MANAGEMENT IMPROVEMENT SPECIALIST 2 (Y32)
Career Family: MANAGEMENT IMPROVEMENT SPECIALIST
Management Improvement Specialist 2 sits in the competitive class of New Jersey's state civil service, so reaching it runs through testing and an eligible list instead of a straight hire.
It sits mid-series for Management Improvement Specialist, one step up from Management Improvement Specialist 1 and one below Management Improvement Specialist 3. It lists a master's degree as the baseline, with an experience-based path open to those who do not hold the degree. Pay on the FY 2027 schedule runs $110,276 to $162,870, and state payroll currently lists about 14 people in the title, led by Treasury.
How to apply
This title is filled by competitive examination.
See every real route in, and where to apply. 6 agencies employ it. We don't track live vacancies.
See all 6 employers and how to apply →Who employs this title
Management Improvement Specialist 2 appears on the State payroll at 6 departments, most of them at Department of Treasury.
State departments
State payroll and independent authority payroll are separate systems and are never merged. See data sources.
Pay ladder: Management Improvement Specialist series
- Management Improvement Specialist 1 — $91,628 – $134,900
- Management Improvement Specialist 2 — $110,276 – $162,870 (this title)
- Management Improvement Specialist 3 — $121,055 – $179,046
Promoting to Management Improvement Specialist 3 raises the top of the band by about $16,176. Its top salary lands around the 94th percentile of all NJ civil service titles that publish a range.
Rungs are ordered by FY 2027 pay. NJ level numbers are not always sequential, so ordering follows salary rather than the title number.
Who employs this title
State payroll records show 14 people working under this title. The median actual salary is $143,692. The agencies employing the most are:
- Treasury (4)
- Law and Public Safety (3)
- Environmental Protection (3)
- Transportation (2)
Counts from NJ YourMoney agency payroll. See statewide workforce analytics.
Official job specification
The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.
Definition
Under the general direction of a Management Improvement Specialist 3, or other supervisory official in a state department or agency, leads initiatives to enhance management, organization, and operational efficiency by developing and executing innovative, data-driven strategies and technology based solutions; identifies and implements advanced administrative and operational improvements that leverage cutting-edge technologies and data analytics; leads complex management consulting projects from inception through implementation, ensuring alignment with agency goals and long-term strategic priorities; directs comprehensive organizational performance reviews and supervises high-impact special projects, with a focus on budget optimization, operational excellence, and process modernization; leads initiatives that integrate digital tools and incorporate best practices in organizational design, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and efficiency; supervises staff and work activities; prepares and signs official performance evaluations for subordinate staff; performs other related duties as required.
Examples of work
Conducts comprehensive analyses of agency operations, utilizing data-driven methodologies and workflow assessments to identify inefficiencies and recommend improvements. Takes a lead role in the design and implementation of digital transformation initiatives, focusing on the strategic integration of automation technologies, cloud infrastructures, and (AI) capabilities to enhance operational effectiveness. Supervises subordinate Management Improvement Specialists and/or others involved in the work of the unit. Utilizes advanced techniques such as data analytics, work measurement studies, and digital tools to collect, interpret, and analyze organizational data for informed decision-making. Develops and recommends process optimization techniques, including workflow redesign, system improvements, and the integration of technology to enhance productivity and service delivery. Collaborates with management to assess organizational structures and recommend changes that improve resource allocation, operational performance, and employee engagement. Facilitates the implementation of process changes by preparing comprehensive plans that account for training, timelines, and communication strategies to ensure smooth transitions. Provides oversight and strategic guidance throughout the implementation phase, enabling real-time problem-solving, adaptive modifications, and robust training initiatives to ensure project success. Develops and tests models to evaluate the impact of proposed solutions, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and budgetary constraints. Prepares and delivers formal presentations and reports to agency leadership, articulating project outcomes, detailed cost-benefit analyses, and strategic recommendations for continuous operational improvements. Utilizes advanced project management methodologies and tools to establish timelines, track milestones, and ensure the successful completion of assigned projects. Conducts comprehensive studies on critical budgetary, administrative, and policy-related challenges, delivering actionable insights and strategic recommendations to enhance overall agency performance. Monitors and assesses the effectiveness of implemented systems, processes, and tools, recommending updates as needed to maintain optimal performance. Supervises the work operations and/or functional programs and has responsibility for effectively recommending the hiring, firing, promoting, demoting and/or disciplining of employees. Ensures recommendations and innovations adhere to relevant laws, policies, and budgetary guidelines; conducts comprehensive risk assessments to evaluate potential impacts of proposed changes. Stays current on industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in public administration, ensuring the integration of modern strategies in agency operations. Supervises the maintenance of essential records and files. Supervises the preparation of comprehensive reports, policy statements, and detailed recommendations for senior leadership and stakeholders. May be required to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office or related units.
License
Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
Knowledge of data-driven problem-solving techniques. Knowledge of modern digital transformation tools, including automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and cloud-based systems for process improvement. Knowledge of the theories of human behavior in organizational settings, including the topics of motivation systems, need and satisfaction considerations, and communication of expectations. Knowledge of the factors effecting productivity including role of the executive, availability of measures, role of the technical specialist, employee motivation, investment of capital. Knowledge of project management methodologies. Knowledge of the design, development, and implementation of modern management information systems and their applications in public sector settings. Knowledge of statistics, data analysis tools, and performance metrics to evaluate and drive operational improvements. Knowledge of work scheduling and production planning techniques. Ability to elicit information through interviewing technique. Ability to prepare comprehensive reports, policy statements, and detailed recommendations for senior leadership and stakeholders. Ability to assign, instruct, and supervise subordinate staff. Ability to develop and execute project plans, track progress, and adjust strategies based on ongoing assessments. Ability to communicate complex technical and operational concepts to non-technical audiences effectively, both verbally and in writing. Ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization. Ability to stay current with trends in public administration, organizational design, and technology applications in government settings. Ability to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office or related units. Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication. Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible if they can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible. This job specification is applicable to the following title code(s) which are different work week or work month and/or variants of the job class title: Job Spec Code State, Local or Common Class of Service Work Week State Class Code Local Class Code Salary Range
Note
The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed. Applicants must meet one of the following or combination of both experience and education. Thirty (30) semester hour credits are equal to one (1) year of relevant experience. Nine (9) years of professional experience in project management, process improvement, consulting, or other similar work, three (3) years of which shall have been providing technology-based solutions involving organizational or efficiency issues, designing management information and control systems, or conducting efficiency studies. OR Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and five (5) years of the above-mentioned professional experience, three (3) years of which shall have been providing technology-based solutions involving organizational or efficiency issues, designing management information and control systems, or conducting efficiency studies. OR Possession of a master's degree in business administration, public administration, industrial engineering or other related area; and four (4) years of the above-mentioned professional experience, three (3) years of which shall have been providing technology-based solutions involving organizational or efficiency issues, designing management information and control systems, or conducting efficiency studies. "Professional experience" refers to work that is creative, analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range and depth of specialized knowledge of the profession's principles, concepts, theories, and practices; and is performed with the authority to act according to one's own judgement and make accurate and informed decisions. SCN431N/AY32- SCNL31N/AR31- This job specification is for government use only. Salary range is only applicable to state government. Local salaries are established by individual local jurisdictions. 2/22/2025