Business Improvement Area Advisor

The Office of Economic Development works to shape a vibrant, inclusive, and thriving economy by increasing access to economic opportunities, reducing racial inequities, and supporting community-centered growth. As part of this work, the Only in Seattle (OIS) program supports neighborhood business districts as they build capacity and pursue their long-term vision for resilient, welcoming commercial corridors.

We are seeking a skilled and community-centered Business Improvement Area (BIA) Advisor to lead, guide, and support Seattle’s neighborhoods through the complex, multi-year processes of forming and expanding Business Improvement Areas. This position blends technical expertise, policy fluency, data analysis, strategic advising, and community relationship-building, serving as the City’s subject-matter expert on BIA formation, assessment structures, and successful governance models.

If you are energized by community-driven development, adept at navigating complex stakeholder dynamics, and skilled in translating data into policy and real-world outcomes, this role offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact on Seattle’s local economies and neighborhoods! 

Your top priorities:

• Lead and facilitate BIA formation across multiple neighborhoods simultaneously. 
• Provide expert technical assistance on assessment structures, sustainable funding models, and governance. 
• Develop tools, resources, and policies that strengthen the City’s support for BIA formation and early-stage operations.

As the BIA Advisor, you will:

Lead and Facilitate BIA Formation

• Guide multiple business districts simultaneously through the full lifecycle of forming or expanding a BIA.
 • Assess readiness and feasibility; develop tailored formation strategies for each neighborhood.
 • Facilitate outreach, engagement, and consensus building- among diverse property owners, businesses, and community organizations.
 • Lead districts through the legal, petition, and legislative processes required for BIA adoption.
 • Serve as the City’s expert on state law, city policy, assessment models, and governance structures for BIAs.

Provide Technical and Analytical Expertise

• Analyze complex datasets including parcel characteristics, land use, building square footage, taxable value, assessed value, business license and tax data, and other relevant factors.
 • Develop, evaluate, and explain assessment formulas tailored to unique district conditions while maintaining cross-BIA consistency and alignment with City policy.
 • Use or oversee Geographic Information System (GIS) data to map district boundaries, run assessment scenarios, and support decision making.
 • Direct, review, and validate the work of consultants performing data collection and modeling.

Support Organizational Development and Long-Term BIA Success

• Support newly formed BIAs in establishing governing boards, operational systems, compliance needs, and service delivery plans.
 • Develop toolkits, templates, best practices, and policy recommendations to improve City support for BIAs and their operations.
 • Provide ongoing technical assistance to emerging and existing BIAs, ensuring continuity, shared learning, and equitable outcomes.

Lead Community Engagement and Relationship -Building

• Facilitate complex, high-stakes conversations involving diverse stakeholders with varied priorities.
 • Build trust, navigate political dynamics, and guide communities toward shared vision and consensus.
 • Represent OED and the City at public meetings, stakeholder convenings, and community events.
 • Prepare clear presentations, briefings, reports, and legislative materials.

Oversee Projects, Contracts, and Program Implementation

• Manage multiple simultaneous BIA explorations at different stages.
 • Oversee consultant contracts, neighborhood grants, and organizational partnerships.
 • Monitor outcomes, budgets, and project deliverables.
 • Coordinate with City Budget, Finance, and Law departments to prepare BIA legislation and support Council decision-making.

Please note: This job ad is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

We know no candidate will bring every qualification - and that’s not the expectation. A strong, inclusive economy is built by people with varied backgrounds, perspectives, and lived experiences. We value transferable skills, a growth mindset, nontraditional career paths, and demonstrated commitment to racial equity and social justice. If you’re excited about this role and bring a combination of the qualifications below, we want to hear from you. You’ll thrive in this role if you bring a mixture of the qualifications listed below.

Experience and skills in:

• Community engagement, coalition building, and stakeholder facilitation, especially with diverse or high-stakes groups
• Developing or implementing place-based economic development strategies, Business Improvement Areas, special assessment districts, or similar community-driven initiatives
• Analyzing complex property, land use, zoning, or taxation data - including the ability to interpret formulas, assessment models, and parcel-level datasets

• Using or directing the use of GIS tools to map boundaries, analyze scenarios, or evaluate district conditions
• Policy development, program design, or advising on city, state, or regulatory requirements related to economic development
• Project and program management - especially managing multiple long-term, multistakeholder efforts at the same time
• Working in or supporting nonprofit organizations, community-based groups, or boards (including governance, budgeting, service planning, or organizational startup)
• Preparing reports, presentations, briefings, and legislation for decision-makers

Ability to:

• Build trust, foster relationships, and navigate complex community dynamics with maturity, diplomacy, and cultural humility
• Facilitate conversations that bring diverse stakeholders toward shared outcomes, even where interests may differ
• Communicate technical or data-heavy information clearly to community members, property owners, and business stakeholders
• Synthesize data, research, legal requirements, and community priorities into practical, actionable recommendations
• Lead complex processes with confidence while collaborating across departments such as Budget, Finance, and Law

• Represent OED and the City professionally in public, often in politically sensitive spaces
• Manage consultants and partners, ensuring accuracy of analytical work and alignment with City standards

A passion for:

• Advancing the City’s Race and Social Justice Initiative (RSJI) and committing to equitable, community-centered outcomes
• Supporting neighborhood business districts and contributing to a vibrant, inclusive local economy
• Reducing barriers faced by communities of color, immigrant-owned businesses, and historically underserved neighborhoods
• Collaborative problem solving, transformative community partnerships, and public service

This full-time, salaried position is classified as Strategic Advisor 1, General Government -L17 and reports to the Business Districts Manager. The full salary range for this classification is $51.88 - $77.82 per hour. Following a pay equity and budget analysis, the identified annual salary range for this role is $121,104 - $130,834.08 ($58 - $62.66/hour).

Benefits: The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave, as well as medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information is available at https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits

Why work at the City of Seattle? At the City of Seattle, public service is more than a job - it’s a chance to shape the future and make a meaningful difference in the lives of everyone who works, lives, or plays in our city. With 12,000 employees across 40 departments and 1,100 job titles, we are united by a common purpose: to create a Seattle that is vibrant and welcoming for all. Whatever your role, you’ll help power a forward-looking city that leads by example - inclusive, innovative, equitable, and community-focused—while joining a diverse team committed to solving challenges and making a lasting impact together. Join us in building a Seattle where everyone thrives! 

Application Process: Here are some informational-only tips on applying and interviewing with us.

This position will remain open until filled. Applications received by 4:00 p.m. Pacific Time on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, will receive first consideration. To be considered, you must include a resume and cover letter with your application at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/seattle. The Office of Economic Development reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any time during the posting period.

Please note: The Office of Economic Development does not use artificial intelligence (AI) or automated tools to screen or evaluate applications. Every application is reviewed by a member of our hiring team to ensure an equitable and human-centered process.

Who may apply: This position is open to all individuals whose experience, skills, and abilities align with the qualifications above. 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, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ individuals, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences, to apply.

Language Premium Pay: Individuals selected to fill this position may be eligible to receive Language Premium Pay (SMC 4.20.360), which provides a $200 monthly stipend to qualified bilingual employees who are evaluated and assigned to provide direct in-language communication, interpretation, or translation services to the public on behalf of the City of Seattle.

Accommodations and Questions: We strive to make our hiring process accessible to all. Individuals with disabilities will be provided reasonable accommodations to participate in the job application or interview process, perform essential job functions, and receive all benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact Nicolette.Hornbeck@seattle.gov with any questions or accommodation requests. 

Salary : $108,325 - $162,488