Project Manager Analytics Specialist 1 - Parks Planner (GSD)

Posting number: 20261111001GSDssl

Department: General Services

Job classification: Project Manager Analytics Specialist 1

Posting type: Open

Categories: Planning and Development, Parks, Project Management

Summary

GENERAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT - PARKS & RECREATION

Public Space Planning Unit

Project Manager and Analytic Specialist I - Parks Planner I

This Parks Planner position is within the Public Space Planning Unit of the General Services Division, a small team that manages all parks and greenways planning for the City of Detroit. The position involves ArcGIS mapping, data tracking, graphic design, and community engagement. The applicant should be committed to equity and inclusion and have a keen interest in community building and the development of public spaces. Experience with community engagement, project management, and/or planning is expected.

The Project Manager & Analytics Specialist is responsible for supporting initiatives established by the department/division leader.  They possess knowledge of project development and the ability to manage a project or program from start to finish.  They assist with the development and implementation of divisional goals and initiatives.  The Project Manager & Analytics Specialist possesses expertise in data analysis and has the ability to work with advanced levels of data analytics.  They drive change and process improvements within the customer base.

The position of the Project Manager & Analytics Specialist is focused heavily on managing a wide range of projects involving data collection, production, and dissemination relating to strategy, planning, and organizational effectiveness efforts.

Major Project Manager & Analytics Functions
The major functions performed by the Project Manager & Analytics Specialist include the development of data and the subsequent analysis and application of the results.  They work with internal customers and managers to identify areas requiring potential reorganization and develop and implement initiatives based on this research. The Project Manager & Analytics Specialist must display a highly developed skill set in the identification of data and the resulting application of project analysis and change initiatives.

The Project Manager & Analytics Specialist class includes all positions whose duties are to identify and address process and project improvement opportunities within the City of Detroit. The Project Manager & Analytics Specialist must possess a detailed understanding of project management, project development, project implementation and project resolution. They are expected to have a broad understanding of change management and change implementation. Examples of duties

• Community engagement, including assisting with community outreach, working with community groups, and coordinating public meetings
• Data Analysis and Tracking, including performing equity analysis, managing parks and rec asset data in Cartegraph (GIS-based platform), tracking ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) - funded projects
• Mapping, including creating and updating maps through ArcGIS and Adobe, geospatial analysis using Network Analyst, and creating user maps for web and wayfinding
• Park Planning
• Graphic Design, including public presentations, flyers, newsletters, website updates, and other public-facing materials
• Analyzes data from a variety of database sources and formats for research, systems, and report design.
• Assists stakeholders in understanding generated reports, outputs, and operational interfaces, and counsels them on their use, and in finding ways to be used to improve their functionality.
• Assists with the implementation of organizational goals, initiatives and plans.
• Develops and implements initiatives to improve work processes.
• Drives fact-based decision making at all levels within the organization.
• Drives process improvement initiatives, including automation, on the processes/tools used to increase the capability and efficiency of reporting efforts.
• Investigates and analyzes complex proposed departmental reorganizations of City departments.
• Manages project development and execution from inception to closure.
• Presents results of analyses concisely and effectively to ensure adoption.
• Produces summarization reports, outputs, and operational interfaces that present research findings to stakeholders.
• Provides recommendations for improving business results, operational efficiencies, and system experiences through in-depth analysis.
• Provides supporting information to substantiate research findings. 
• Responsible for Data Management best practices, quality standards and advanced Data Management activities (Acquisitions, Reorganizations, Advanced Data Setup, etc.).
• Tracks and reports project milestones and status reports to project sponsors.
• Works in conjunction with the department/division leader to manage change control and ensure consistency and alignment of change control management across the Departmen

The Parks Planner should have experience with the following:

• Community outreach, such as working with residents and/or neighborhood groups, preferably within Detroit
• Graphic design and presentations, including experience with Adobe Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) and PowerPoint.
• Data analysis and map creation, including experience with ArcGIS Pro
• Innovative thinking
• Program development and management, including programs with park partners

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree is required; a Master's preferred
• Minimum of one year of planning, project management, or related field experience

Project Manager & Analytics Specialist III – Advanced levels of responsibility and three to four (3-4) years of project management or data analytics experience.

Licensing and Certifications

• Employees in this class are expected to remain current in project management best practices and may be required to participate in continuing education and training opportunities.

Equivalency

• Equivalent combinations of education and experience that provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be evaluated on an individual basis. 

Supplemental information

Evaluation Plan

• Interview:      70%
• Evaluation of Training, Experience & Personal Qualifications:   30%
• Total of Interview and Evaluation T.E.P:   100%

Additional points may be awarded for:

• Veteran Points:   0-15 points
• Detroit Residency Credit:   15 points

LRD: 04/14/2025

Knowledge Of: 

• Business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation and human resources modeling.
• Employee progression and succession plans.
• Familiarity with current human resources issues and best practices.
• Human Resources information technology.
• Laws, policies, regulations and methods governing public sector human resources management processes.
• Management principles affecting human resources and generally accepted human resources methodologies and procedures.
• Project management tools and software packages.
• Regulations, policies, procedures and labor contracts pertinent to service areas.
• Staffing practices.
• Understanding and administration of data development and data analytics processes.
• Understanding and application of lean six sigma process improvement methods.

Skill In: 

• Analysis.  Change Management.  Customer and Client Focus.  Data analysis.  Driving results.
• Coordinating and expediting employee actions affecting department services.
• Effective written and oral communication. Quality Management and Process Improvement.
• Gathering, organizing and analyzing information.  Organization
• Human Resources Capacity.  Initiative and Self-Management.  Time Management.
• Organizational Development.  Policy/Planning.  Problem Solving/Decision Making.
• Professionalism and Credibility.  Project, change and time management.
• Team work and team development.  Thoroughness and attention to detail.
• Various project management applications. 

Ability To:

• Assume individual accountability for achieving organizational goals with resourcefulness and minimal supervision.
• Bring focus and perspective to group and team projects.
• Communicate effectively in both oral and written formats.
• Communicate effectively verbally with tact and diplomacy.
• Concurrently manage multiple priorities.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships.
• Learn quality management and process improvement principles.
• Learn the essentials of organizational development.
• Learn the services, jobs, and skills required and business activities of department(s) supported.
• Organize and prioritize work to assure timely and effective completion of assignments and attainment of goals
• Participate in labor-management ventures.
• Remain current in human resources best practices and legal requirements.
• Respond to workplace dynamics in a timely and pro-active manner.

Physical Demands

• The work is characterized as sedentary.
• Typically Project Manager & Analytics Specialists sit comfortably to do their work, interspersed by brief periods of walking, standing, bending, and extended periods requiring the use of computer terminals and technology to accomplish work objectives.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work environment contains no significant hazards.
• Some work may require walking and standingin conjunction with travel to and attendance at meetings and conferences away from the worksite.
• Work is performed in a comfortable office environment in which is appropriately lighted, heated and cooled.

Candidates considered for placement in this classification may be subject to a Criminal Background Investigation based on the requirements of the position.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to the class.  Incumbents may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification.  Specific job duties may vary from position to position.  The City of Detroit is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  No applicant for employment shall be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or other criteria prohibited by City, State, or Federal law.