Community Development Specialist

at  City of Seattle

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Office of Economic Development (OED) champions inclusive economic growth, ensuring everyone in Seattle can enjoy quality jobs at thriving businesses in vibrant neighborhoods. The role drives economic growth through strategies and investments that open doors and remove barriers to wealth-building opportunities—especially for communities that have been systemically excluded.
Join our dedicated team as a proactive and innovative Community Development Specialist, where your efforts will create a lasting impact on Seattle’s vibrant neighborhood business districts! In this dynamic role, you will spearhead initiatives that will cultivate collaboration and strengthen community ties by engaging diverse partners, crafting inspiring district visions, and driving action plans to fruition. Your responsibilities will also encompass leading grant contracts, tracking project progress, and facilitating the entire grant application process, from outreach to selection. This is an exciting opportunity to be at the forefront of ground-breaking change in our diverse neighborhood districts!

QUALIFICATIONS

In addition to the ability to perform the work described above, you will need to possess the below required qualifications:
Baccalaureate degree in business or public administration, urban planning, social work or a similar area

Here’s more about the work:
Stakeholder Engagement & Project Development: Collaborate with neighborhood organizations to create district visions and action plans while overseeing project implementation.
Grant Management & Support: Manage grant contracts, ensure compliance with project outcomes, and assist with outreach and application reviews.
Community & Economic Development: Lead community development projects from planning to execution, including administrative oversight, budgeting, and program evaluation.
Data-Driven Impact Assessment & Storytelling: Analyze program outcomes, develop metrics to evaluate initiative effectiveness, and synthesize data into compelling narratives using visualization tools to communicate impact.
Technical Assistance: Support community groups, businesses, and organizations to ensure project and grant success.
Event Coordination: Organize peer network events, coordinate neighborhood tours, and promote local businesses through data-driven storytelling.
Strategic Outreach, Engagement & Representation: Utilize a range of communication tools and strategies to engage diverse partners and communities, increasing program visibility and participation. Represent OED at meetings, deliver presentations, and prepare various reports and proposals.
Consultant Coordination: Oversee consultant selection processes and lead their activities.

You will grow and succeed in this role if you can:

• Demonstrate experience in planning, organizing, coalition building, and nonprofit management within community development, economic development, small business support, or related fields, such as outreach, social work, real estate, or marketing.
• Develop and implement project plans that engage BIPOC, immigrant, and refugee communities, advocacy organizations, and business associations.
• Utilize a variety of communication tools to promote engagement and enhance program visibility.
• Analyze program outcomes and develop metrics for effectiveness. Transform data into engaging narratives to communicate impact effectively.
• Show a commitment to inclusivity and equity principles, creating space for diverse perspectives and pursuing just outcomes.
• Spearhead efforts to eliminate structural racism in programs, policies, or processes.
• Engage thoughtfully and communicate effectively across all levels.
• Build mutually respectful relationships and foster a collaborative problem-solving approach.
• Provide leadership and accountability in community-focused, especially BIPOC-led, organizations or initiatives.
• Learn and effectively use Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, MS Teams, PowerPoint) and relevant software such as databases, survey tools, and customer relationship management systems.

Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.