Chief of Staff (Executive 2)

Seattle Department of Transportation; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 92,000 - 152,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation & sick leave

Benefits package including medical/dl/

Job summary

The Seattle Department of Transportation is seeking a strategic Chief of Staff (Executive 2) to lead the Director’s Office, coordinate information flow, and align initiatives with city priorities. You’ll work across government relations, communications, and policy to support the Director and Mayor, while ensuring compliance with laws and official processes.

Ideal candidates bring 10+ years in management within large organizations, strong collaboration skills, and a track record of delivering

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (Communications/Public Administration/Business Administration) or equivalent.
• 10+ years of management and leadership experience in communications, public relations, governmental affairs, or related fields.
• 10+ years of management experience in a large-scale organization.
• Current Washington State driver’s license or mobility equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Oversees all facets of the Director’s Office, fulfilling Mayor and City Council expectations and observing laws, policies, regulations and operating agreements.
• Drives key initiatives and sets legislative, external affairs and government relations agenda for SDOT.
• Represents the Director with key stakeholders.
• Ensures the Director is prepared with information for meetings and events.
• Leads strategies and operational plans for external affairs including government relations, public relations, and communications.
• Coordinates information flow to the Mayor and City Council and maintains vital relationships.
• Leads enterprise strategy development with the Executive Leadership Team and formulates policy/program recommendations.
• Identifies and manages critical issues with public impact for the Director and senior staff.
• Support department goals in promoting diversity and social justice.

Skills

Leadership

Communications

Public relations

Government relations

Strategic planning

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Administration, Business Administration, or related field

Job description

Join us in shaping Seattle’s streets!

At the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), we don’t just move people—we connect communities, build safer streets, and create a more sustainable city.

Position Description

With a bold vision for the future, we’re tackling big challenges: making travel safer, cutting carbon emissions, and ensuring reliable, affordable transportation for everyone—no matter who they are or where they live.

Seattle is growing fast, and we’re growing with it. Thanks to a historic voter‑approved $1.55 billion investment in transportation in 2024, we’re building sidewalks, fixing bridges, and improving transit connections to keep our city moving.

We’re a team of problem solvers, planners, engineers, communicators, and field crews—bringing purpose‑driven work to life. Now, we need passionate, innovative talent like you. Let’s build a Seattle that works for everyone—together!

Position Overview

The Chief of Staff (under the City’s classification title of Executive 2) provides strategic leadership and direction for the Office of the Director. The position is responsible for overseeing and managing the flow and exchange of information, streamlining interactions with key constituents, and driving initiatives on behalf of the Director.

Job Responsibilities

• Oversees all facets of the Director’s Office, fulfilling Mayor and City Council expectations and observing City, State and Federal laws, policies, regulations and operating agreements.
• Drives key initiatives and sets legislative, external affairs and government relations agenda for SDOT.
• Represents the Director with key stakeholders.
• Ensures the Director is prepared with the information required for meetings, conferences and other scheduled events.
• Leads the development of strategies and operational plans for all external affairs including business and community relationships; government and legislative affairs; and public relations and communications to provide a cohesive and comprehensive perspective of the agency.
• Oversees the flow and content of information to the Mayor and the City Council and assists the Director in maintaining those vital relationships.
• Oversees and coordinates integrated policy analysis and strategic consultation to the Director on major issues affecting the agency.
• Leads enterprise strategy development in partnership with the Executive Leadership Team (ELT); oversees ELT meeting structures and agendas; and collaborates with ELT, senior staff, and subject matter experts to formulate policy and program recommendations that support and enhance city‑wide goals.
• Identifies and manages critical issues that have public impact and require the attention of the Director and other senior staff.
• Support department goals in promoting diversity and social justice.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Administration, Business Administration, or related field.
• Ten (10)+ years in management and leadership experience in communications, public relations, governmental affairs, and/or related fields.
• Ten (10)+ years in management experience in a large‑scale organization.
• Current Washington State driver’s license or evidence of equivalent mobility.

OR: A combination of education, training and/or experience that provides an equivalent background to perform the job.

Successful candidates will possess many of these additional qualifications or be able to demonstrate comparable experience and expertise:

• Highly accountable, people‑oriented leader who cultivates an inclusive and welcoming culture, has a passion for creating environments where people can do their best work and is an effective collaborator, relationship builder, and communicator.
• Results‑oriented leader that can transform strategy into operational goals and objectives and produce measurable outcomes.
• Ability to embrace and celebrate the culture, diversity, community values, and all that Seattle represents.
• A strategic mindset and a deep understanding of executive‑level teams.
• Experience serving elected officials and the public and working across department lines.
• Experience working on inter‑governmental relations and with management staff from other agencies.
• Possess good judgment, creative and strategic thinking, the ability to develop program plans, and increase productivity through cost efficiencies and system improvements.
• Experience in local governments and a commitment to progressive transportation policies and programs.
• Ability to handle sensitive issues with diplomacy and poise.
• Knowledge of public sector organizational practices, including labor relations and public works contracting.
• Provide performance management through feedback and coaching and address performance issues in a timely and responsible manner.
• Effectively work in a multi‑cultural workplace with a diverse customer base.

Work Environment/Physical Demands

• Most work is performed in a normal City work/office environment with hybrid options at this time.
• Occasional offsite meetings and field visits may be required.
• May require overnight travel and working nights and weekends to attend public meetings/community events.

Additional Information

Offers of employment are contingent on verification of information provided by the applicant as part of the application process, including background check.

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 with an opportunity to explain or correct background information.

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

The full salary range for this position is $66.88 - $110.35 per hour.

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 about employee benefits is available on the City’s website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits.

Who May Apply:

This position is open to all candidates 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 Department encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, veterans and those with diverse life experiences.

Accommodations for people with disabilities are provided on request.

The City is a Drug Free Workplace.