The County of Santa Barbara seeks an organized, innovative and dedicated Fiscal & Policy Analyst to join the Budget and Research Division of the County Executive Office. The Fiscal & Policy Analyst reports to the Budget Director and is primarily responsible for the development, monitoring and control of the County budget. This position works with department leaders and senior County executives to plan and manage fiscal resources, and performs difficult, complex, and sensitive analytical work that has significant impacts on County operations. Research and analysis conducted by the Fiscal & Policy Analyst informs decision-making related to County operations, service delivery, organizational development, funding priorities, and the allocation of resources.

Successful candidates in the Fiscal & Policy Analyst role operate with a high degree of independence and accountability, work well against deadlines, have the ability to retain and recall a wide variety of information for long periods of time, build and maintain cooperative working relationships, seek opportunities for continuous learning, and have a general interest in public budgeting and civil service.

The Fiscal & Policy Analyst is an at-will, unclassified position not subject to the Civil Service provisions which may be filled at the Fiscal & Policy Analyst I (entry) or Fiscal & Policy Analyst II (journey) level. Incumbents in the series undertake increasingly difficult and complex assignments and projects for the County Executive Office. The Fiscal & Policy Analyst I receives direct supervision and training, less complex department and project assignments, and may assist higher-level analysts with specialized studies. The Fiscal & Policy Analyst II receives general supervision, department and project assignments of medium complexity, and may assist higher-level analysts with specialized studies. The Fiscal & Policy Analyst Senior is responsible for the most difficult and complex assignments and projects and may act as a lead worker in an assigned area or on large scale projects.

THE DEPARTMENT
The County Executive Office is the administrative heart of the County, primarily responsible for overseeing the preparation, adoption, and administration of the county budget; coordinating the activities and functions of 23 County departments; and implementing policy directives from the Board of Supervisors. The County Executive Office provides the Board of Supervisors, departments and the community with expert budgetary and fiscal guidance, policy analysis and development and organizational leadership. Employees in this department have the opportunity to gain a comprehensive view of County operations and facilitate the achievement of countywide goals and objectives.

Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will be a dedicated problem-solver with strong analytical skills, communication skills, a curiosity for learning, and a desire to put ingenuity to work to fulfill the shared mission and goals of the County Executive Office. Experience with Public Safety budgets is a plus.

Examples of Duties
CEO Analysts at all levels will demonstrate the ability to:
• Compile and analyze complex budgets, financial practices and other organizational information to develop recommendations based on the analysis
• Collect and evaluate research data using a variety of technical tools
• Evaluate operational process efficiencies and make recommendations related to technology enhancements and organizational streamlining
• Organize and plan work to meet deadlines
• Write in a clear and effective manner to communicate core messages and relevant information
• Communicate effectively with others individually and in groups of various sizes
• Establish and maintain working relationships with colleagues, staff in other departments, and members of the public
• Maintain confidentiality of information
• Represent the County Executive Office and the County with tact and diplomacy

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS
The knowledge, skills, and abilities below may be acquired through various types of training, education, and experience. A typical way to acquire the required knowledge and abilities would be:
Fiscal & Policy Analyst I
• Possession of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in public or business administration, public policy, political science, accounting, economics, or a related field and;
• One year of progressively responsible staff experience in fiscal, organizational, or operational analysis related to government agencies.
Fiscal & Policy Analyst II
• Possession of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in public or business administration, public policy, political science, accounting, economics, or a related field; and;
• Three years of professional analytical and/or management experience equivalent to that of a CEO Analyst I in Santa Barbara County.