What are the responsibilities and job description for the Project Employee - Participatory Budgeting Project Manager position at City of Spokane?
Project Employee - Participatory Budgeting Project Manager
NATURE OF WORK
This position will lead the development and initial implementation of the City of Spokane’s participatory budgeting process, a civic engagement initiative that enables residents to propose, develop, and vote on community investment projects. This project-based position will manage program design, coordinate community engagement, convene advisory committees, and oversee the idea generation and proposal development phases of the process. The Project Manager will collaborate with community partners, city departments, and residents to ensure the program is accessible, inclusive, and effectively implemented. The position will also supervise outreach staff and coordinate with the city’s communications team to support program outreach and public participation.
EMPLOYEE OVERSIGHT
Supervises outreach coordinators and part-time facilitators assigned to the participatory budgeting process.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Reports to the Director of Civil Rights, Equity & Inclusion.
This description was prepared to indicate the kinds of activities and levels of work difficulty required of positions in this class unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation. It is not intended as a complete list of specific duties and responsibilities.
Program Design and Implementation
- Manage the overall development and implementation of the participatory budgeting process
- Convene and facilitate a community steering committee responsible for helping design the PB process and establishing program goals and values
- Work with the steering committee to define project eligibility criteria, participation guidelines, and voting procedures
- Ensure the PB process reflects core principles of accessibility, accountability, equity, and community participation
Community Engagement and Outreach
- Develop and implement an outreach and engagement strategy to encourage broad participation from residents
- Coordinate outreach activities to ensure participation from historically underrepresented populations, including immigrant, low-income, and unhoused residents
- Manage partnerships with community organizations and engagement partners supporting the process
- Coordinate public meetings, workshops, and community events for idea collection and engagement
Steering Committee and Delegate Coordination
- Recruit and convene a community steering committee representing diverse Spokane communities
- Facilitate steering committee meetings and support collaborative decision-making
- Coordinate the recruitment and support of budget delegates responsible for developing community proposals
Project Management and Administration
- Develop and maintain the participatory budgeting project work plan, schedule, and deliverables
- Coordinate with city departments to review feasibility and cost estimates of proposed projects
- Supervise outreach coordinators and contracted facilitators supporting the program
- Submit communications requests and coordinate public and partner messaging
Voting Process and Program Implementation
- Coordinate the development and implementation of the public voting process for project selection
- Assist with the selection and deployment of voting platforms and accessible voting opportunities
- Ensure voting materials are accessible and available in multiple languages when appropriate
- Oversee logistical planning for voting events and ballot distribution
Program Evaluation and Reporting
- Track engagement metrics, outreach activities, and program participation
- Prepare reports summarizing program outcomes, engagement efforts, and recommendations
- Facilitate post-process evaluation meetings with the steering committee and stakeholders
Project Timeline Responsibilities
The Project Manager will coordinate major milestones including:
- Establishing the steering committee and developing the PB process design
- Implementing outreach and community education
- Conducting idea generation and proposal development phases
- Coordinating the community voting process
- Supporting the selection of winning projects
- Strong project management and organizational skills
- Ability to design and facilitate collaborative meetings with diverse stakeholders
- Knowledge of equitable community engagement practices
- Ability to manage multiple stakeholders and coordinate across city departments
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to analyze community input and translate ideas into structured proposals
TYPICAL EQUIPMENT USED
Work is performed using standard office equipment and technology including personal computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. The position requires regular use of software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, databases, project management tools, and virtual meeting platforms. The employee may also utilize printers, copiers, and audio/visual equipment to support presentations, public meetings, and stakeholder engagement activities. Occasional use of event-related materials and equipment is required to support community meetings and program implementation.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met, with or without reasonable accommodation, to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Work is primarily sedentary and involves extended periods of sitting, computer use, and communication. The employee is regularly required to speak, listen, and interact with others in person and virtually. Occasional standing, walking, bending, and reaching are required. The position may require lifting and carrying materials weighing up to 25 pounds in support of meetings or events. Travel between work sites and community locations is required.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is performed in a combination of office and community-based environments. The office setting is generally quiet to moderately busy, while community settings may include public meeting spaces, partner locations, and occasional outdoor environments. The role includes responsibility for attending and facilitating meetings, which may occur during evenings and weekends. The employee must be able to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with frequent interaction across departments and with community stakeholders. Local travel is required.
EDUCATION
Any combination of education, training and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in public administration, urban planning, public policy, community development, a related field.
EXPERIENCE
Two to five years' of experience in program management, community engagement, or public sector project management.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience facilitating community engagement processes
- Experience working with diverse communities and community-based organizations
- Experience with participatory budgeting, civic engagement initiatives, or democratic participation programs
- Familiarity with municipal government operations
EEO STATEMENT
The City of Spokane is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.
Salary : $80,826 - $114,569