Downtown Policy & Economic Development Lead

Downtown Seattle Association; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 72,000 - 98,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision coverage

401(k) with 5% employer match

9 paid holidays + vacation and sick/p1

Transit pass (ORCA)

Life insurance and disability coverage

EAP

Job summary

Downtown Seattle Association seeks a Policy Advisor to advance public policy, advocacy and economic development priorities for Seattle's urban core. The role involves policy research, strategic partnerships, and presenting policy recommendations to diverse stakeholders.

The position is full-time and onsite five days a week, reporting to the VP of Advocacy & Economic Development. Compensation is $85,000 annually with comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Three (3) years working in public policy, government relations, economic development, nonprofit advocacy, public affairs, or related fields.
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects, consultants, or cross-functional initiatives in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge of public policy issues impacting downtown and urban areas.
• Experience building consensus and navigating complex stakeholder relationships.
• 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 expertise

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Communication skills

Presentation skills

Diplomacy

Research skills

Job description

Downtown Seattle Association seeks a Policy Advisor to advance public policy, advocacy and economic development priorities for Seattle's urban core. The role involves policy research, strategic partnerships, and presenting policy recommendations to diverse stakeholders.

The position is full-time and onsite five days a week, reporting to the VP of Advocacy & Economic Development. Compensation is $85,000 annually with comprehensive benefits.