Senior Capital Projects Engagement Specialist, Senior; Planning & Development Specialist, Senior

Overview

Senior Capital Projects Engagement Specialist to provide critical support by leading public engagement for capital improvement projects (CIPs) across Seattle Public Utilities lines of business. Responsible for developing and implementing community engagement strategies during the planning, design, and construction phases of capital projects. The role includes presenting and reporting on project progress, tracking and preparing correspondence, coordinating community meetings and events, and managing ongoing interactions with stakeholders and community members.

Also develops and manages consultant contracts and oversees consultants’ work products to ensure quality, consistency, and alignment with project objectives and public engagement standards.

• Lead community engagement for capital improvement projects during planning, design, and construction.
• Serve as subject matter expert on community engagement to department management and project teams.
• Develop engagement plans, correspondence, outreach materials, and web content related to capital projects.
• Organize and staff in-person and virtual outreach activities; serve as liaison with other departments and agencies on public engagement issues.
• Coach project team members on communications, interview, and presentation skills.
• Elevate potential issues that could affect the department and SPU customers.
• Present project progress and report on activities; track correspondence, events, and interactions with the community.
• Foster and facilitate collaborative relationships between project team members and impacted communities.
• Develop and manage consultant contracts and oversee consultants’ work products to ensure outreach objectives are met and alignment with public engagement standards.

• Experience:
  
  Requires three (3) years of experience in planning and research related to land use, urban economics, human services, environmental issues, conservation, or other work related to City planning and development activities.
• Education:
  
  A bachelor’s degree in planning, urban design, environmental studies, public administration, or related field.
• Experience and Education Equivalency:
  Other combinations will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
• Desirable:
  Three or more years of experience working with Seattle's communities of color or people with low income; ability to apply race and social justice principles.
• Experience with capital projects in urban settings involving public outreach and communications is a plus.
• Experience organizing and facilitating in-person and virtual community meetings; hosting virtual events and break-out sessions is a plus.
• Strong written and verbal communication, creativity, attention to detail, and ability to convey complex information in simple language.
• Ability to engage stakeholders and coworkers in a manner that reflects partnership and respect; sound judgment and decision-making skills.
• Desire to work in a high-performance organization that values Safety, Trust, Respect, Diversity, Humor, Productivity, Integrity, Partnership and Accountability.

Other combinations of education and experience will be evaluated on an individual basis for comparability.

• Most work is performed in a normal City office environment. Requires working nights and weekends occasionally to lead and facilitate community meetings and briefings.

• Computer software: MS Office Suite, MS Outlook, SharePoint, MS Teams, Webex or other online meeting platforms, CRM systems.
• Smartphone and personal computer.
• Valid WA driver’s license and ability to operate a City motor pool vehicle.
• Ability to plan strategically and deliver high-quality outreach tactics with quick turnaround time.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, creativity, and strong attention to detail.
• Self-starter and team player who can manage multiple projects with flexibility and responsiveness.
• Strong people and process management skills including de-escalation and mediation between competing interests.

In addition to fully completing the online application, attach your resume and…