Indigenous Advisory Council Liaison at City of Seattle, WA

About the Department

THE DEPARTMENT 

The Seattle Department of Neighborhoods (DON) is responsible for strengthening Seattle by engaging all communities.  Our purpose is to bring government closer to the residents of Seattle by engaging them in civic participation; empowering them to make positive contributions to their communities; and involving more of Seattle’s Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) in civic discussion, processes, and opportunities.  

THE COUNCIL

In 2021, the City re-established the Tribal Relations program and passed legislation creating the Indigenous Advisory Council. The Indigenous Advisory Council (IAC) is a culturally grounded advisory body that acts as a trusted advocate, advisor, and connector amongst City Partners. The Indigenous Advisory Council advises the Mayor, City Council, and City departments on policies, budgets, programs, services, and projects directly affecting Indigenous populations, including American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian people. The IAC builds and strengthens Indigenous representation and Indigenous knowledge in public policy processes by promoting and advancing priorities and solutions identified by and for Indigenous communities.

The City approaches Tribal and urban Native engagement through two main pathways-Tribal Relations and the Indigenous Advisory Council. The Indigenous Advisory Council fills a longstanding gap in our city’s ability to engage with the diverse range of Indigenous people through advisory support. The Indigenous Advisory Council serves as a supplementary avenue to strengthen the City’s ongoing and unique government-to-government relationship with Tribal Nations and works to fulfill legal, political, and racial equity obligations to American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian people that live, work, and play in Seattle. 

The Indigenous Advisory Council is the only City board and commission comprised of Native people, representing a diverse range of perspectives and experiences from Indigenous communities. 

Position Duties

We are recruiting people who have a deep understanding of and sensitivity to issues affecting American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian people who live, work, and play in Seattle and the Puget Sound region. You will serve as an Indigenous Advisory Council Liaison, coordinating the work of the IAC, scheduling and staffing meetings, coordinating workgroups, and advising decision-makers as they work to craft policies in government-to-government and urban confer frameworks.

Your work will focus on:

• Program management and design
• Policy development, implementation, and advocacy
• Strategic planning
• Relationship building and management
• Effective communication
• Annual work plan and report

To be successful, you are committed to:

• Inspiring collaboration and bringing people together around shared goals.
• Building trust and fostering meaningful relationships with community members, DON staff, the Mayor’s Office, City Council, and Office of Intergovernmental Relations.
• Speaking truth and talking through issues.
• Providing guidance and advice to DON leadership, staff, elected officials, and other City departments on all communications matters related to the IAC.
• Navigating political issues on behalf of DON, the IAC, and the City of Seattle as an influencer and advisor.

To be effective, you have:

• Strong project management experience and the ability to juggle multiple projects and deliverables simultaneously
• Handled day-to-day tasks like invoicing, budgeting, scheduling, marketing, and content and materials creation
• Overseen the design and implementation of large-scale, accessible, and interactive outreach and engagement events, working with interdepartmental teams
• Led the development, drafting, and review of communications materials, policy guidance, strategic plans, annual work plan, and advisory feedback to partners
• Facilitated interactions between people and groups with different perspectives and agendas, adjusting as needed, and strategically navigating complex environments

Minimum Qualifications

In addition to the skills and abilities listed above, this job requires the following or a combination of experience, training, and education that provides an equivalent background to perform the job:

Five 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
  or
Four 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 an associate’s degree in planning, urban design, environmental studies, public administration, or a related field
  or
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 bachelor’s degree in planning, urban design, environmental studies, public administration, or a related field

Other Qualifications

This position is classified as Planning & Development Specialist, Senior, and is represented by a Collective Bargaining Agreement with PROTEC17. The salary range for this classification is $54.28 – 63.26 per hour. New employees begin at Step 1 of the pay progression, which is $54.28 hourly. Current City employees’ starting rate of pay will be based on Personnel Rules regarding promotions.

This position offers the flexibility of a hybrid work schedule. Individual schedules will be based on agreement between the employee and management.

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

In addition to completing the online application at  www.governmentjobs.com/careers/seattle fully, please attach: 

• A cover letter explaining your interest in this job and examples of roles you have played that enhanced the lives of Indigenous people
• A PDF of your current resume

We are targeting the first and second full weeks of October for the first and second interviews. We plan to ask those invited to the first interviews to provide a writing sample and those who move to the second interviews to make a brief presentation.

This hiring process involves a background check of conviction and arrest records in compliance with Seattle's Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17. Applicants will be provided with an opportunity to explain or correct background information.

Why work at the City?

The City of Seattle recognizes that 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. 

This position is open to all applicants who 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, or gender identity. The City 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.

Accommodations:

Individuals with disabilities will be provided reasonable accommodations to participate in the job application or interview process, perform essential job functions, and receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact [email protected] with questions or to request accommodations.