Downtown Policy & Economic Development Advisor

Downtown Seattle Association; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision Coverage

Life Insurance

Long-Term Disability

ORCA transit card

Paid Vacation

Sick Leave (Seattle policy)

Paid Holidays plus paid personal days

Remote workdays awarded each year

First Choice Employee Assistance Plan

Flexible Spending Account

Employer-Matched 401(k) with up to 5%

Job summary

Downtown Seattle Association seeks a Policy Advisor to advance downtown Seattle’s public policy, advocacy, and economic development priorities. This onsite, full-time role reports to the VP of Advocacy & Economic Development and partners with city and county leaders, nonprofits, and businesses to drive policy solutions.

Responsibilities include research, analysis, and presenting policy recommendations, managing consultants, and representing DSA in coalitions and public forums.

Qualifications

• Three years of work in public policy, government relations, economic development, nonprofit advocacy, public affairs, or related fields.
• Ability to manage projects, consultants, or cross-functional initiatives in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to exercise strategic judgment and diplomacy in a wide variety of public situations and high-profile issues.
• Knowledge of public policy issues impacting economic development of downtown and urban areas.
• Experience building consensus and navigating complex stakeholder relationships.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Well-developed presentation and facilitation skills.

Responsibilities

• Support the implementation of DSA’s strategic plan by developing and advancing policy solutions that support a vibrant, safe, welcoming, and economically competitive downtown.
• Conduct policy research, legislative and regulatory analysis, issue tracking, and data collection activities to inform DSA’s advocacy strategies and government affairs initiatives.
• Develop and present policy recommendations, economic development initiatives, and incentive programs that promote downtown Seattle’s long-term growth.
• Analyze and present transportation, public safety, and public realm data for audiences such as public officials and community stakeholders to support policy development and advocacy initiatives.
• Build and maintain productive relationships and partnerships with public, private, and nonprofit stakeholders that advance DSA’s policy priorities, advocacy efforts, and economic development initiatives, including government agencies, elected officials, chambers of commerce, and economic development organizations.
• Manage consultants, research projects, contracts, and grant-funded initiatives related to advocacy and economic development priorities.
• Represent DSA at meetings, public hearings, task forces, coalitions, and community forums, providing public comment when appropriate.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Policy research

Advocacy

Stakeholder management

Public policy analysis

Economic development

Written communication

Verbal communication

Presentation and facilitation

Project management

Job description

Downtown Seattle Association seeks a Policy Advisor to advance downtown Seattle’s public policy, advocacy, and economic development priorities. This onsite, full-time role reports to the VP of Advocacy & Economic Development and partners with city and county leaders, nonprofits, and businesses to drive policy solutions.

Responsibilities include research, analysis, and presenting policy recommendations, managing consultants, and representing DSA in coalitions and public forums.