The Department of Finance and Administrative Services (FAS) seeks a proactive and strategic leader to serve as the Labor Equity Program Manager (Strategic Advisor 2, General Government) for the Labor Equity team in the Purchasing and Contracting (PC) division.
As the Labor Equity Program Manager, you will help lead the City’s Priority Hire program. The Priority Hire program promotes access to construction careers for residents of economically distressed ZIP codes, Black, Indigenous, People of Color, women and others who are underrepresented in the construction industry. This position has a high focus on racial equity and inclusion in alignment with the City's Race and Social Justice Initiative (RSJI).
Your role will include managing Priority Hire community investments, performance evaluation, contract management and committee oversight. Priority Hire community investments include developing and fostering relationships with community-based organizations that recruit, train and help retain underrepresented workers in the construction industry. The role will also include supporting major program initiatives, Priority Hire performance management, program operations and stakeholder engagement to fulfill our mandate to create access to construction careers for women, people of color and others with social and economic disadvantages. The position supervises at least two experienced staff that support the program.
ABOUT US:
The Department of Finance and Administrative Services (FAS) is often the public's first interaction with the City of Seattle, operating as a customer-focused front door that assists with everything from paying utilities or reporting a pothole to requesting public information or even adopting a new pet.
The 500-plus employees of FAS span across 10 divisions and work behind-the-scenes providing critical functions, like managing 120 City facilities—including police and fire stations—overseeing the City's neighborhood customer service centers and Customer Service Bureau, and making sure minority-owned businesses can equitably compete for City contracts. No matter the need, FAS is here—at your service.
- Lead the development, implementation, and supervision of Priority Hire community investments.
- Oversee capacity building and technical assistance support to community-based organizations who provide recruitment, pre-apprenticeship training and retention services under contract with Labor Equity.
- Manage solicitation processes (such as Requests for Proposals (RFPs), contract negotiation, and preparation for Labor Equity team.
- Develop and implement fiscal management strategies, like partnering with other public agencies to maximize resource utilization and achieve efficiencies. Direct billing and fiscal monitoring.
- Manage related consultant contracts as needed.
- Supervise the following staff:
- Program Coordinator who is responsible for developing and implementing contract procurement and administration.
- Program Analyst who is responsible for workforce reporting, evaluation, program development and communications.
- Oversee program evaluation including directing the assessment of policy and investment impacts, project reporting, formulating research objectives, and data management.
- Oversee Priority Hire Advisory Committee planning, membership management, consultant contract management, and coordination with the Mayor’s Office, King County and Port of Seattle.
- Provide leadership in advocacy, collaboration and coordination efforts with other city departments, other agencies such as regional public owners group (RPO), community groups, labor unions, training providers and people impacted by our policies and investments to improve workforce equity outcomes in the construction industry.
- Develop training, onboarding plans, and performance evaluation for direct reports in collaboration with staff.
- Coordinate with PC’s Contract Compliance team on shared initiatives and procedures.
- Contribute to the development of special projects and proposals as needed.
Required Qualifications: In addition to the skills and experience mentioned below, a successful applicant will have experience that reflects a commitment to creating fair and equitable outcomes and has:
Education: Bachelor's degree in public or business administration, labor studies, human services, political science, social sciences, or related field. The City may accept other combinations of education, training, and experience to meet this requirement, including apprenticeship.
Experience: Substantial experience in program or project management, performance evaluation, analytical research-oriented work, handling government contracting issues at a public, private, or community organization, typically gained through five or more years of progressively responsible assignments.
Other required skills include the ability to communicate effectively in a large, complex, and diverse organization and with many external stakeholders requiring attention to detail, customer service, technical support, and facilitation skills.
The most successful candidates will possess the following:
The ideal candidate is an out-of-the-box, inclusive, results-oriented individual and will have experience managing and supporting staff while fostering an inclusive workplace culture. This person will have experience moving an organization forward in at least one of these areas:
- Collaborative strategy and analysis.
- Partnering with various public and community partners.
- Advancing race and social justice initiatives.
The ideal candidate will have experience building strong teams and fostering an inclusive workplace culture with the ability to navigate difficult conversations and support others to grow and lead.
Work Environment
This position requires a minimum of three days per week of onsite work. Overtime work may be required based on business needs. Alternative Work Arrangements and hybrid telework schedules for work conducted in a normal office environment may be considered and will be based on operational needs and consistency with City policies.
This position is classified as a Strategic Advisor 2, General Government. The full salary range for this job classification is $54.60 - $81.93 per hour. The starting salary will depend upon qualifications and expected learning curve. This position is FLSA exempt (not eligible for overtime) and is Civil Service.
Application Process
Applications are reviewed after the posting closes. You must submit the following items to be considered for this position no later than 4:00pm Pacific Time on the scheduled closed date.
- Completed NEOGOV online application.
- Cover letter describing how your skills and experience align with the stated job responsibilities and qualifications.
- Current resume indicating relevant experience, knowledge, skills, and education.
Your application may be rejected as incomplete if you do not include the relevant information in the application. Cover letters and/or resumes are not accepted in lieu of a completed application. Applications and/or Supplemental Questionnaires that state “see my resume” or “see my personnel file” are considered incomplete and will not be accepted.
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.
Why work at the City of Seattle?
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 that 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 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
Who May Apply: This position is open to all current City employees 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.
