Strategic Engagement & Programs Analyst

Work, Serve, Thrive. With the City of DurhamAdvance in your career while making a real difference in the community you serve.Hiring Range: $63,516 - $90,000Hours/Shift: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm (some flexibility available)* This position is primarily in-person and based in the field/community; limited remote work may be available. Occasional evening and weekend work is required to support community meetings, events, and engagement activities.The City of Durham's Community Partnerships & Engagement Department leads inclusive, coordinated, and data-driven community engagement across all departments. By centralizing efforts, we streamline communication, maximize resources, and ensure consistent, high-quality outreach. Equity is at the core of our mission-centering the voices of historically marginalized communities through integrated Digital Inclusion, Language Access, and ADA programs. We serve as the hub for all engagement initiatives, helping the City connect more effectively with residents and make better, more inclusive decisions.Position OverviewThe Strategic Engagement & Programs Analyst leads the development and implementation of new, strategic initiatives focused on supporting justice-involved residents. This role is responsible for designing programs that expand access to resources, build skills, and support pathways to stability and reintegration.This is a unique opportunity to work closely with leadership to shape and design new program areas from the ground up, and to lead their implementation through execution. The Analyst will partner with the manager to define program goals, develop frameworks, and translate ideas into actionable, impactful initiatives.As a new and evolving initiative area, the Analyst conducts research on best practices, identifies innovative models, and develops data-informed programs that are meaningful and transformative. This includes creating program frameworks, implementation plans, and training materials to support successful delivery.This position is primarily focused on program design and implementation, with secondary responsibility to support the Participatory Budgeting (PB) program as needed.This is a hands-on role that requires strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills. The ideal candidate is a self-starter who can manage multiple priorities, translate research and community input into actionable programs, and see work through to completion in a fast-paced, high-visibility environment.KEY RESPONSIBILITIESProgram Design & Development (Primary)Lead the research, design, and development of programs supporting justice-involved and at-risk populationsIdentify best practices and evidence-based models to inform program designDevelop program frameworks, implementation plans, and training materials that build skills and strengthen community capacityPartner with leadership to define program goals, scope, and performance measuresProgram Implementation & CoordinationLead implementation of new initiatives, ensuring alignment with timelines, goals, and intended outcomesCoordinate with internal departments, community partners, and service providers to support program deliveryMonitor progress, troubleshoot challenges, and adjust strategies to improve effectivenessCommunity Engagement & Capacity BuildingBuild and maintain relationships with community organizations, service providers, and stakeholdersSupport and facilitate trainings, workshops, and engagement activities that empower participants and strengthen community capacityEnsure programs are accessible, responsive, and grounded in community needsData, Evaluation & ReportingCollect, track, and analyze data to measure program performance and impactSupport development of evaluation frameworks and continuous improvement strategiesPrepare reports, presentations, and materials for leadership and stakeholdersParticipatory Budgeting Support (Secondary)* Provide support to the Participatory Budgeting Program Analyst as neededCore CompetenciesStrong program design and development skills, with the ability to translate research into actionable initiativesExperience working with justice-involved or at-risk populations, with an understanding of barriers and support systemsAbility to design and deliver capacity-building programs that are practical, inclusive, and impactfulStrong analytical skills and ability to use data to inform decisions and evaluate outcomesStrong written and verbal communication skills, including developing reports, presentations, and training materialsBachelor's degree in Public Policy, Social Work, Criminal Justice, Community Development, or a related field.Two years of professional program administration and/or analytical experience in area of assignment.Master's degree (MPA, MPP, or related).Experience designing and implementing programs that support justice-involved or at-risk populations.Experience with capacity-building initiatives, workforce development, reentry programs, or community-based services.Experience conducting research and applying best practices to program development.Experience working in or with local government, nonprofits, or community-based organizations.Strong data management and analysis skills.Experience facilitating trainings, workshops, or group sessions.Ability to create clear, engaging written materials and presentations.