Agency Change Expert (ACE)

Job Description and Duties Under the general direction of a Supervisor I, the candidate is responsible for performing a variety of complex analytical support activities in the discipline of Organizational Change Management (OCM) on the California State Payroll System (CSPS) Project. The Analyst II will serve as an Agency Change Expert (ACE) responsible for communicating changes to business processes through the use of new technology systems, changes to job roles and organization structures through various implementation strategies that maximize employee adoption and usage while minimizing resistance. The ACE will serve as a liaison with the 160 departments statewide in order to perform all tasks and activities related to organizational change management. Each ACE liaison will be responsible for a sub-set of departments. The candidate will combine complex analysis on business needs with project management tasks, which includes in-depth analysis, evaluation, and planning for organization change readiness of a highly complex IT project.

Duties Performed:

(Candidates must perform the following functions with or without reasonable accommodations.)

• Responsible for performing tasks in support of OCM activities as defined in the Organizational Change Management Plan and the Stakeholder Management and Engagement Plan. These activities include but are not limited to: Providing input into the direction and scope of OCM work; communicating project status as necessary; providing input into the OCM Plans; reviewing vendor expectation documents; serving as a CSPS ACE, providing a single point of contact between the CSPS Project team and the identified agency liaisons; facilitating completion of agency implementation assignments with the agency liaisons and the Departmental Agency Readiness Teams (DART); communicating action items and agency concerns in a timely manner; providing advice and resolutions on obstacles that will impact the project; communicating potential risks and issues and maintaining the customer relationship management tool, Stakeholder Connect.
• Responsible for performing tasks in support of OCM activities as defined in the CSPS Communication Plan and CSPS Marketing Plan. Activities include but are not limited to: facilitating steps in the Communication Lifecycle (request; creation; approval; delivery; storage and measure); facilitating the delivery of communication items to DART liaisons; collecting information and feedback from DART liaisons; developing materials for communication activities; understanding and incorporating the project vision and objectives into communication activities; using defined processes and methods to ensure communications are sent, received and understood based on stakeholder needs and requirements; forming and maintaining strategic relationships with critical individuals and organizations to support the project’s success; participating in the CSPS Communication planning meetings; guiding stakeholders through change by building awareness of changes and impacts; securing the commitment to change and verifying operational readiness of affected employees.
• Responsible for performing tasks in support of OCM activities as defined in the OCM Resistance Management Plan and CSPS Coaching Plan. Activities include but are not limited to: identifying and communicating areas and types of resistance using the four (4) stages of reaction; providing input into the direction and scope of the Resistance Management activities; identifying the reason(s) for resistance; and adhering to the resistance management process (identify and evaluate; track; mitigate and reinforce; and measure and monitor).
• Responsible for performing tasks in support of OCM activities as defined in the CSPS OCM Training Plan. These activities include but are not limited to: providing individuals the training needed to develop the necessary skills to effectively participate in the CSPS Project change effort; helping to ensure that the CSPS project team members receive training to obtain the foundational knowledge to assist in the CSPS Project change effort throughout the entire CSPS Project Lifecycle; ensuring that appropriate staff receive training and participate in other knowledge transfer activities to develop the skills necessary to meet the needs of their roles and responsibilities in the CSPS Project.
• Responsible for following all CSPS project management processes established for monitoring and controlling. These processes include schedule and task reporting; risk and issue management; completed staff work; and general project management tasks and activities. You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement. Working Conditions This position is located at The Emerald Tower on Capitol Mall, steps from Tower Bridge and is walking distance to the State Capitol. The building offers affordable monthly parking, employee gym access, an amenities center, and a beautiful mid-tower garden terrace. It is conveniently situated only blocks from Old Sacramento, numerous restaurants, a seasonal farmer’s market, and the Crocker Art Museum. Overlooking the Golden 1 Arena and Downtown Commons, the office is accessible from Sacramento Regional Transit’s light rail and bus systems, with convenient access to I-5, I-80, US 50 & US 99. This position is eligible for hybrid telework under California Government Code Section 14200 for eligible applicants residing in California. All telework schedules are subject to change and may be reevaluated at any time. Specific telework arrangements may be discussed in more detail with the respective hiring manager. Telework does not change the terms and conditions of employment, the essential functions of job duties, or required compliance with the State Controller's Office policies. Applicants must reside within California at the time of appointment. In July 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025. This program temporarily reduces employees’ monthly base pay in exchange for paid leave credits. This position is subject to PLP 2025 and will have a monthly base pay reduction of 3% in exchange for 5 hours of leave credits through June 2027. The salary ranges shown on this job posting do not reflect the salary reduction. Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
• ANALYST II Additional Documents
• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement Department Information The Office of the State Controller (SCO) is the destination employer within the State of California. As California’s chief fiscal officer, the Controller’s Office ensures accountability and transparency of California’s financial practices while promoting fairness and opportunity for all. Here, you’ll work in a collaborative and supportive environment with diverse opportunities for professional growth and development. A career with the SCO offers meaningful work that directly impacts the state’s future. The California State Payroll System (CSPS) Project at the State Controller's Office plays a vital role in modernizing the state's human resources and payroll infrastructure. This project leads the implementation of an innovative Human Capital Management system that will streamline services for 300,000 state employees. The team manages the development of essential functions including personnel administration, payroll processing, benefits management, and employee self-service capabilities. By joining CSPS, you'll be at the center of a historic transformation, contributing to solutions that will enhance government operations for decades to come. Take the next step in your career with an organization that values innovation, integrity, and the well-being of its employees. Apply today and build a California where everyone thrives! Visit our website to learn more about the State Controller’s Office. How did you hear about us? Take our survey!

Special Requirements Take the required examination here: Analyst II Examination Desirable Qualifications In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

• Ability to uphold PPSD values: Professionalism, Accountability, Customer Service, Collaboration, and Trust
• Ability to communicate effectively while using tact and good judgment
• Ability to work under pressure with changing priorities and/or deadlines
• Strong customer service skills
• Ability to work well with others at all levels
• Excellent attendance and dependability
• Knowledge of data, analytic and metric toolsets
• Knowledge of emerging technologies and their application to business processes
• Knowledge of the Systems Development Lifecycle (SDLC) principles and practices
• Knowledge of personnel management principles, supervision, and training
• Knowledge of California Project Management Framework
• Knowledge of application and implementation of information systems to meet organizational requirements
• Ability to formulate and recommend policies and procedures
• Ability to resolve problems
• Ability to make critical and timely decisions
• Ability to develop and foster collaborative working relationships
• Ability to develop new and innovative approaches and recommend changes
• Ability to guide staff in navigating sensitive situations
• Ability to guide staff in the completion of project artifacts from various sources to facilitate software design, development, testing and implementation

Benefits

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.