports and assists with necessary adjustments.
• Manages the control of purchase orders by reviewing requisitions for proper accounting, fund balance and appropriation.
• Acts as department wide advisor and keeps track of personnel and employee relations issues including recruitment, safety training, disciplinary action and grievance resolution.
• Coordinates the implementation of City programs, such as the safety program and emergency preparation and disaster response, at the departmental level.
• Develops and writes procedures for departmental personnel rules, standards and procedures.
• Provides interpretation, guidance and advice to divisional supervisors and the director in personnel practices and implementation of programs.
• Monitors departments administrative procedures and regulations and makes recommendations for new procedures and changes in existing procedures.
• Performs research and analysis of administrative or operational issues by gathering data; conducting feasibility studies; preparing reports and making recommendations.
• Prepares revenue and expense projections and analyses of revenue sources (e.g., rate studies); establishes utility rates.
• Develops reports and studies by maintaining, compiling, analyzing and projecting statistical data; coordinating material from various sources; and writing and/or editing narratives.
• Identifies, develops and tracks grant proposals and claims.
• Develops methods to measure or report department performance.
• Assists divisions in establishing programs and objectives, analyzes alternatives.
• May review documents and reports prepared by other staff and advise/assist with edits, appropriate format and language.
• Develops, implements, maintains and reports on special administrative programs within the department (e.g., energy conservation, safety, disaster response).
• May draft requests for proposals; coordinates contractor selection processes; administers and supervises consultants, assists with or negotiates contracts and agreements; and monitors and reports on progress of assigned projects.
• Liaison with other city departments, public agencies and the public assigned.
• Coordinates public relations efforts as assigned by preparing press releases, public information material and newsletters; meeting with citizens and community groups and responding to certain complaints received by the department.
• Participates on and/or serves as staff to commissions and committees as assigned; provides administrative and logistical support; prepares agendas and minutes; drafts related reports and correspondence; and coordinates with other city staff and the public.
• May write/author agenda reports for City Council or Commission action.
• May manage various contracts and projects.
• Responds to correspondence, requests for information and questionnaires.
• Assigns, trains, supervises and evaluates the work of other administrative positions in the departments as needed.
• When applicable for emergency and disasters, follows up with federal and state agencies for reimbursements and other necessary steps for recovery processes.
• Performs other related duties that may be reasonably expected as part of this classification.

In addition to above duties, Emergency Management assignment-Fire Department:

• Plans, coordinates and implements programs for emergency preparedness for the City of Santa Cruz.
• Researches, develops and maintains written comprehensive emergency plans; coordinates the development of departmental response plans.
• Conducts technical studies in disaster planning and analyzes potential disasters within the City.
• Assists department heads, city officials, government agencies, volunteer organizations, and the public in emergency preparedness activities.
• Administers, coordinates and presents emergency preparedness training, education and public information programs for city employees, volunteer groups and local civic organizations.
• Performs emergency management tasks requiring government action during disasters and major emergencies and acts as liaison with volunteer, state, and federal agencies.
• Prepares, conducts and evaluates emergency exercises to test the effectiveness of emergency plans and equipment.
• Maintains administrative records and inventory of disaster equipment.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning,kneeling, bending, squatting and stooping in the performance of daily activities. Theposition also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement and fine coordination in usinga computer keyboard. Additionally, the position requires far and near vision whenreading and using a computer. Acute hearing is required when providing phone andpersonal service. The need to lift, drag and push files, paper and documents weighing upto 25 pounds is also required. Some of these requirements may be accommodated forotherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.

Minimum Qualifications

The minimum qualifications for Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities are the following:

Education and Experience:

• Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university in business, accounting, public administration, Emergency Management or a related field depending on area of assignment; and,
• Three (3) years professional experience in public or business administration, public affairs, or a related field; and,
• Two (2) years supervisory experience.

An additional two (2) years of the above referenced professional experience and a high school diploma or equivalent may be substituted for the Bachelor's degree.

Knowledge:

• Principles and practices of public administration.
• Principles and practices of complex operational and programmatic research and analysis.
• Research methodology, report writing, and basic statistics.
• Principles of city budgeting and administrative procedures.
• Principles and practices of supervision and training.
• Principles and practices of project management.
• Principles and practices of public purchasing and contracting
• Computer proficiency with word processing, spreadsheets and database software applications.
• Grant writing and methods of securing grants depending on area of assignment.
• Financial statement preparation and reporting.

Abilities:

• Prepare clear and concise reports and correspondence.
• Make oral presentations at public meetings or forums or at department meetings.
• Research, locate and compile appropriate data, information and material.
• Accurately analyze, interpret and evaluate statistical data and/or information and make recommendations based on findings.
• Plan, coordinate and implement procedures and assigned programs.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, department, city-wide staff, and other agencies.
• Manage a variety of work projects simultaneously and carry them through to successful completion.
• Interpret, explain, and apply pertinent laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures and precedents.
• Establish and maintain good public relations and interpersonal skills; write and speak effectively and professionally.
• Effectively train, mentor, supervise and evaluate staff.
• Effectively use technology; quickly learn and adapt to new software and hardware tools.
• Accounting and budget proficiency.
• Develop and manage contracts.

If assigned to Emergency Management, in addition to above:

• Develop and present training programs in emergency management subjects.
• Understand and apply federal, state and local regulations and directives governing homeland security and emergency management programs.
• React quickly, efficiently, and calmly in emergency situations and other conditions of high stress.

Licenses and Certificates

• Possession and continued maintenance of a valid California Class C drivers license may be required depending on job assignment.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• If assigned to Emergency Management, willingness to report for duty on a 24 hour a day basis.

If assigned to Emergency Management

• Some experience developing plans, procedures and training programs for a local, state or federal government agency

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Professional experience working in a municipal or public sector environment with knowledge of public sector policies, procedures, regulations, and administrative processes, including work aligned with departmental practices, procedures, and service delivery needs such as safety coordination, regulatory compliance, customer service operations, and other department-focused initiatives.

For Emergency Management :

• Completion of the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) or Certified Emergency Managers program resulting in a CEM or AEM designation.
• Completion of professional training and/or equivalent experience in the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Professional Development Series.

Career Ladder

• Principal Management Analyst
• Management Analyst
• Program Analyst I/II
• Technician classifications
• Administrative Assistant III
• Administrative Assistant I/II

LEAVE

Vacation - 80 hours/year up to 5 years, 120 hours/year 6-10 years, add 8 hours for each additional year up to a maximum of 160 hours/year.

Management Vacation - 80 hours per year

Sick - 12 days/year

Holidays - up to 11 days/year, plus 3 floating holidays

INSURANCE - (available to employee and eligible dependents)

Medical - Depends on plan selected; City generally pays at least 90% of the cost of coverage. Participating members will contribute an additional $50 per pay period toward health care benefits.

Dental, Vision, Employee Assistance Program - City currently pays full cost of employee and family coverage.

Life - City provides a $25,000 life insurance policy.

Long Term Disability - City provides a long term disability plan.

RETIREMENT

All regular employees become members of Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) 2% @ 62 (3 year average) plan. Prior PERS membership may affect retirement formula. Employees contribute 13.5% of their salary to PERS on a pre-tax basis. An employee is vested after 5 years of membership. No Social Security is withheld.

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS (not all inclusive)

457 Deferred Compensation Plan

Accident Protection Insurance

Cancer and Critical Illness Insurance

Credit Union

Direct Deposit

Discount Bus Pass Program

Flexible Spending Plans for Health & Dependent Care

Longevity Pay (2.5% of salary after 10 years)

Medical Reimbursement

Supplemental Life Insurance

Tuition Reimbursement

Vehicle Allowance- $120 per month

01

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY: The following supplemental questions are designed to obtain specific information regarding your work experience. Please answer each question as thoroughly as possible, as your responses will be utilized to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for this position. For applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, these responses may also be used as an evaluation tool in later stages of the competitive process to determine which applicants will be invited to continue in the examination process. All experience described here must correspond to employers listed in the Work Experience section of your application to receive credit. Please refrain from using AI or computer-generated responses. Applicants are responsible to clearly, completely, and accurately describe their qualifications. You may attach a resume, but this cannot be used in lieu of completing an application. Failure to complete all required questions and/or providing incomplete responses may result in an incomplete application. Do not answer any question with "see resume" and if you do not have any experience and/or education in a given area, please write "N/A."

• I acknowledge that I have read and understood these instructions

02

Do you possess a high school diploma or tested equivalent?

• Yes
• No

03

If you possess a Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university in business, accounting, public administration, emergency management, or a related field depending on the area of assignment, please indicate your degree, field of study, and the name of the accredited college or university from which you graduated. If you do not possess a Bachelor's degree or higher and may qualify through the substitution of additional professional experience as outlined in the Minimum Qualifications, please write "N/A" in the space below.

04

Please select how many years of professional experience in public or business administration, public affairs, or a related field you possess. This must be able to be verified by jobs in the employment history section of your application.

• 12 years or more
• More than 10 years but less than 12 years
• More than 8 years but less than 10 years
• More than 6 years but less than 8 years
• More than 5 years but less than 6 years
• More than 4 years but less than 5 years
• More than 3 years but less than 5 years
• Less than 3 years

05

Please summarize your professional experience developing, implementing, or improving administrative procedures, workflows, or systems. Include the types of processes involved (budget, procurement, human resources, grant administration, customer service, etc.) and your role in the development or implementation of these processes.

06

Please describe your experience with budget preparation and analysis, revenue and expenditure projections, and any other types of financial analysis and reports. If you do not have this experience, please write "N/A".

07

Please describe your supervisory experience, including the types and number of staff you supervised, the personnel or employee relations issues you managed, and the duration of your supervisory responsibility. This experience must be reflected in the work experience section of your application to receive credit. If you do not have supervisory experience, please write "N/A".

08

Successful completion of the City of Santa Cruz Employee and Leadership Development program is accepted in lieu of one (1) year of supervisory experience. Have you successfully and fully completed the City of Santa Cruz Employee and Leadership program?

• Yes
• No
• Not applicable

09

Possession and continued maintenance of a valid California Class C drivers license may be required depending on job assignment. The current vacancies for the Office of Economic Development and Community Development do not require a drivers license. Please select your current license status:

• I have a valid California drivers license.
• I have a valid drivers license issued by another state. I understand that I will be required to obtain a California drivers license prior to appointment, as a condition of employment, if selected for an assignment that requires a drivers license.
• I do not currently possess a valid drivers license. I understand that I will be considered only for assignments that do not require a drivers license. (The current vacancies for the Office of Economic Development and Community Development do not require a drivers license.)

10

Desirable Qualification: This experience is desirable but not required. Describe your professional experience working in a municipal or other public sector environment, including your knowledge of public sector policies, procedures, regulations, and administrative processes by providing one or two brief examples of work you supported or led in the following areas: 1) customer or field service operations, 2) grants or program administration, and/or 3) process or workflow improvements. Include the name(s) of the agency and department or division, your title(s), and primary responsibilities. These municipal or public sector employers must be reflected in the work experience section of your application to receive credit. If you do not have municipal or public sector experience, please write "N/A".

11

The Office of Economic Development and the Community Development Department have current vacancies. Other departments listed do not have current vacancies, but may use this eligible list for future vacancies. You may select as many as you like. This question is for assignment preference only and will not be used to evaluate your qualifications. If you do not select a department with a current vacancy, you will not be considered for that vacancy. For NEW vacancies, candidates on the eligible list will be contacted for their interest in any new vacancies as they arise, regardless of your response below.

• Office of Economic Development of the City Managers Office (current vacancy)
• Community Development Department (current vacancy)
• City Managers Office
• Finance Department
• Fire Department
• Library
• Parks & Recreation
• Police Department
• Public Works
• Water Department
• I am interested in being considered for ALL departments with current and future vacancies.

Required Question

Employer City of Santa Cruz

Address 809 Center St.

Room 6

Santa Cruz, California, 95060

Phone 831-420-5040

Website http://www.cityofsantacruz.com