The Seattle Department of Neighborhoods’ (DON) mission is to create a thriving Seattle by engaging all communities. We provide resources and opportunities for community members to build strong communities and improve their quality of life. Through our programs and services, we meet people where they are and help neighbors develop a stronger sense of place, build closer ties, and engage with their community and city government. We ground our work in authentic relationships, invest in community-led solutions, center race and equity, and hold a deep belief that by working together we can solve any problem. Our budget for 2023 is $18M and our team is over 70 staff members.

We are engaged in a search for a Director who will provide the executive leadership, vision, and management necessary for the Department to achieve its mission and reach its goals. The Director needs to be both a trusted partner and an exceptional manager of people and organizations, both internally and externally. They will provide strategic vision, champion alignment of city government with the aspirations of community, encourage community driven solutions, and be responsible for the overall operations of the Department. Most importantly, this Director shares and works towards our vision of a thriving community: ONE SEATTLE (Download PDF reader).

The Director is responsible for executive management of the Department’s key activities:

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  Supporting community relationships and the connection Seattleites have to each and other and City government by building strong communities, engaging in mutual learning, and finding shared solutions.
• Strengthening neighborhoods by identifying, encouraging, and supporting community-driven projects.
• Amplifying the voices and work of community people-centered storytelling.
• Prospecting investment opportunities in restorative and community-centered programs that change the impact of City policies in historically harmed communities
• Provide stewardship to community places by cultivating public spaces through historic preservation and community gardens that promote connection, belonging, and well-being.
• Support the work of the Indigenous Advisory Council, Community Involvement Commission, Seattle Renters’ Commission, Seattle Youth Commission, Landmarks Preservation Board and the Historic Districts Boards and Commissions.

You will be most successful if you have served as a leader with a record of accomplishment, team management, community engagement, and implementing collaborative and innovative solutions. A commitment to listening, creating space for diverse perspectives, and the pursuit of inclusive and just outcomes must be at the center of your professional practice. Key to your success is your ability to leverage your knowledge and expertise in community relationships, organizational management, people engagement, and strategic goal implementation to achieve our vision of a thriving community: ONE SEATTLE (Download PDF reader).
You’ll be prepared to take on this role if you have:

Experience in:

• Leading people and operations to achieve measurable outcomes with humility, curiosity, and a commitment to equity
• Engaging community in the development and implementation of community-driven programs and investments
• Centering communities of color and other historically underserved communities in planning, development, and implementation of projects and/or investments
• Providing budgetary and fiduciary oversight of programming, grants, and investments
• Facilitating strategic planning and leading high visibility projects
• Fostering and developing respectful and collaborative relationships with people at all levels in the community, in the department, and across the City
• Developing and implementing department budgets, strategies, policies, and priorities in alignment with organizational strategic objectives
• Managing teams, including HR responsibilities

• Cultivate a relational culture within the workplace that embraces transparency, accountability, and collaboration
• Manage complex agency, community, and political relationships within a large and important publicly accountable organization
• Build collaborative, productive, and respectful relationships with community leaders, institutions, and organizations
• Create trusted relationships and connect with communities experiencing inequity and harm.
• Effectively communicate via reports, briefing memos, community meetings, and public speaking
• Evaluate public policy and navigate the policy-making process
• Center race and equity in processes and decisions
• Communicate effectively with elected officials and their staff
• Provide strong management and leadership for Department staff

This full-time position is authorized for relocation assistance and is not covered by the Civil Service System. The Director is expected to adjust work hours as necessary and be available for call-out in event of emergencies.

Due to the fiduciary nature of the work, job offers are contingent on review of criminal history as well as verification of information provided by the applicant as part of the application process. In compliance with Seattle's Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17, applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information.

COVID 19 Vaccination Mandate - City of Seattle employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. If hired, you will be required to submit proof of vaccination prior to your employment start date. People are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose in a two-dose series or two weeks after a single-dose vaccine. Employees may make requests for a reasonable accommodation based on a medical disability or for sincerely held religious beliefs. Philosophical, political, scientific, or sociological objections to vaccination will not be considered for an exemption or accommodation.

APPLICATION PROCESS:
To be considered you must include a resume and cover letter with your application. We encourage you to use your cover letter to discuss why you want to do this work and how you meet the qualifications for the position. Your resume should summarize the talent, experience, knowledge, and skills you bring to this role. Application material received by 4:00PM Pacific Time on Tuesday, January 3, 2023 will receive first consideration.

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, medical condition, or pregnancy. The City of Seattle 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. If you have questions, please contact Pam Inch, Senior Executive Recruiter at Pam.Inch@seattle.gov.

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.