Planning Analyst

Overview

The Office of Strategy & Planning (OSP) turns DHS priorities into action. OSP tackles complex, high-priority issues across the department by evaluating options, developing recommendations, and moving decisions into implementation.

The Planning Analyst plays a key role in that work—making sense of complex information, developing evidence-based recommendations, bringing stakeholders together, and driving important projects forward. The role combines analysis, project leadership, strategic communication, and stakeholder engagement.

This is a project management and analysis role, not a technical data analyst or data science position. Coding and statistical modeling are not core responsibilities.

What You’ll Do

• Lead high-priority, high-visibility projects from planning through implementation, managing timelines, deliverables, contributors, and risks.
  
• Analyze program, provider, and financial data to identify issues, evaluate options, and inform decisions.
• Research policy, programs, funding, and promising practices and translate findings into practical recommendations.
• Develop and present recommendations to DHS leadership, using data, research, financial information, and stakeholder input to support decision-making.
• Bring stakeholders together across DHS, government agencies, providers, and community organizations to navigate competing priorities and move work forward.
• Develop critical work products, including plans, budgets, grant proposals, reports, procurements, and leadership briefings.

What We’re Looking For

Strong candidates will demonstrate:

• Analytical judgment and the ability to synthesize data, research, financial information, and stakeholder perspectives into clear recommendations.
• Excellent writing and communication skills, with the ability to make complex information accessible to different audiences.
• Project leadership, including experience managing multiple priorities, coordinating contributors, and delivering work with limited supervision.
• Strong facilitation and relationship-building skills, including the ability to build trust, navigate disagreement, and drive groups toward decisions.
• Curiosity and problem-solving ability, with the capacity to quickly understand unfamiliar issues and bring structure to complex problems.

Education & Experience

Bachelor’s degree in a related field and at least two years of professional experience in planning, program development, project management, policy, or a related field.

A master’s degree and experience in human services, public policy, government, finance or public-sector programs are preferred.

Why DHS?

Allegheny County DHS serves more than 200,000 residents each year and works with more than 300 community-based organizations to support people across the county.

At DHS, you’ll have the opportunity to:

• Work on problems that matter. Your work can influence programs, investments, and services that affect residents across Allegheny County.
• Work at the intersection of strategy and execution. OSP connects department priorities to strategic planning, funding, grants, procurement, intergovernmental affairs, and cross-department initiatives.
• Use evidence to improve government. DHS uses research, data, technology, and program evaluation to inform decisions and strengthen services.
• Grow while doing meaningful work. We want talented people with different experiences and perspectives to build their skills, take ownership, and contribute their best work.

To Apply

Please submit a resume and cover letter customized to this position. Your cover letter should tell us why you’re interested in the role and how your experience prepares you to succeed in it.

Employment: The selected candidate will work with the Allegheny County Department of Human Services and will be employed by Community Family Advocates.