Community Engagement Specialist – City of Seattle

Title of the Job: Community Engagement Specialist

Location: Seattle, WA

Job Description: Position DescriptionThe Seattle Office for Civil Rights (SOCR) is seeking a Community Engagement Specialist to serve in the Enforcement Division. This role is responsible for implementing outreach and engagement strategies with subject matter expertise on Seattle’s non-discrimination laws and other local civil rights protections.The Seattle Office for Civil Rights (SOCR) envisions a city of thriving and powerful communities that fosters shared healing and belonging. The department works to advance civil rights and remove barriers to equity by enforcing laws against illegal discrimination, leading the City’s Race & Social Justice Initiative, supporting City decision-makers with policy development and review, and providing staff support to four civil rights commissions. Department work is grounded in values of compassion, responsibility, integrity, and imagination, and belonging.In this role, you will join the Enforcement Division enforcing Seattle’s civil rights laws which include protections against discrimination in employment, public places, housing, and contracting. We enforce the All-Gender Restrooms Ordinance and the Ban on Providing Conversion Therapy to Minors. This is a full-time position reporting to the Civil Rights Strategic Advisor.Job ResponsibilitiesHere is more of the work you will be doing:
Outreach, Education, and Engagement

• Educate the public about their rights by tabling at events, meeting with partners, delivering presentations, serving on panels, conducting listening sessions or focus groups.
• Provide information to the public about investigations and mediation services.
• Answer basic questions and develop presentations about the laws SOCR enforces.
• Oversee Enforcement outreach program.
• Serve as event coordinator for Enforcement outreach events.

Coordination

• Maintain schedule for Enforcement staff and connect them to outreach and engagement opportunities.
• Work with vendors and staff to translate, layout, and print materials.
• Serve as liaison with staff, other City departments, community groups, and other stakeholders.
• Gather, analyze, and evaluate data; provide data for reporting.

Collaboration

• Work with Communications Advisor on projects as needed.
• Attend meetings, communicate with, and work with other SOCR divisions.
• Conduct workshops and share best practices.
• Lead outreach planning for new legislation teams.
• Create and sustain external partnerships with community organizations and other City departments.

You will be prepared for this role if you have the following knowledge and skills:

• Understanding of racial equity, social justice, and inclusion principles with the demonstrated ability to apply this knowledge to daily work.
• Ability to lead with SOCR’s vision, accountability statement, and values. Use Race and Social Justice (RSJ) tools and resources. Support RSJ activities in the City of Seattle.
• Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Communicate at all levels effectively and tactfully to create trusted partnerships and strong relationships.
• Apply a calm, positive, solutions-oriented approach, including when and how to re-prioritize deliverables.
• Adaptability and flexibility in planning to meet SOCR’s emergent goals and meet people where they are at.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 suite of products and Adobe.

Your effectiveness in this role will depend on your ability to:

• Respect people’s lived experience and reflect a deep understanding of race, social justice, inclusion, and equity in your interactions and work.
• Model racial equity in relationships with co-workers, colleagues, community, and others.
• Interact with people with a high level of empathy and emotional intelligence for the parties involved.
• Communicate to diverse audiences effectively through public speaking, group settings and one on one.
• Bring organization and focus to work plans and schedules.
• Project management skills, including the ability to produce, track and manage multiple deliverables with overlapping deadlines in a high-performing environment.
• Contribute positively to a diverse working environment.
• Ability and desire to learn new technologies, concepts, and theories that helps SOCR serve the public better.

QualificationsIn addition to the qualities mentioned above, you will need to possess the below required qualifications (or a combination of education, training or experience which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class):

• Bachelor’s degree in planning, urban design, environmental studies, public administration, or a related field.
• Two years of experience in planning and research related to land use, urban economics, human services, environmental issues, conservation, evaluating education programs or policies, mixed method evaluation, long-term project management, local government systems, human services, or other work directly related to City planning and development activities.

OR

• Associate degree in planning, urban design, environmental studies, public administration, or a related field.
• Three years of experience in planning and research related to land use, urban economics, human services, environmental issues, conservation, evaluating education programs or policies, mixed method evaluation, long-term project management, local government systems, human services, 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, evaluating education programs or policies, mixed method evaluation, long-term project management, local government systems, human services, or other work directly related to City planning and development activities

Additional InformationThis position is eligible for overtime and is classified as a Planning & Development Specialist II and is governed by a collective bargaining agreement between the City and the union, PROTEC17 – Professional Unit. The full pay range for this step-progression position is $45.71 – $53.19 per hour. New employees begin at Step 1 of the pay progression, which is $45.71 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. Employees will be expected to work in-office three days a week. A telework option is available two days a week under current City of Seattle policy. This position may require work on occasional evenings/weekends. Individual schedules will be based on agreement between the employee and their supervisor.We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact Pam Inch at [email protected] to request accommodation.Why work at the City of Seattle
The 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 by working to dismantle racist policies and procedures, unlearn the way things have always been done, and provide equitable processes and services.Benefits – 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: .APPLICATION PROCESS:
To be considered you must include a resume, and cover letter with your application. We encourage you to use your cover letter to discuss why you want to support the work of the Seattle Office for Civil Rights and your qualification for the position. Your resume should summarize the talent, experience, knowledge, and skills you bring to this role.Application material received by 4:00PM Pacific Time on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, will receive first consideration.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.If you have questions, please contact Pam Inch, Senior Executive Recruiter at .Who may apply: This position is open to all individuals whose experience, skills and abilities are aligned with the qualifications as presented above. 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.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:

Company Name: City of Seattle

Salary: $45.71 – 53.19 per hour

Apply for the job!