Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) is a national leader and innovator in the services and programs we provide to our residents who enjoy our public spaces such as parks, community centers, specialty gardens and swimming pools. Our mission is to equip employees and the public for well-being as we support healthy people, a thriving environment and vibrant community. We provide safe and accessible spaces for residents and visitors to work, recreate, rejuvenate and enhance quality of life and wellness for children, teenagers, adults and seniors. Delivering excellent customer service to all is a core value.
Seattle Parks and Recreation commits to advancing equity and social justice in our department and in every neighborhood by growing a dynamic and diverse workforce, developing strong investments, growth opportunities and beneficial partner strategies as we acknowledge and pledge to close disparities created by historical practices which often hindered workforce development, environmental justice, access to quality open spaces, programs and facilities.
SPR’s Human Resources Division has a mission to provide expert support in attracting, developing, and retaining a quality workforce where our greatest asset – our People - serve, succeed, and thrive. The Race and Social Justice Initiative (RSJI) is the City of Seattle’s long-term commitment to end institutional and structural racism and achieve racial equity in Seattle. The SPR Equity & Engagement Unit (EEU) was established to move this work forward at Seattle Parks & Recreation. The EEU does this work in three areas of focus: data, community engagement, and education.
This position will serve as a key advisor to the organization, leading the department-wide equity and social justice work in the focus area of data (co-design, collection, integrity, analysis, interpretation, literacy, etc.) working closely with SPR staff, other City departments, government partners, and community organizations. Additionally, this position will serve as the designated Equity Lead for our Public Affairs, Planning & Community Development, and Policy & Finance Divisions. This position will reside in the SPR Human Resources department.
- Build Equity Data systems & Culture: As a member of the Equity and Engagement unit, this position manages, oversees, and provides strategic leadership and direction of the department’s data-focused RSJI work. They will leverage processes, tools and guidelines to carry out their responsibilities as well as introduce changes to our current policies, program, practices, and measurement systems to drive RSJ and equity in the workplace and with our customers.
- Data Systems: Support the design, implementation, and management of high-profile equity initiatives such as equitable budgeting, racial equity toolkits and Women & Minority Business Enterprises (WMBE).
- Access & Data Literacy: Consult and advise supervisors, managers, department Change Team, and employees on department-wide equity and RSJ work including anti-racist practices, trauma informed care strategies, and on-going data informed education, design, and development.
- Research & Engagement: Develop and manage qualitative and quantitative assessment strategies for related programs, data collection, and provide report and analysis on progress and impact of program and content. Conduct qualitative and quantitative research, focus groups, data analysis, report synthesis and dissemination with and for stakeholders.
- Strategy: Inform and advise on department-wide program policies and processes that have significant long-term impacts on employee retention, engagement, moral, workplace culture, and safety.
- Communications & Reports: Develop and create related accessible multimodal communication and reports for department-wide distribution, including high-level stakeholder groups.
- Contracting & Budgets: Understand, communicate, recommend and forecast related budget needs for E&E unit, including managing consultant and vendor contracts.
- Consulting: Make recommendations to department leaders about how to integrate antiracist practices and equity into programs, policies, and practices with a focus on data.
Equity & Engagement Team Shared Roles:
- Represent the City and Seattle Parks & Recreation at meetings and in workgroups/teams specific to RSJ, workforce equity,data analytics, antiracist and equitable practices.
- Act as a technical expert and advisor in addressing workplace equity and RSJ – helping department leaders think about how to operationalize their vision and change their culture.
- Project and recommend strategies for the department budget that influences decisions around how divisions could allocate resources equitably and using an anti-racist lens in support of employees forthe two divisions they support (Public Affairs, Planning & Community Development, and Policy & Finance Divisions).
- Create and develop related reports, communications, marketing materials, templates, workplans, and presentations, collaborating with relevant partners and teams.
Minimum Required Qualifications:
Requires 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; and a baccalaureate degree in planning, urban design, environmental studies, public administration or related field (or a combination of education and/or experience and/or training which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class).
In addition to the above stated minimum qualifications, we are seeking candidates who demonstrate the following:
- Technical expertise and competencies in the areas of critical race theory, race & social justice theory and principles, equitable practices, data (collection, integrity, analysis, interpretation, etc.), community engagement, design, change management, project/program management, coaching, collaboration, relationship building, emotional intelligence, and communication.
- Experience conducting mixed methods qualitative and quantitative research,, focus groups, data analysis, report synthesis, data literacy education, and dissemination with and for impacted diverse populations and decision makers.
- Experience communicating anti-racist strategies and equity data analysis to diverse stakeholders. This position solicits feedback, codesigned data strategies, and reports out to all levels of the department.
- Multilingual and multicultural experience engaging in communication and culturally relevant engagement with diverse audiences in accessible and respectful ways.
- Comfortable delivering communication with a variety of audiences and trains/facilitates various sized groups from 2-3 team members to large group facilitations, including department directors and executives.
- Skilled in facilitating difficult conversations and developing this skill in others (equity advisors, RSJ facilitators, leadership, etc.).
- Ability to work independently and in a collaborative team environment.
- This position requires an understanding and ability to learn and interpret HR, organizational, departmental, and city-wide policies, including City Personnel Rules and SMC codes.
- Intermediate level of computer skills required including use of Microsoft Office Suite, Cornerstone, Workday, Canva, Data collection and analysis software.
Please submit the following with your online application:
- A cover letter in which you clearly describe how your knowledge, experience, skills, and abilities prepare you for the job responsibilities and qualifications outlined in the job announcement
- A current resume of your educational and professional work experience.
Who May Apply: This position is open to all candidates that meet the qualifications. Seattle Parks and Recreation 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, or gender identity. Seattle Parks and Recreation encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.
This position is classified as a Planning & Development Specialist, Sr. (BU). The full salary range for this position is $56.23 - $65.54 Hourly.
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 SPR's Core Competencies:- Accountability & Action: Holding yourself accountable for achieving goals, completing tasks, and delivering quality work. Demonstrating thoughtful initiative in actions, decision-making and promoting high quality standards.
- Equity and Inclusion: Supporting the goals of the Race and Social Justice Initiative and the City's commitment to workforce equity.
- Communication: Sharing and exchanging information and ideas with people in a variety of ways to help them understand and remember the information.
- Service: An ongoing commitment to base decisions and actions on the needs and priorities of the City.
- Teamwork: Participating as an engaged member of a team to achieve group goals. Effectively working with internal and external people to complete tasks and achieve work group goals.
