Project Manager, Little Hoover Commission Series

California State Personnel Board Specification

Series established May 2, 1994

Definition of Series

This series specification describes two class levels in the Milton Marks Commission on California State Government Organization and Economy (Little Hoover Commission). These classes are used for positions responsible for coordinating all aspects of complex Commission studies and for completing thoroughly documented, well-written, credible reports. Incumbents in these classes research potential issue areas for future studies; form advisory committees comprised of subject-matter experts such as governmental department heads, agency secretaries, nationally recognized academicians and high-level corporate officials; manage committee participation in Commission studies; format productive public hearings, including selecting witnesses, obtaining testimony and creating appropriate background materials for Commissioners; conduct research including primary research, review of literature and interviews with experts; analyze data, both quantitative and qualitative, and apply critical thinking skills to develop proposed study findings and recommendations; write detailed reports that are academic in nature and which present clear, well-reasoned documentation of findings and recommendations; write other products required for use in public hearing/advisory committee processes; and do other related work.

Factors Affecting Position Allocation

Overall scope, complexity and sensitivity of the research study assigned; nature of contacts; level of responsibility assigned; type and level of supervision received; level of independence and decision-making authority.

Definition of Levels

Project Manager I, Little Hoover Commission

This is the entry and first journey level class in the series. It is used as a training level for the higher professional level in the series. Permanent allocation to this level can be made for lesser skilled functions. Incumbents typically work under the general supervision of the Executive Director. While in a learning capacity, incumbents assist with the more complex studies by researching and writing portions of the study. Upon advancement to the higher range, the incumbents may be entirely responsible for small, less complex studies, interacting on behalf of the Commission with mid-level officials and pursuing study processes with some degree of autonomy.

Project Manager II, Little Hoover Commission

This is the full journey level in the series. Under general direction from the Executive Director, incumbents are responsible for the most sensitive and complex studies undertaken by the Commission. These studies have statewide impact and are the focus of intense media and legislative interest. Incumbents manage both external and internal study teams and contractors and interact on behalf of the Commission with department heads, agency secretaries and individuals of similar status in the private sector. Incumbents are responsible for writing entire reports and may act as lead to Project Managers�I.

Minimum Qualifications

All Levels:

Education: The following education is required when non-California state service experience is used to qualify at any level:

Equivalent to graduation from college, with major work in journalism, English, economics, political science, public administration or a related field. (Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.)

Project Manager I, Little Hoover Commission

Either I

One year of experience in the California state service performing analytical research and report writing duties or Legislative bill analysis in a class with a level of responsibility not less than Associate Governmental Program Analyst.

Or II

Three years of increasingly responsible professional analytical writing experience, as evidenced by published work in newspapers, magazines, trades or�academic journals, or books. (Experience in the California state service applied toward this pattern must include one year performing duties of a class with a level of responsibility not less than Associate Governmental Program Analyst.)

Project Manager II, Little Hoover Commission

Either I

One year of experience performing the duties of a Project Manager I, Little Hoover Commission, Range B.

Or II

Broad and extensive (more than five years) responsible professional analytical writing experience, including published work in newspapers, magazines, trades or academic journals, or books. This experience must have included responsible participation in editorial work. (Experience in the California state service applied toward this pattern must include one year performing the duties of Project Manager I, Little Hoover Commission, Range B.)

Knowledge and Abilities

Project Manager I, Little Hoover Commission

Knowledge of: Research, survey and analytical processes; California State Government functions, organization and processes; methods of presenting the results of research; techniques of editing and preparing material for publication including English usage, grammar, punctuation, and spelling; report writing elements.

Ability to: Plan and carry out Commission studies; do unusual and difficult analytical research; initiate and perform analytical research using a variety of sources; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships; use interdisciplinary teams effectively in the conduct of studies; facilitate meetings; communicate effectively with individuals and groups; speak effectively before large groups; reason logically and creatively and use a variety of analytical and research techniques to solve complex problems; analyze situations and propose an effective course of action; analyze data; identify the need for and provide creative thinking related to complex problems; develop and evaluate alternatives; write thorough, credible, well-documented reports; work within tight deadlines.

Project Manager II, Little Hoover Commission

Knowledge of: All of the above.

Ability to: All of the above, and encourage, inspire and coordinate the work of advisory committees and consultants; conceptualize and develop recommendations to restructure State Government to make it more effective and efficient; utilize a variety of theoretical and analytical approaches to resolve complex problems; serve as a team leader; consult with and advise Commission members, management and other interested parties on a broad range of subject-matter areas; establish and maintain project priorities.

Special Personal Characteristics

Demonstrated ability to act independently and as a member of a team; flexibility; tact.

Class History