Strategic Engagement & Programs Analyst

The City of Durham’s Community Partnerships & Engagement Department leads inclusive, coordinated, and data-driven community engagement across all departments. By centralizing efforts, we streamline communication, maximize resources, and ensure consistent, high-quality outreach. Equity is at the core of our mission—centering the voices of historically marginalized communities through integrated Digital Inclusion, Language Access, and ADA programs. We serve as the hub for all engagement initiatives, helping the City connect more effectively with residents and make better, more inclusive decisions.

Position Overview

The Strategic Engagement & Programs Analyst leads the development and implementation of new, strategic initiatives focused on supporting justice-involved residents. This role is responsible for designing programs that expand access to resources, build skills, and support pathways to stability and reintegration.

This is a unique opportunity to work closely with leadership to shape and design new program areas from the ground up, and to lead their implementation through execution. The Analyst will partner with the manager to define program goals, develop frameworks, and translate ideas into actionable, impactful initiatives.

As a new and evolving initiative area, the Analyst conducts research on best practices, identifies innovative models, and develops data-informed programs that are meaningful and transformative. This includes creating program frameworks, implementation plans, and training materials to support successful delivery.

This position is primarily focused on program design and implementation, with secondary responsibility to support the Participatory Budgeting (PB) program as needed.

This is a hands-on role that requires strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills. The ideal candidate is a self-starter who can manage multiple priorities, translate research and community input into actionable programs, and see work through to completion in a fast-paced, high-visibility environment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Design & Development (Primary)

• Lead the research, design, and development of programs supporting justice-involved and at-risk populations
• Identify best practices and evidence-based models to inform program design
• Develop program frameworks, implementation plans, and training materials that build skills and strengthen community capacity
• Partner with leadership to define program goals, scope, and performance measures

Program Implementation & Coordination

• Lead implementation of new initiatives, ensuring alignment with timelines, goals, and intended outcomes
• Coordinate with internal departments, community partners, and service providers to support program delivery
• Monitor progress, troubleshoot challenges, and adjust strategies to improve effectiveness

Community Engagement & Capacity Building

• Build and maintain relationships with community organizations, service providers, and stakeholders
• Support and facilitate trainings, workshops, and engagement activities that empower participants and strengthen community capacity
• Ensure programs are accessible, responsive, and grounded in community needs

Data, Evaluation & Reporting

• Collect, track, and analyze data to measure program performance and impact
• Support development of evaluation frameworks and continuous improvement strategies
• Prepare reports, presentations, and materials for leadership and stakeholders

Participatory Budgeting Support (Secondary)

• Provide support to the Participatory Budgeting Program Analyst as needed

Core Competencies

• Strong program design and development skills, with the ability to translate research into actionable initiatives
• Experience working with justice-involved or at-risk populations, with an understanding of barriers and support systems
• Ability to design and deliver capacity-building programs that are practical, inclusive, and impactful
• Strong analytical skills and ability to use data to inform decisions and evaluate outcomes
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including developing reports, presentations, and training materials

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Social Work, Criminal Justice, Community Development, or a related field.
• Two years of professional program administration and/or analytical experience in area of assignment.

• Master’s degree (MPA, MPP, or related).
• Experience designing and implementing programs that support justice-involved or at-risk populations.
• Experience with capacity-building initiatives, workforce development, reentry programs, or community-based services.
• Experience conducting research and applying best practices to program development.
• Experience working in or with local government, nonprofits, or community-based organizations.
• Strong data management and analysis skills.
• Experience facilitating trainings, workshops, or group sessions.
• Ability to create clear, engaging written materials and presentations.