JOB TITLE: PROGRAM ANALYST 4

JOB CODE: 08084

SERIES NATURE OF WORK: The Program Analyst job series describes work in the analysis and evaluation of commonwealth agency programs and projects to provide policy and decision makers with factual information to be used in program planning, improvement, monitoring, and resource allocation.

DEFINITION: This is supervisory or managerial work in the analysis and evaluation of agency programs and projects.

An employee in this job supervises analysts responsible for performing highly complex or supervisory analytical and evaluative work of agency programs and projects. Work may involve negotiating with agency officials on plans for the analysis and evaluation of agency programs to determine the parameters of the review; developing, leading, and directing enterprise studies; preparing and reviewing program or project budgetary submissions and justifications; reviewing impact analyses; developing performance indicators; providing oversight for research activities; and evaluating the effectiveness of the program or project to ensure goals and objectives are being met. Work involves supervising analysts involved in the analysis and evaluation of programs and projects, the synthesis of data, the development of program documentation, and the preparation of narrative and statistical reports providing program recommendations. Employees receive general instructions as to scope of assignments and broad objectives to be achieved. Work is performed independently following established goals and objectives and is reviewed by a higher level manager for adherence to objectives and effectiveness of results.

   DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

• Work at this level involves supervising positions at the Program Analyst 3 level or other positions at a comparable level.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.):

• Manages or supervises analysts responsible for analyzing and evaluating agency programs and projects to determine the impact and the extent to which goals and objectives are being met and to recommend improvements.

• Discusses preliminary plans with officials and administrators and assists in formulating alternatives.

• Analyzes agency program structures and recommends changes.

• Supervises the collection and analysis of data pertinent to the evaluation of program effectiveness and improvement; ensures the proper application of financial, statistical, mathematical, or systems methods to analyze data; and coordinates the compilation and organization of the data into written reports.

• Leads and directs special and interagency projects and studies and research activities.

• Interprets laws, policies, and procedures affecting an agency program.

• Analyzes and formulates changes in policies, regulations, and program priorities to ensure program priorities are consistent with state and federal requirements.

• Represents the agency at executive meetings to report on the status of projects or to advise on problems of high impact or sensitivity.

• Develops strategic planning initiatives and documents for the agency.

• Supervises the development and evaluation of program performance measures.

• Supervises the performance of cost benefit and impact analyses of program changes.

• Directs and participates in the preparation of staff reports, procedural manuals, charts, forms, and other related materials.

• Reviews program budget information, reviews spending plans and budget documents, and monitors spending requests.

• Performs the full range of supervisory functions.

• Employees in this job may participate in the performance of subordinates’ work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of program evaluation processes and techniques.

• Knowledge of the methods and techniques used in researching, collecting, organizing, reviewing, and assessing data.

• Knowledge of statistical and mathematical methods.

• Knowledge of project management methods and techniques.

• Knowledge of cost benefit and impact analysis techniques.

• Ability to analyze and interpret policies, procedures, and regulations.

• Ability to analyze and interpret written information and numerical data.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: (NOTE: These are expected of an employee performing the work of this job at the full performance level. These may not be evaluated by the State Civil Service Commission or used for Civil Service examination purposes and are not position-specific performance standards.):

• Knowledge of agency programs and projects.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration.

• Knowledge of program planning theory and processes.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of supervision.

• Ability to develop written reports, charts, graphs, presentations, and other correspondence.

• Ability to gather, correlate, and analyze facts for devising solutions to problems and making recommendations for improvement.

• Ability to conduct program and project reviews to identify problems, devise solutions, and measure performance against stated goals and objectives.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities):

• One year as a Program Analyst 3;

or

• Four years of analytical experience, three of which include professional experience in program evaluation and the development of program recommendations, and a bachelor's degree;

or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training.