THE OFFICE

The Office of Planning & Community Development (OPCD) ensures that City departments are aligned and coordinated in planning and advancing equitable development for Seattle’s future growth. OPCD is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. The fields of urban planning and community development have often failed to reflect the experiences and identities of people affected by development decision and outcomes, including Black, Indigenous, People of Color, Immigrants, Refugees, People with Disabilities, and LGBTQ people. We strongly encourage people with these identities or from other marginalized communities to apply.

THE EQUITABLE DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE (EDI)

The Equitable Development Initiative (EDI) addresses displacement and unequal opportunity distribution in Seattle, aiming to foster community leadership and promote fair access to housing, jobs, education, parks, and cultural amenities. Born from the vision of community organizations, EDI responds to displacement pressures and historical lack of investment in diverse and marginalized communities, which have faced enduring discrimination and unequal opportunities.

• EDI works to bring about systemic change in city policies, practices, and investments by focusing on targeted, place-based investment strategies. These efforts seek to create stability and economic mobility for communities vulnerable to displacement.

• EDI is dedicated to fostering inclusive growth, community empowerment, and cultural preservation to build a more equitable future and sustain Seattle's diversity. We believe that everyone should have access to essential community resources, such as jobs, support services, goods, and amenities, essential for leading healthy and fulfilling lives.

THE JOB

The City of Seattle's Equitable Development Initiative (EDI) is currently seeking an Equitable Development Project Manager with expertise in planning and community development. This role involves managing a diverse portfolio of equitable development projects, encompassing capacity building, pre-development, and capital project development contracts.

Key responsibilities include:

• Drafting contracts, negotiating scope of work, and monitoring contract budgets, deliverables, compliance, and performance.
• Providing technical assistance to EDI-funded community organizations.
• Performing analysis to inform EDI public policy recommendations.
• Delivering tailored presentations and briefings to leaders and elected officials.
• Supporting EDI Fund investment processes, including assisting in drafting request for proposals (RFPs), facilitating community review evaluation panels, and analyzing input to make funding recommendations.
• Contributing to EDI outreach efforts and cultivating constructive relationships with community-based organizations, particularly those historically underserved and underinvested in. 
• Supporting the administration and facilitation of the EDI Community Advisory Board, working closely with the entire EDI team to advance equitable development initiatives in Seattle.

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN THE ROLE

Community Planning and Development:

• Develop and advance inclusive growth and anti-displacement strategies that support the cultural preservation, stabilization, and economic empowerment of marginalized communities.
• Demonstrate understanding of anti-racist and equity-based work in the context of urban planning, advancing anti-displacement goals, community capacity-building projects, community development, or investment of public funds to address and improve community outcomes.

Equitable Development Project Management:

• Complex project and budget management in an environment where navigating ambiguous, complex, competing, or nuanced interests is required.
• Manage equitable grant and contract related projects supporting community-capacity building or equitable real estate development.
• Lead real estate transactions, develop strategies and alternatives, conduct independent analysis of risks, review due diligence documentation, assess budgets, and draft, negotiate, and execute contracts for scope of work and deliverables.
• Facilitate working meetings, discussions, planning efforts, or stakeholder, community, or partner briefings to identify and resolve issues of risk, legal compliance, public policy, or public expectation and trust. 

Relationship Management and Collaboration:

• Develop and sustain authentic relationships with individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds, including community partners, organizations, property owners, residents, elected officials, and other stakeholders.
• Collaborate with the Equitable Development Initiative (EDI) Advisory Board to support and advance equitable development and facilitate Board meetings and work planning throughout the year.

Policy Analysis and Strategy Development:

• Conduct policy and issue analysis and develop strategies and recommendations.
• Support efforts to facilitate or leverage investments for public benefit and/or improve community outcomes.
• Conduct briefings with leaders and elected officials that deliver compelling analysis, strategic insight, and well-considered recommendations. 

Agility and Self-Direction:

• Work with agility and self-direction.
• Learn quickly and adapt when priorities change.
• Pay attention to details while understanding their integration with other work.
• Recognize what needs to be done and be proactive in seeking support when needed.

A successful applicant will have experience that reflects a commitment to equitable development. This experience should be complemented by demonstrated ability in a combination of the following areas:

• Understanding anti-racist and equity-based work in the context of urban planning. 
• Nurturing and facilitating effective partnerships and relationships with communities, grantees, non-profit organizations, service providers, etc.
• Facilitating working meetings, discussions, planning efforts, or stakeholder, community, or partner briefings to identify and resolve issues of risk, legal compliance, public policy, or public expectation and trust.
• Providing direct support, assistance, and relationship management to community grantees and EDI contracted partners.
• Managing grants and contracts, reviewing paperwork, tracking invoices, and communicating effectively and respectfully with both internal and external partners.
• Real estate transactions, project development assistance, crafting developing strategies and alternatives.
• Assessing and working within policy or regulatory-driven environments and managing compliance. 

This job is classified as a Strategic Advisor 1, General Government and is covered by the Civil Service System. The salary range for this classification is $48.19 – 72.23, the target salary for this job is $58.27.

Work Location and Hours: This position may occasionally involve work on nights and weekends for meetings and events, but typically follows a standard 8-5 or 9-6 work hours at the EDI offices in Downtown Seattle. 

City employees work a hybrid schedule, including at least two days a week in the office.

The City of Seattle recognizes every City employee must play a role in ending institutional and structural racism. Our culture is the result of our behavior, our personal commitments, and the ways that we courageously share our perspectives and encourage others to do the same. To cultivate an antiracist culture, we seek employees who will engage in the Race and Social Justice Initiative by working to dismantle racist policies and procedures, unlearn the way things have always been done, and provide equitable processes and services. 

In addition, to completing the application at www.governmentjobs.com/careers/seattle fully, please attach:

• A cover letter expressing your interest in the position and the personal or professional work you have done which is most closely aligned.
• A PDF of your current resume

 
Questions? Please contact Kate Moore at kate.moore@seattle.gov

This hiring process involves a background check of conviction and arrest records in compliance with Seattle's Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17. Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information.

Who may apply: This position is open to all applicants that meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The City encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.