Project Assistant - Operations & Systems

The Operations & Systems Project Assistant will provide project management and implementation support to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). The CAO serves a dual role as part of the Executive Office, and as Department Head for 7 divisions in the Operations & Systems Department. The Project Assistant will be responsible for providing comprehensive support focused on the following areas: policy analysis and research, code drafting, data analysis, system evaluation, technology development and implementation. This position requires the ability to communicate directly with department and divisional leadership, and to synthesize data and information to make recommendations.

1. Liaising with department and divisional leadership to understand and document policies, processes, and standard operating procedures

2. Using SharePoint to develop and create repositories for storing and sharing information

3. Working with department and divisional staff to evaluate systems, identify areas for improvement, and develop instructions for use

4. Conducting research on policies, synthesizing data, and documenting findings to inform recommendations

5. Conducting research on organizational structure and departmental requirements and duties

6. Drafting administrative orders

7. Providing general administrative support, including data entry and document management

8. Engaging in learning opportunities to gain a deeper understanding of local government operations, legislative processes, and public policy

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the position’s essential functions.

A strong candidate will possess the following:

• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking abilities.
• Ability and willingness to learn technical and other skills quickly.
• Understanding of the methods of legal, legislative, and policy research.
• Ability to work independently and take ownership of projects.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, tailored to various audiences.

The work environment involves everyday discomforts typical of offices, with occasional exposure to outside elements. Noise or physical surroundings may be distracting, but conditions are generally not unpleasant. Employees may be required to work beyond normal business hours to attend evening meetings.

• 4 weeks annual vacation for non-union positions. Union positions vary by contract. Please note, police officers are members of the SPEA union. Public Health Nurses are part of Union A (SMEA).
• Medical insurance through the Group Insurance Commission (GIC) - 80% of premium costs paid by City
• Dental coverage low and high plans through Cigna
• Vision care through Vision Service Plan (VSP)
• Long term disability through Sun Life
• Group and voluntary life insurance through Boston Mutual
• Health Care and Dependent Care flexible spending through Benefit Strategies
• Deferred compensation plans through a choice of three vendors
• Free, confidential services through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provided by E4Health
• Annual cancer screening & wellness release
• Somerville Retirement Pension System
• Tuition reimbursement
• MBTA pass program
• FREE Blue Bikes membership
• Eligible employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)