The Office of Economic Development’s purpose is to shape the future of Seattle’s economy and make it more equitable, prosperous, and competitive. We do this work by leading projects and making investments that open up access to economic opportunities, reduce the racial wealth gap, and encourage innovation and growth.

The department’s Key Industries and Workforce Development (KIWD) strategy focuses on creating a vibrant, balanced, and diverse economy that benefits all neighborhoods and communities that make up Seattle. This team strategically focuses on the development and growth of key industries sectors including maritime, manufacturing, technology, green economy, life sciences, health services, construction, and the creative economy. These key industries provide strong, wealth-generating economic opportunities throughout the region and careers with living wages and benefits. Additionally, KIWD focuses on talent development by working with labor, education, and employers to equip the local workforce with in-demand skills that meet industry needs, help businesses grow, and build pathways to rewarding careers.

We are looking for a manager to oversee the KIWD team, which consists of 7 senior-level staff. You will be responsible for the oversight of staff developing, communicating, and implementing policies, programs, and initiatives that attract, retain, and grow industries in their competitiveness and workforce pipelines in Seattle.

Job Responsibilities

Your top 3 priorities will be:

Planning, developing, and supporting Key Industry and Workforce Development (KIWD) team and sector strategies, in collaboration with OED leadership, KIWD team, and internal / external partners.
Operational and team development, including budget management, coordination, and team performance support.
Lead as a strategic external operator accelerating collaboration of industry sector partnerships and Citywide and regional workforce development planning.

Your other day-to-day responsibilities will include:

Leading and approving the development of key industries and workforce development policies, strategies, and recommendations
Providing oversight on KIWD’s policies, strategies, and recommendations and managing the programs that are a result
Developing and maintaining relationships with Interdepartmental, Workforce Development Council, and other high-level key industries and workforce development State, Regional, and City stakeholders in developing, recommending, and implementing policies, collaborations, and connections to create industry growth, retention, attraction, and competitiveness; and to create career pathways for youth, young adults, and adults
Reviewing, authorizing, and helping the KIWD implement policies, projects, and opportunities into the various key industries and workforce development initiatives and directives set forth by the Mayor’s Office and other officials
Serving as one of the City of Seattle’s leads in industry sector and workforce development work as it pertains to economic development, economic recovery, and economic impact
Overseeing the development and implementation of key industry programs, policies, services, etc., that are designed to meet the needs of an increasingly competitive, complex, and dynamic environments with attention to unique barriers and disparities for BIPOC and Women-owned enterprises and workforces
Developing public/private partnerships with a focus on promoting increased BIPOC representation in the private sector workforce and in engagement of and investment in diverse small businesses and key industries
Working effectively with colleagues and partners from the full range of differences reflected in our community, including but not limited to: ableness/disability, age, economic/social class, English proficiency, ethnicity, family status, gender identity and expression, national origin/citizenship status, race, religion/spiritual expression, and sexual orientation

Qualifications

You will be most successful if you have proven experience in strategic and matrix management implementing strategies for industries to retain, attract, and grow their competitiveness, workforce talent, and innovation. A commitment to listening, creating space for diverse perspectives, and acting on community-identified priorities must be at the center of your professional practice. The ability to communicate at all levels tactfully and effectively will also contribute to your success. Specifically, you’ll be prepared to take on this role with a combination of the following:

Experience and skills in:

People and team management, particularly providing coaching and supporting team growth and development
Developing goal-oriented strategies
Project management
Budget management and planning
Analytical and conceptual skills
Receiving and processing feedback coming in from different parts of the organization
Advising and consulting leadership, promoting research and data-driven decision making

The ability to:

Provide clear guidance and direction to senior-level staff
Develop, communicate, and implement strategies on a citywide scale
Foster alignment with leadership and ensure team outcomes
Cultivate and nurture complex agency, community, and political relationships to promote workforce development initiatives and strategies in the region
Engage people to create change and facilitate groups to action
Apply your interpersonal skills with internal and external collaborators

A passion for:

Advancing industry opportunities for members of underserved, underrepresented communities, including Black, Indigenous, People of Color, Women, and people of different abilities
Operating and applying a lens of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in workforce development and industry opportunities
Making living-wage jobs accessible to all
Influencing regulatory, procedural, and policy changes to support local economic job growth and reinvestment

In addition to:

Ability to pass a criminal background check

Additional Information

This position reports to the Division Director and is classified as a Manager 3, Exempt and is exempt from the Civil Service System and FLSA (not eligible for overtime). The full pay range for this discretionary pay position is $57.45 - $86.16 hourly. The pay range for this individual position has been identified as $78.00 - $82.00 hourly ($162,864.00 - $171,216.00 annually, based on 2088 hours per year).

This position offers the flexibility of a hybrid work schedule. Employees will be expected to work in-office a minimum of two days a week. Individual schedules will be based on agreement between the employee and their supervisor. Moderate local travel and possible regional travel will be required, as well as occasional evening and weekend in-person meetings.

First round interviews for this position are tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, August 6 and/or Wednesday, August 7, with the second round taking place on Wednesday, August 14, 2024. All interviews will take place virtually using Microsoft Teams.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact Lindsey King at Lindsey.King@seattle.gov to request accommodation.

We hope to have this position filled with a preferred start date of Wednesday, September 11, 2024 (this date is flexible based on the availability of the new employee).

Individuals selected to fill this position may be eligible to receive Language Premium Pay (SMC 4.20.360), which provides a $200.00 monthly stipend to qualified bilingual employees who are properly evaluated and assigned to provide direct communication in-language, interpretation, or translation services to the public on behalf of the City of Seattle.

Applicants must successfully pass a background check, which will be conducted in accordance with Seattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17. Applicants will be given a chance to explain or correct background information and provide verifiable information of good conduct and rehabilitation.

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 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.

The City 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.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Please submit your application at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/seattle/no later than 4:00pm Pacific Time on Tuesday, July 23, 2024. To be considered for this position, in addition to completing your application fully, please attach:

A PDF of your current resume which illustrates your related skills, experience, and abilities
Cover Letter explaining your interest in this opportunity with OED and your ability to perform in this role

This position is open to all applicants that meet the minimum qualifications. The department 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. OED 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 Lindsey King at Lindsey.King@seattle.gov.

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Key Industries and Workforce Development Manager