About this role
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.