Urban Centers Planner [United States]

 

Position Description

THE OFFICE

The Office of Planning & Community Development (OPCD) ensures that City departments are aligned and coordinated in planning and advancing equitable development for Seattle’s future growth. OPCD is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. The fields of urban planning and community development have often failed to reflect the experiences and identities of people affected by development decision and outcomes, including Black, Indigenous, People of Color, Immigrants, Refugees, People with Disabilities, and LGBTQ+ people. We strongly encourage people with these identities or from other marginalized communities to apply.

THE JOB

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The Community Planning Division at OPCD is recruiting for applicants who combine experience with urban planning processes with a creative and collaborative approach to working with communities to support and enhance their long-range visions. The Urban Centers Planner will lead and coordinate subarea plans for six regionally designated growth centers, including Downtown, South Lake Union, Uptown, Capitol Hill/First Hill, University District, and Northgate. This is an opportunity to do real and lasting place-based work. The Urban Centers Planner position is term-limited with funding through December 2025.

Your work will include:

Developing and shaping policy recommendations and scopes of work for each subarea plan that addresses visioning with community, public services, transportation, economy, housing, land use and development patterns, environment, climate change and adaption.

Leading program management activities for subarea plan, including development and management of scope, quality, schedule, costs consultants/contractors, contract documents and communications, and overseeing contractors to assure compliance.

Leading development of economic analysis and modelling in coordination with the Seattle Office of Economic Development and consultants to define what a thriving economy could look like long term.

Job Responsibilities

To be successful in this job, you are committed to:

• Community-based planning that prioritizes equity, sustainability, and the creation of inclusive, well-loved places
• Authentic, respectful engagement and collaboration with a variety of communities with an emphasis on Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) community members and businesses
• Developing and implementing inclusive urban design principles and plans, land use policies, and site planning

To be effective in this job, you have:

• Taken part in neighborhood/City planning processes
• Collected and synthesized information from diverse community groups
• Worked successfully with internal and external partners to find place-based solutions
• Developed planning strategies and recommendations, plans, and reports
• Coordinated planning processes, keeping work on track and jumping in where necessary
• Managed consultants and contractors

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.

Qualifications

A successful candidate will have demonstrated significant experience in community-organizing, equitable planning, real estate development principles, as well as leading transformative projects.

At the center of their practice is a commitment to long-range strategic thinking around meeting economic development, urban planning, and social equity goals. Their professional career reflects a commitment to cultivating and maintaining relationships with government agencies and community organizations.

Additional Information

This job is classified as Strategic Advisor 1, General Government. The complete salary range is $43,89 – $65.83 per hour, but our target salary for this job is $55.00.

Why work at the City?

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

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

• 
  A PDF of your current resume
• A cover letter explaining how your experience and skills align with this job

Questions? Please contact Kate Moore at kate.moore@seattle.gov

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 an opportunity to explain or correct background information.

Who may apply: This position is open to all applicants 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, 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.

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.

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