Equitable Development Initiative Planning and Community Development Specialist

Position 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.

Job Responsibilities

THE JOB

The Equitable Development Initiative (EDI) addresses displacement and the unequal distribution of opportunities to sustain thriving communities across Seattle. The EDI funds and advances community-led development for ownership projects that reduce displacement pressures and promote inclusive growth. EDI grantees create vibrant cultural anchors, foster economic opportunity, and help increase access to jobs, services, and amenities that help people and communities thrive.

The EDI team is recruiting a Planning & Community Development Specialist. We are looking for people with a planning background who want to apply their training toward supporting equity-based, anti-displacement work.

This will include:

• Coordinating and supporting advisory board meetings
• Managing consultant contracts for the advisory board facilitator and other program-related investments
• Providing support to the EDI team’s project managers and the finance administrative analyst

To be successful, you are committed to:

• Work that stops the displacement of historically underserved and underinvested communities
• Contributing to strategies in support of those whose ability to stay and thrive in Seattle is most impacted
• Developing and maintaining positive relationships
• Listening and collaborating with people who have lived experience with displacement

To be effective in this role, you have:

• Strong project management and organizational skills
• Experience coordinating public meetings, including supporting agenda creation, Board communications, scheduling, technical support, meeting minutes, and reporting
• Paid attention to details without losing track of how they integrate with other work
• Recognized what needed to be done, confirmed your analysis, and acted
• Learned quickly and adapted when priorities changed
• Second or multiple language skills (not required, but helpful)

Qualifications

In addition to the skills and abilities listed above, this job requires the following or a combination of experience, training, and education that provides an equivalent background to perform the job:

Three years of experience in planning and research related to land use, urban economics, human services, environmental issues, conservation, or other work directly related to City planning and development activities

or

Two years of experience in planning and research related to land use, urban economics, human services, environmental issues, conservation, or other work directly related to City planning and development activities, and an associate’s degree in planning, urban design, environmental studies, public administration, or a related field

or

One year of experience in planning and research related to land use, urban economics, human services, environmental issues, conservation, or other work directly related to City planning and development activities, and a bachelor’s degree in planning, urban design, environmental studies, public administration, or related field

Additional Information

This job is classified as a Planning & Development Specialist 1, and the salary range is $44.01 - $51.29. Personnel Rules will determine the salary placement of current regular City employees. New employees start at Step 1 in this 5-step salary schedule. These positions are represented by a Collective Bargaining Agreement with PROTEC 17 – Professionals Unit.

This position offers the flexibility of a hybrid work schedule. Individual schedules will be based on agreement between the employee and management.

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

• 
  A PDF of your current resume
• A cover letter explaining how your experience, skills, and values align with this job

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.

Why Work for the City of Seattle? At the City of Seattle, public service is more than a job; it’s a chance to shape the future and make a meaningful difference in the lives of everyone who works, lives, or plays in our city. With 12,000 employees across 40+ departments and 1,100 job titles, we are united by a common purpose: to create a Seattle that is vibrant and welcoming for all. Whatever your role, you’ll help power a forward-looking city that leads by example — inclusive, innovative, equitable, and community-focused — while joining a diverse team committed to solving challenges and making a lasting impact together. Join us in building a Seattle that thrives!

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. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at:https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans

This position is open to applicants who meet the minimum qualifications. The Office of Planning & Community Development 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 Office of Planning and Community Development 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.

Accommodation:

Individuals with disabilities will be provided with reasonable accommodations to participate in the job application or interview process, perform essential job functions, and receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact Kate.Moore@seattle.gov with questions or to request accommodations.

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.