Director, Affordable Housing Policy & Planning

City-of-Seattle; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 128,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Seattle Office of Housing seeks a Director of Policy & Planning to lead affordable housing policy analysis, planning, and data-driven evaluation. You will guide major program investments, craft legislative strategy, and engage diverse stakeholders to advance RSJI goals.

The role demands strategic thinking, strong communication, and the ability to supervise a diverse team while shaping policy from concept to implementation.

Qualifications

• Experience leading housing equity policy planning and evaluation.
• Strong advocacy, policy, and program development understanding.
• Proven ability to lead high-priority initiatives.
• Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Stewardship of public trust/resources.

Responsibilities

• Supervising the work of the team that consists of four Strategic Advisors and two Data Analysts, by organizing, planning, prioritizing, and assigning work, monitoring individual and group performance for productivity, timeliness, and quality of work, and providing honest feedback and evaluation of performance.
• Collaborating with external agencies and internal teams and departments; representing and speaking on behalf of the Office of Housing; making recommendations and decisions; and providing input on housing policy and investments.
• Developing strategy and content and delivering presentations to Mayor’s Office, Council, committees, community groups, and other key partners related to housing programs.
• Serving as or supervising work of the Office of Housing City Council liaison, ensuring legislation is well supported through city processes, and ensuring Council deliverables are achieved.
• Resolving and working through difficult, complex, or controversial situations through direct communication, problem-solving, and diplomacy. Collaborate across workgroups, divisions, departments, and with outside parties on individual cases and general policy and procedural matters.
• Utilizing efficient processes and ensuring sound internal controls; making recommendations for improvements to processes and procedures and overseeing implementation. Coordinate program objectives and project delivery with OH Director, senior leaders, and partners.
• Overseeing policy development, planning, research and analysis, and reporting requirements to inform discussions and decision-making, and to assess existing and new housing investments, programs, and policies, and to inform future changes.
• Leading strategic communications and messaging in support of the Office's policies and programs by creating presentations, documents, online materials, and other communication tools.
• Serving as primary steward for the Office as work evolves, from policy concepts to implementation to reporting and strategic storytelling.
• Identifying, analyzing, and pursuing new program opportunities and collaborating strategically across OH teams, City departments, external agencies, and partners.

Skills

Leadership

Writing

Public speaking

Presenting information

Critical thinking

Policy analysis

Political acumen

Collaboration

Job description

The City of Seattle Office of Housing seeks a Director of Policy & Planning to lead affordable housing policy analysis, planning, and data-driven evaluation. You will guide major program investments, craft legislative strategy, and engage diverse stakeholders to advance RSJI goals.

The role demands strategic thinking, strong communication, and the ability to supervise a diverse team while shaping policy from concept to implementation.