Library Performance Analyst and Policy Advisor

Position Description

Invitation to Compete #15-26: Library Performance Analyst and Policy Advisor

Institutional and Strategic Advancement Department

Central Library, 1000 4th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104

Regular, FLSA-exempt, benefitted, full-time position (80 hours per two-week pay period)

Salary range: $139,311.36 – $169,253.28 annually

The hours for this position may includes weekdays, weekends and evenings, including working every other weekend and one night per week. The schedule for this position is subject to change based on the Library’s current operational need.

This position is open to the public and to The Seattle Public Library’s employees. This recruitment will remain open until filled. Please read the How to Apply section of this bulletin for more information. Applications submitted in NEOGOV by 5:00 p.m. on March 27, 2026 will receive first consideration.

Overview

The Seattle Public Library’s mission is to bring people, information and ideas together to enrich lives and build community. We view Seattle as a city where imagination and opportunity continue to thrive. Since 1891, we have grown from a single reading room in Pioneer Square to a world-class library system with 27 locations.

The Library works every day to foster and support a healthy city and a healthy democracy. We do this work guided by the principles of intellectual freedom, literacy and the love of learning, racial equity, privacy and confidentiality, respect for the community, strong partnerships and innovation. We are an active and committed partner in the City of Seattle's Race and Social Justice Initiative.

Library employees are highly regarded by the public for their knowledge, quality of service and caring. As a workplace, we value respectful and transparent communication, partnership and engagement. We are enriched individually and organizationally because of our diversity and growth mindset. We take time to recognize and celebrate the achievements of others.

Position Summary:

The Strategy and Performance Policy Advisor plays a critical role in advancing transparency, accountability, and strategic alignment across The Seattle Public Library as well as identifying emerging organizational needs and service directions. The range of duties is broad and may include, but is not limited to program development and evaluation, staffing and resource analysis using qualitative and quantitative statistical measures, report writing and presenting findings verbally to diverse audiences including Library and City policy-makers.

This position supports organizational performance monitoring and reporting on Library projects, programs and initiatives and tracks the progress of Levy commitments and deliverables. This position connects the work of the Levy to the Library’s Strategic Plan, requiring exceptional analytical and project management skills to ensure accurate and timely reporting, effective communication with patrons, government agencies and partner organizations to support transparency, accountability and stewardship of public investment.

As the Subject Matter Expert on the Library Levy, this position supports the ongoing renewal of levies, which are currently on a 7-year cycle. Given the importance of the levy as a funding source to the Library system, this role is critical to the development of future levy packages. The Library Levy is a significant city program, with a high public profile developed collaboratively by the Library Board of Trustees, Mayor and City Council. The 2019 Levy funds increased Library hours and access, provided more books and materials, improved public technology and online services and supported increased building maintenance. Working closely with the Library’s Senior Management Team and subject matter experts across the organization, this position will periodically collaborate across divisions to analyze operating and capital funding mechanisms, develop and present policy and financing options and recommendations for longer-term Library funding to the Director of Institutional and Strategic Advancement, the Chief Librarian and Executive Director and Library Board of Trustees.

Under the Direction of the Strategy and Performance Supervisor, this position works closely with the Senior Management Team, Division Directors and the Strategy and Performance team to develop and monitor Levy impacts and outcomes, assist in the development and continuous improvement of organizational performance metrics and support the implementation of the 2024-2033 Strategic Plan. This includes managing the collection and reporting of operational statistics, coordinating Levy and Strategic Plan communications and reporting with the Library’s Communications Office and Marketing and Online Services team and developing annual reports for the Library Board of Trustees, Mayor, City Council and Seattle residents.

The Strategy and Performance Policy Advisor manages and/or conducts system or organizational analysis and design, including the development and implementation of projects involving considerable scope and complexity and may represent the Library with related city agencies and other jurisdictions. This position may lead or co-lead division or department-wide projects, community engagement processes, and/or qualitative and quantitative analysis involving other city departments or library organizations to support effective and innovative implementation and operation of priority initiatives.

Job Responsibilities

Communication, Report Writing and Presentation

Collaborate with the Community Partnerships and Government Relations Manager to draft and review official correspondence. This includes preparing briefing materials, public statements and responses to inquiries about the Library Levy and Strategic Plan from elected officials and the Board of Trustees.
Lead or support the preparation of brief, high-impact presentations, talking points, one-pagers, and briefing materials.
Make presentations to the management teams within the library as well as the Library Board of Trustees, Mayor’s Office and City Council regarding Strategic Plan and Library Levy objectives, deliverables, timelines, resources and outcome measures.

Prepare data-driven presentations and dashboards for use by the Director of Institutional and Strategic Advancement, Senior Management Team and strategic plan implementation committees

Analysis, Evaluation and Project Management

Conduct research and analysis that informs options and decision-making on high profile, controversial and or high-impact changes to Library strategy, policy, operations or facilities.
Facilitate or coordinate cross-functional or cross- jurisdictional teams to manage time-limited projects, programs or initiatives to improve efficiency and accountability and support the goals of the Library and the City of Seattle.
Recommend evaluation methodology and project outcome development for projects, programs and initiatives across the organization.

Analyze operational data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement in and service delivery and resource utilization.

Assist with the financial and policy review of proposals, grant-making and funding opportunities to support the outcomes and impacts identified in the Strategic Plan and Library Levy.

Organizational Performance Monitoring and Support

Support levy and strategic planning processes, including development of long-term goals and annual work plans.

Manage the collection and reporting of data related to library statistical measures.

Collaborate with department leads to set measurable goals and track progress of projects, programs and initiatives.
Design and maintain internal performance measurement systems and reporting frameworks to support oversight and accountability of levy and strategic plan projects, including quarterly and annual reports.
Collaborate with the Head of Finance and Accounting and division directors in the development and management of systems and tools to monitor revenue expenditures, allocations and expenses related to the resource programming and evaluation cycle of levy and strategic plans projects.

Ensure compliance with reporting requirements for public funding, grants, and levy-related initiatives.

Perform other duties as assigned that support the overall objective of the position and organization.

Qualifications

Candidates interested in this position must have experience that demonstrates the following knowledge, skills and abilities:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration, finance, communications or related field or a combination of education, training, and experience with experience in high level analytical thinking or strategic advising.

Minimum of five years of professional experience and/or combination of education and training, including:

Experience with modern management principles, knowledge of and experience with basic accountancy, statistical analysis, various reporting formats and with governmental budget development and reporting processes. Experience with the City of Seattle’s financial management software and voter-approved funding measures preferred.

Experience managing projects including making recommendations and utilizing qualitative and quantitative techniques for researching and measuring program outcomes and organizational effectiveness. Knowledge of equity-centered and inclusive engagement practices based on Human Centered Design principles.

Experience negotiating contracts and managing consultant relationships. Ability to plan and facilitate meetings, engage in critical thinking and relationship-building, and lead work groups through analysis of complex issues.

Demonstrated work experience with project management tools, intermediate to advanced skills with Microsoft suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, etc.) and PowerBI dashboard development. Strong analytical and data visualization capabilities and the ability to manage complex projects and meet deadlines are a must.
Ability to recognize challenges and assess situations, to gather relevant information from a variety of sources, and to take appropriate action.
Excellent organizational skills, the ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize workload to meet deadlines. Ability to deal with changing priorities and to shift quickly between projects.
Familiarity with the use of data monitoring, reporting and accounting systems, and ability to provide clear, timely information to project managers and Library leadership. Excellent written and verbal communication skills with technical and non-technical audiences, including the ability to make persuasive public presentations and train staff.

Commitment to public service and working as part of a team within a small unit and across a large organization. Strong customer service and interpersonal skills are essential. Ability to communicate effectively at all levels of the organization and with a diverse work force as well as with partner agencies.

Management or administrative experience in an urban library system or municipal government agency is preferred.

Additional Information

How to Apply

Candidates who meet the qualifications are asked to submit the following items in NEOGOV by 5:00pm on March 27, 2026 will receive first consideration. Your application will not be considered if these items are missing or incomplete.

Complete online application.
A cover letter that describes how your experience and skills align with the stated job responsibilities and qualifications. Please let us know why you are interested in this position.
Current resume that summarizes relevant education, professional experience, training and skills.

Applicants will be screened for competitiveness, completeness, and written communication skills. Initial screening will be based on a review of application materials. The employment history detailed in your application materials MUST validate/support your responses to the supplemental questions. If your responses cannot be validated, you will not proceed to the next steps of the review/selection process. The most competitive candidates will be invited to participate in a series of one or more interviews.

Benefits and Salary Information
The full salary range for this position is $139,311.36 – $169,253.28 annually.

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

Additional Information
If you have questions regarding this bulletin or employment at The Seattle Public Library, please send an email to job.applications@spl.org. The Library promotes diversity and inclusion in employment. If accommodations are needed during the selection process, please contact us.

Please keep in mind that job offers are contingent on a review of criminal history as well as verification of information provided by the applicant as part of the application process.

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.

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