Policy Analyst, Sr (Special Projects)

Salary range of $80,128 to $106,802

Position posted until filled

General Description and Classification Standards

Housed within the Mayor’s Office and reporting to the City’s Chief Policy Officer, Courtney English, the Office of the Chief Policy Officer is charged with driving meaningful progress and tangible results on the Administration’s top priorities, in partnership with City departments and external partners. This team utilizes its unique position within City government to address Atlanta’s most pressing equity challenges swiftly, strategically, and proactively. The Office includes teams focused on affordable housing, youth development and education, neighborhood empowerment and place-based change, and strategic partnerships and strategic initiatives.

The Senior Policy Analyst for Special Projects reports to the Director of Special Projects to manage the implementation of economic development activities in the Mayor’ priority neighborhoods and other critical communities throughout the city. 

The Senior Policy Analyst for Special Projects will lead a variety of initiatives, including:

• Neighborhood grocery and food access research and implementation,
• Conceptual feasibility analysis for economic development projects, 
• The creation of graphics and narratives to visually communicate development concepts and policies to partners and the larger community, 
• Researching and recommending best-practice and innovative financing and funding mechanisms for economic development activities,
• Community stakeholder and strategic partner engagement

The position will work closely with other public agencies like Atlanta BeltLine Inc., Invest Atlanta, Metro Atlanta Land Bank, and Atlanta Housing to advance the Mayor’s Agenda. Alongside the Director, the Senior Policy Analyst for Special Projects will serve as a representative of the office in various public meetings and will serve as project lead on food access and other economic-related initiatives for the Office of the Chief Policy Officer. 

Supervision Received

This position reports to the Director of Special Projects within the office’s housing team. 

Essential Duties & Responsibilities 

These are typical responsibilities for this position and should not be construed as exclusive or all inclusive.  May perform other duties as assigned.

The Senior Policy Analyst for Special Projects will work collaboratively with internal/external stakeholders to achieve the following

• Act as a liaison for grocery store and food access agents,
• Serve as project lead for the development of neighborhoods food access via grocery or other means,
• Model and underwrite a variety of innovative proposals to explore market feasibility,
• Engage communities and neighborhoods in the design process in a meaningful way that productively informs decisions including presentations, workshops, charrettes, etc.,
• Produce a case statement for the financial investment necessary to meet goals and ensure viability of new stores,
• Organize community engagement meetings and create strategies for future engagement,
• Regularly design presentations and present relevant information/updates to the team,
• Manage all grocery related projects through interagency coordination to bring grocery stores to Atlanta, 
• Design and program a strategic grocery plan to increases access to fresh food, close food gaps and reduce food insecurity, 
• Run market and spatial analysis (GIS) to provide data driven business insights and recommendations on current and future grocery stores.

Decision Making 

Analyzes complex challenges and applies sound judgment. Selects from multiple procedures and methods to accomplish tasks. Establishes work methods, timetables, performance standards, etc.

Leadership Provided 

Routinely provides work group leadership, guidance, and/or training to less experienced staff. May act as team lead on large projects.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

This is a partial listing of necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job successfully.  It is not an exhaustive list.

• Knowledge of urban planning, housing policy, neighb