NJ Civil Service Navigator

MANAGEMENT IMPROVEMENT SPECIALIST 1

Code: 50085 State Competitive Range: P28 (FY 2027) Work week NL: FLSA exemptOvertime table (4A:3, Appx. A)

Career Family: MANAGEMENT IMPROVEMENT SPECIALIST

Salary: $91,628.18 - $134,900.38/year FY 2027 schedule (last updated 2026-07-27)

To land Management Improvement Specialist 1 in New Jersey you go through the competitive route: you sit an announced exam and the score puts you on the eligible list agencies hire from.

On pay it sits at the foot of the Management Improvement Specialist ladder. One promotion up is Management Improvement Specialist 2, whose band tops out about $27,970 higher. A master's degree is the listed credential, and extra years on the job can be traded for it. The FY 2027 range lands between $91,628 and $134,900, and state payroll currently lists 4 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. 2 agencies employ it. We don't track live vacancies.

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Who employs this title

Management Improvement Specialist 1 appears on the State payroll at 3 departments, most of them at Department of Treasury.

State departments

Employer Employees
Department of Treasury 2
Department of Health 1
Cannabis Regulatory Commission 1

All agencies.

State payroll and independent authority payroll are separate systems and are never merged. See data sources.

Pay ladder: Management Improvement Specialist series

  1. Management Improvement Specialist 1 — $91,628 – $134,900 (this title)
  2. Management Improvement Specialist 2 — $110,276 – $162,870
  3. Management Improvement Specialist 3 — $121,055 – $179,046

Promoting to Management Improvement Specialist 2 raises the top of the band by about $27,970. Its top salary lands around the 80th 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 4 people working under this title. The median actual salary is $113,615. The agencies employing the most are:

  • Treasury (2)
  • Health and Senior Services (1)
  • Cannabis Regulatory Commission (1)

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 direction of a Management Improvement Specialist 2, or other supervisory official in a state department or agency, identifies opportunities for improving the management, organization, and operational efficiency through the application of innovative strategies, data analytics, and technology-based solutions; recommends and implements improvements to administrative and operational processes, leveraging cutting-edge technologies, and overseeing the execution of management consulting projects; conducts organizational performance reviews, special projects focused on budgetary and operational improvements, and assists with initiatives to modernize agency functions using digital tools and best practices in organizational design; does other related work as required.

Examples of work

Conducts analyses of agency operations, utilizing data-driven methodologies and workflow assessments to identify inefficiencies and recommend improvements. Designs and implements strategies for digital transformation within State agencies, including the adoption of automation tools, cloud-based systems, and artificial intelligence (AI) applications. 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 guidance and project management oversight during the implementation phase, assisting with real-time problem-solving, modifications, and training efforts. 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, outlining project outcomes, cost-benefit analyses, and recommendations for ongoing improvements. Utilizes project management tools to establish timelines, track milestones, and ensure the successful completion of assigned projects within deadlines and budgets. Conducts specialized studies on key budgetary, administrative, and policy-related issues, providing recommendations for improving agency performance. Monitors and assesses the effectiveness of implemented systems, processes, and tools, recommending updates as needed to maintain optimal performance. Ensures recommendations and innovations comply with relevant laws, policies, and budgetary constraints; conducts 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. Maintains essential records and files. Prepare comprehensive reports, policy statements, and detailed recommendations for agency 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 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.

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. Eight (8) years of professional experience in project management, process improvement, consulting, or other similar work, two (2) 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 four (4) years of the above-mentioned professional experience, two (2) 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 three (3) years of the above-mentioned professional experience, two (2) 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.