Equitable Development Project Manager and Strategic Advisor

City of Seattle; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in urban planning is seeking an Equitable Development Strategic Advisor & Project Manager. This exciting role involves managing a diverse portfolio of equitable development projects, ensuring compliance, and providing technical assistance to community organizations. The position emphasizes the importance of anti-racist and equity-based work, requiring a candidate who can navigate complex project environments while fostering authentic relationships with marginalized communities. Join a forward-thinking team dedicated to promoting fair access to housing, jobs, and cultural amenities in Seattle, and be part of a mission that truly makes a difference in people's lives.

Benefits

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Vacation Leave

Sick Leave

Long-term Disability Insurance

Qualifications

• Experience in urban planning with a focus on equitable development.
• Strong project management skills in complex environments.

Responsibilities

• Manage equitable development projects and provide technical assistance.
• Draft contracts and monitor compliance and performance.

Skills

Community Planning

Project Management

Policy Analysis

Relationship Management

Agility and Self-Direction

Job description

THE OFFICE

The Office of Planning & Community Development (OPCD) ensures that City departments are aligned and coordinated in planning and advancing equitable development for Seattle’s future growth. OPCD is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. The fields of urban planning and community development have often failed to reflect the experiences and identities of people affected by development decisions and outcomes, including Black, Indigenous, People of Color, Immigrants, Refugees, People with Disabilities, and LGBTQ+ people. We strongly encourage people with these identities or from other marginalized communities to apply.

THE EQUITABLE DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE (EDI)

The Equitable Development Initiative (EDI) addresses displacement and unequal opportunity distribution in Seattle, aiming to foster community leadership and promote fair access to housing, jobs, education, parks, and cultural amenities. Born from the vision of community organizations, EDI responds to displacement pressures and historical lack of investment in diverse and marginalized communities, which have faced enduring discrimination and unequal opportunities.

THE JOB

The City of Seattle's Equitable Development Initiative (EDI) is currently seeking an Equitable Development Strategic Advisor & Project Manager with expertise in planning and community development. This role involves managing a diverse portfolio of equitable development projects, encompassing funding underwriting, grantee contracting and closings, project capacity building and technical assistance, and project management and contract compliance of grantee commercial real estate development efforts.

Key responsibilities include:

• Drafting contracts, negotiating scopes of work, and monitoring contract budgets, deliverables, compliance, and performance.
• Providing technical assistance to EDI-funded community organizations, including expertise on permitting, zoning, and loan underwriting.
• Performing analysis to inform EDI program strategy, continuous improvement, and policy recommendations.
• Delivering tailored presentations and briefings to leaders and elected officials as a strategic subject matter lead.
• Supporting EDI Fund investment processes, including drafting request for proposals (RFPs), facilitating community review evaluation panels, and analyzing input to make funding recommendations.
• Contributing to EDI outreach efforts and cultivating constructive relationships with community-based organizations, particularly those historically underserved and underinvested in.
• Supporting the administration and facilitation of the EDI Community Advisory Board, working closely with the entire EDI team to advance equitable development initiatives in Seattle.

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN THE ROLE

Community Planning and Development:

• Develop and advance inclusive growth and anti-displacement strategies that support the cultural preservation, stabilization, and economic empowerment of marginalized communities.
• Demonstrate understanding of anti-racist and equity-based work in the context of urban planning, advancing anti-displacement goals, community capacity-building projects, community development, or investment of public funds to address and improve community outcomes.

Equitable Development Project Management:

• Complex project and budget management in an environment where navigating ambiguous, complex, competing, or nuanced interests is required.
• Manage equitable grant and contract-related projects supporting community-capacity building or equitable real estate development.
• Lead real estate transactions, develop strategies and alternatives, conduct independent analysis of risks, review due diligence documentation, assess budgets, and draft, negotiate, and execute contracts for scope of work and deliverables.
• Facilitate working meetings, discussions, planning efforts, or stakeholder, community, or partner briefings to identify and resolve issues of risk, legal compliance, public policy, or public expectation and trust.

Relationship Management and Collaboration:

• Develop and sustain authentic relationships with individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds, including community partners, organizations, property owners, residents, elected officials, and other stakeholders.
• Collaborate with the Equitable Development Initiative (EDI) Advisory Board to support and advance equitable development and facilitate Board meetings and work planning throughout the year.

Policy Analysis and Strategy Development:

• Conduct policy and issue analysis and develop strategies and recommendations.
• Support efforts to facilitate or leverage investments for public benefit and/or improve community outcomes.
• Conduct briefings with leaders and elected officials that deliver compelling analysis, strategic insight, and well-considered recommendations.

Agility and Self-Direction:

• Work with agility and self-direction.
• Learn quickly and adapt when priorities change.
• Pay attention to details while understanding their integration with other work.
• Recognize what needs to be done and be proactive in seeking support when needed.

A successful applicant will have experience that reflects a commitment to equitable development. This experience should be complemented by demonstrated ability in a combination of the following areas:

• Understanding anti-racist and equity-based work in the context of urban planning.
• Nurturing and facilitating effective partnerships and relationships with communities, grantees, non-profit organizations, service providers, etc.
• Meeting facilitation.
• Providing direct support, assistance, and relationship management to community grantees and EDI contracted partners.
• Managing grants and contracts, reviewing paperwork, tracking invoices, and communicating effectively and respectfully with both internal and external partners.
• Real estate transactions, project development assistance, crafting developing strategies and alternatives.
• Assessing and working within policy or regulatory-driven environments and managing compliance.

This job is classified as a Strategic Advisor 1, General Government and is covered by the Civil Service System. The salary range for this classification is $50.08 – $75.12, the target salary for this job is $60.00.

Work Location and Hours: This position offers the flexibility of a hybrid work schedule. Individual schedules will be based on agreement between the employee and management. This position may occasionally involve work on nights and weekends for meetings and events, but typically follows a standard 8-5 or 9-6 work hours at the EDI offices in Downtown Seattle.

We offer 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 our website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans.

The City of Seattle recognizes every City employee must play a role in ending institutional and structural racism. Our culture is the result of our behavior, our personal commitments, and the ways that we courageously share our perspectives and encourage others to do the same. To cultivate an antiracist culture, we seek employees who will engage in the Race and Social Justice Initiative by working to dismantle racist policies and procedures, unlearn the way things have always been done, and provide equitable processes and services.

In addition, to completing the application at www.governmentjobs.com/careers/seattle fully, please attach:

• A cover letter expressing your interest in the position and the personal or professional work you have done which is most closely aligned.
• A PDF of your current resume.

Questions? Please contact Kate Moore at [e-mail].

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