Budget/Legislative Analyst

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Budget/Legislative Analyst

role at

The City of San Diego

Closing Date : 01/11/2026

Division:

Office of the IBA - Staff Salary Range:

$160,000.00 to $175,000.00 Job Type:

Unclassified Department:

Independent Budget Analyst Personnel Area:

Independent Budget Analyst

Key Areas Of Responsibility

Review and analyze all City legislative items that have a financial and/or policy impact;

Prepare analytical reports to the City Council and Council Committees to provide clarification on complex issues, identify potential unintended consequences, and make fiscal and policy recommendations;

Review and analyze the annual fiscal year budget, identify budgetary and policy implications, and develop recommendations for potential revisions based on IBA analyses, community input, and City Council priorities;

Monitor items such as City’s infrastructure improvement needs and capital financing plans; departmental budgets, needs, and outcomes; and implementation of citywide plans to achieve specified goals and objectives;

Present reports and analysis to the City Council or Council Committee including but not limited to analysis of the annual fiscal year budget, weekly docketed legislative items, and proactive research projects and Council requests for analysis;

Respond to inquiries from Council members, Council staff, and members of the public;

Represent the Office of the Independent Budget Analyst in policy-level discussions with top City officials, including the Mayor, City Attorney, City Auditor, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Department Directors; and

Participate in public outreach to educate the public and stakeholder groups on the budget process.

Minimum Qualifications

Possession of a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science, Public Administration, Business Administration, Economics, Finance, or any other related field (an advanced degree is preferred but not mandatory), and

Five years of progressively responsible professional experience in or closely related to government finance, budgeting, or operations. Experience in a state or municipal government is highly desirable, and

Experience demonstrating the applicant possesses most of the qualifications listed below.

Desirable Qualifications

Strong quantitative analytical abilities, including a thorough understanding of common data analysis tools and programs;

Familiarity with municipal budgets, public policy, and financial systems;

Excellent written and verbal communication skills and attention to detail;

Ability to communicate complex and technical information in a simple, clear and straightforward manner, including the use of graphs and tables as needed;

Ability to communicate effectively to different audiences, including elected officials, various levels of City management, and members of the public;

Ability to comprehend technical details and understand how they relate to and impact the “big picture”;

Interest in municipal activities and services, and how they impact the community;

Strong business and political acumen to work effectively with high level administrators and elected officials;

Highly ethical and objective, with the ability to navigate in a political environment without being political;

Ability to work both independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment where you will sometimes need to juggle multiple priorities with tight time constraints;

Ability to collaborate and work effectively in a team environment on various group reports developed by the Office; and

Energetic and motivated with the ability and desire to take initiative.

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