Director of Innovation, Performance, & Project Management

Job Description: The Director of the Office of Innovation, Performance & Project Management (IPP) serves as the City's leader responsible for identifying and implementing novel or transformative solutions to City challenges which may originate from a variety of sources. The Director manages a team of designers, innovators, and project managers to improve the City's operational efficiency, increase collaboration and accountability, and promote transparency within the organization. The Director works closely with City departments to analyze the value-add from potential projects and advises the Mayor's Office strategically on project initiation and execution. Reporting to the Deputy Mayor, the Director develops skills related to project/program management, best practices in innovation and change management, stakeholder engagement, process improvement and collaborative problem-solving. Typical Work Activities Leads and develops a team of innovative problem-solvers across a wide variety of skillsets, including design, project and program management, data visualization, and communication to assist in Executive decision-making. Builds relationships with other public-sector innovators to identify compelling opportunities for the City of Syracuse. Oversees an innovation approach to problem-solving that focuses on identifying root causes of municipal challenges, often in partnership with other stakeholders (i.e. city departments, residents, community organization, etc.), to ensure that every project initiated is aimed at solving the right problem, the right way. Works in collaboration with colleagues in the IPP Office and from other City departments to cocreate, plan, implement, and manage innovative solutions to complex challenges. Effectively manages the skillsets of the team and leverages available expertise to maximize efficacy and impact, while also building partnerships with Project Managers in other departments to advise and standardize project execution methodology. Oversees the development of the performance management program, including defining operational performance metric targets, building tools/methodologies for regular measurement of progress throughout the portfolio, and tracking the status of projects citywide as well as high priority initiatives. Communicates progress and challenges to stakeholders, including regular reporting to Senior Staff, including the Mayor. Creates and shares the team's strategic framework and best practices for innovation throughout city government, encouraging the adoption of new techniques. Maintains strong relationships and fosters collaboration among a broad set of stakeholders, including Senior Staff and other department leadership throughout the City. Manages the full life cycle of vendor relationships including RFP development, review, and selection; contract and statement of work negotiation; metric-based performance reviews; and deliverable sign-off, when applicable. Assists through established project/program management best practices in ensuring the delivery of complex initiatives on time and aligned with the City's priorities. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Strong knowledge of design-based innovation and/or innovation methods and tools. Experience leading large-scale projects/programs or transformations that involve multiple stakeholders and constituencies. Ability to translate complex, ambiguous challenges into strategic, applicable recommendations. Ability to use discretion in strategic plans, balancing trade-offs, and coordinating diverse interests. High level of integrity, judgment, and political acumen. Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal. Ability to work collaboratively with elected officials, senior leadership including department heads, and the public. Strong leadership and management skills. Ability to navigate municipal processes. Strong instincts for navigating ambiguity in the project and performance space. Strong interpersonal skills with an ability to build trust across departments and viewpoints. Experience project/program-managing complex initiatives from design to their completion Experience with public sector budgeting, grant or procurement systems is preferred. Willingness to challenge traditional assumptions, evaluate alternative approaches, and implement practical solutions.