Description

Are you motivated by meaningful public service and energized by leading complex projects that make a visible impact in your community? The City of La Quinta is seeking a dynamic Senior Management Analyst to support the Community Services Department in designing, improving, and delivering programs and events that enhance residents’ quality of life. The department supports the City Council and the Art & Community Services Commission in advancing recreation programs, community events, and opportunities for public art displays and installations.

In this key role, you will manage major City initiatives, oversee program and event budgets, administer contracts and grants, and coordinate work across departments and with external partners. You will also prepare reports and presentations for leadership, commissions, and the City Council, and may provide lead direction to staff.

The position will also provide support for select Wellness Center operations and initiatives. As a community gathering place for recreation, fitness, senior services, and social engagement, the Wellness Center offers year-round programs and activities for residents and visitors. Your work may include supporting program planning, evaluating services, coordinating partnerships, and assisting with operational projects that help the facility remain responsive to community needs.

This opportunity is ideal for someone who enjoys solving complex challenges, turning data into clear recommendations, and representing the City through public outreach and community events.

The ideal candidate is a:

Collaborative Leader
Confident and Effective Communicator
Data-Driven Analyst
Proactive Organizer
Skilled Project Manager
Strategic Problem Solver

If you are driven by meaningful work and enjoy contributing to projects that strengthen the community, this role offers a valuable opportunity to help shape the future of La Quinta’s community programs, services, and spaces.

Example of Duties

The Senior Management Analyst manages assigned programs and projects, prepares reports and presentations, and coordinates department budget development. The role conducts public outreach, supports major City events, and collaborates with internal and external partners. Additional responsibilities include developing policies and procedures, monitoring legislation, and serving as a liaison to committees or commissions.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Acts as a project manager for assigned studies and projects, including selecting consultants/vendors, administering a budget and timeline, developing project specifications, and implementing outcomes.
Conducts advanced and complex research and data/budget/financial analysis; makes recommendations to management.
Conducts analysis and coordinates with other departments and City staff on the department's annual budget analysis, development, and reporting via financial software.
Conducts public outreach and education as a representative of the City; attends meetings with internal and external customers and stakeholders regarding projects/programs; responds to difficult and sensitive complaints and concerns.
Conducts major events coordination with other departments, sponsors, vendors, jurisdictions, etc.; advises on City response, issues, permitting, and logistics; performs on-site coordination during events.
Develops and implements standards, ordinances, regulations, policies, and procedures within own programs, interprets and makes decisions impacting assigned program(s).
Leads and performs related special studies as assigned.
Negotiates and administers contracts, agreements, grants, applications, specifications, etc.; processes payments; develops and monitors the budget; ensures service levels and contractual expectations are met; resolves related issues.
Prepares and presents comprehensive plans, programs, and technical reports, including staff reports for the department, executive management, commissions, and Council; coordinates/reviews/approves staff input into plans, programs, and reports.
Researches and monitors legislation, regulations, and rules and keeps abreast of changes in assigned field.
Serves as the staff liaison to and advises assigned committees, boards, and Council; creates and presents agendas, reports, and presentations.
Supervises staff, including recruitment, training, creating and approving staffing schedules, assigning and reviewing work, conducting performance appraisals, recommending disciplinary actions, and facilitating meetings with staff, as assigned.
Performs related duties as assigned.

The above duties are intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the department's business needs.

Typical Qualifications

Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree and three (3) years of experience related to the area of assignment; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the job's essential duties.

Licensing/Certifications

CPR/First Aid Certification within ninety (90) days of employment.
Valid Class "C" California driver's license

Supplemental Information

KNOWLEDGE OF:

Applicable local, state, and federal laws, rules, and regulations.
Business and professional writing techniques and methods.
Contract administration and performance monitoring.
Financial, budget, economic, and operational analysis.
Legislative processes and procedures.
Modern office procedures and equipment.
Organizational structure of governmental entities as they relate to the area of assignment.
Principals of change management.
Program development, administration, and regulations.
Project and program management principles and methods.
Report development and review methods.
Research methods, data analysis, and related software applications.
Supervisory principles, as assigned.

SKILL IN:

Applying local, state, and federal laws, rules, and regulations.
Communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc., sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.
Maintaining effective working relationships with peers, public, and staff.
Mathematical computations common to statistical and financial analysis.
Operating a computer and relevant software applications.
Operating modern office equipment.
Preparing, reviewing, and presenting complex and sensitive research and reports.
Presenting to and advising executives, boards, and committees.
Prioritizing and assigning work.
Project and program management.
Supervision and evaluation of staff.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Incumbents are required to work flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Incumbents in this position work in an indoor office environment and may experience sitting for extended periods of time.

Positions in this class typically require standing, sitting, walking, reaching, handling, fine dexterity, kneeling, vision, hearing, and talking.

Sedentary: Exerting up to 10 lbs. occasionally or negligible weights frequently, sitting most of the time.

When assigned to Community Services:

Incumbents in this position work in indoor recreational environments and experience exposure to chemical, mechanical, and other environmental conditions and moderate to loud noise levels.

Positions in this class typically require: standing, sitting, walking, lifting, carrying, pushing/pulling, reaching, handling, fine dexterity, kneeling, crouching, crawling, bending, twisting, climbing, balancing, vision, hearing, and talking. Requires walking or standing for long periods of time.

Medium Physical Demands: Exerting up to 20 to 50 lbs. occasionally, 10-25 lbs. frequently, or up to 10 lbs. constantly.

SELECTION PROCESS

Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and whose interests and experience appear to meet the desired qualifications of the position will be invited to participate in the next steps of the recruitment process, which may include:

Oral Exam
Supplemental Exercise

IMPORTANT NOTICE

The City of La Quinta employees are registered as Emergency Disaster Workers and must take an oath. In the event of a declared emergency, City employees shall initially remain at work, or if recalled, shall report to work after completing critical personal and family emergency responsibilities.