The Team 

The Innovation Team supports the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) in developing and executing transformational initiatives for the City of New Orleans. We aim to improve City operations and service delivery by managing multi-departmental projects, institutionalizing process improvements, and optimizing resources through cost-saving and revenue-augmenting initiatives. Key daily tasks for members of the Innovation Team include: 

• Conducting deep quantitative and qualitative analysis to assess a given topic or challenge
• Developing creative approaches to optimize and transform City operations
• Managing project implementation by engaging internal and external stakeholders

The Work Environment 

We are a small team known for delivering high-quality work products, often on accelerated timelines, across a wide range of issue topics. Our open office environment facilitates communication among our team and encourages the exchange of ideas between team members. The Innovation Team is comprised of mid-career professionals with diverse backgrounds such as business, government, law, and technology. As unclassified employees, members of the Innovation Team serve at the pleasure of the Mayor and CAO. 

The Position 

An Innovation Manager executes strategic initiatives and projects that help achieve the priorities of the CAO and benefit City residents. An Innovation Manager must be able to generate new ideas for improving City operations, translate these ideas into actionable project plans, and manage these projects to successful completion. This often requires thorough research and data analysis, strategic planning, persuasive communication, and engagement with internal and external stakeholders. Innovation Managers also represent Mayoral initiatives before boards, outside commissions, and other stakeholders, and must be able to clearly communicate Mayoral goals at a high-level and in-depth to different audiences. Past projects managed by the Innovation Team include: 

• Evaluating business processes at City departments and recommending changes that increase efficiency or efficacy
• Developing strategic frameworks and project plans to rollout new City services
• Serving as a liaison between City departments, outside commissions, and the CAO to restructure City management and organizational structures
• Leading or assisting with oversight of specific contracts and vendor management

The Ideal Candidate 

Our ideal candidate is a creative problem solver and innovative thinker who brings a resourceful approach to the challenges of City government. They must excel in both quantitative and qualitative analysis, finance and business management, relationship management, project management, strategic thinking, and exercising initiative while being a positive team player who is eager to support the efforts of others. An effective Innovation Manager has the ability to: 

• Create recommendations and strategic solutions based on thorough analysis of an issue: collect and analyze large data sets; conduct operational assessments of workflows and processes; and use analyses to make informed and practical recommendations for next steps
• Communicate effectively, expertly, and persuasively: properly distinguish appropriate messaging to a variety of audiences (high-level policymakers to frontline employees, large group to one-on-one conversations); create professional and well-designed presentations; and develop clear, concise memos and other written communications
• Quickly and thoroughly learn and understand new concepts and subject areas: proactively research topics related to tasks; quickly become “subject matter expects” on new concepts; multi-task and simultaneously manage projects in different subject areas; be resourceful and hardworking in a resource-constrained environment; and apply specific feedback and knowledge to future projects and tasks
• Succeed in a high-pressure and fast-paced environment: make logical decisions and work under pressure; effectively balance short-term tasks and long-term projects and goals; anticipate the needs of the project or team; and care about high-quality work products from content to design
• Manage and build relationships: appropriately handle sensitive issues and controversial or varying opinions; function effectively and efficiently as a manager, supervisor, team member, and project manager; and maintain a positive attitude, even during adversity

Required Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university; advanced degree in public administration, business management, law, or a related field preferred 
• At least three (3) years of professional experience, ideally with increasing responsibility, in strategic consulting, analysis, business management, project management, government, or related industry

Compensation 

• Salary up to $90K, depending on experience and qualifications
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Paid vacation, sick, and parental leave
• Life insurance program
• Generous retirement plan

To apply, email a cover letter and resume to Abby Webber at abby.webber@nola.gov. For priority consideration, please apply by August 17, 2022. Applications received after August 17^th will be reviewed on a rolling basis.  

The City of New Orleans is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, or veteran status.