Closing: Continuous

Position DescriptionThe City of Seattle is a rapidly growing city with major infrastructure investments including a new civic waterfront, light rail expansion, a new hockey arena and other key projects coming online in the next decade. The city has experienced incredible economic growth but also faces the challenge of keeping Seattle affordable and inclusive for all. Mayor Jenny Durkan is focused on building a just and equitable future for Seattle’s residents and workers. Her priorities include expanding housing affordability, helping those experiencing homelessness, addressing the climate crisis, and creating opportunity for young people – all while delivering essential city services. Mayor Durkan believes that government is at its best when we focus our work in communities. As Seattle responds to the continuing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the renewed urgency to advance racial justice, ensuring labor protections, creating and sustaining good jobs, enhanced workforce training and increasing access to economic opportunity for Seattle’s residents and workers has taken on additional importance.

Mayor Jenny Durkan is seeking to hire a Labor Operations and Policy Advisor. This position reports to the Director of Major Initiatives. The Labor Operations and Policy Advisor works in partnership with the external, policy, operations, communications, and executive teams of the Mayor’s office while simultaneously interfacing with City Departments. The role of Labor Operations and Policy Advisor is comprised of four major components: providing strategic direction on the Mayor’s labor policy and engagement, staffing related Mayor’s Office events and meetings, working with and maintaining positive relationships with a variety of stakeholders, and acting as a liaison between the Mayor and the Labor community. The Labor Operations and Policy Advisor will regularly work with and engage internal and external stakeholders to move mayoral priorities forward.

Job Responsibilities

• In coordination with the Mayor’s Office Director of Major Initiatives, design, implement, track, and manage Mayor’s Office labor policies and outreach efforts to engage a diverse constituency of labor unions and stakeholders while building support and awareness of Mayoral and City objectives.
• Identify new outreach opportunities and stakeholders – with a focus on obtaining diverse perspectives – to increase awareness and impact of various departmental programs and services and build strategies that advance the Mayor and City’s priorities and values.
• Develop and maintain positive and professional relations with staff, elected officials, labor leaders and staff, business, community organizations, and the public in support of the Mayor and City programs and priorities.
• Show a high-level of responsiveness in responding to day-to-day or emergent issues and questions brought forth from labor stakeholders and elevate to the Director of Major Initiatives and/or Deputy Mayor when appropriate.
• Help build turn out for significant meetings, events, and Mayoral addresses.
• Build meetings and events between stakeholders and the Mayor, Executive Team members, and policy staff as needed.
• Staff the Mayor at events and meetings and/or represent the Mayor and Mayor’s office at relevant events and meetings when necessary.
• Provide recommendations to the Mayor and Executive Team regarding relevant appointments to the City’s various Boards and Commissions.

QualificationsA successful applicant will have a professional career that reflects a commitment to public service and community engagement and has:

• Worked as an organizer or labor liaison for a municipality or an organization that generates high public interest and media coverage.
• Firm understanding of local and state labor laws and regulations.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships in community.
• A track record of analyzing issues, finding solutions, and delivering results within the public sector.
• Delivered meaningful outcomes by working with a diverse range of partners.
• Demonstrated commitment to collaborative teamwork and a strong work-ethic.
• A passion for issues relating to worker rights and contributing meaningfully through public service.
• Championed equity by valuing the strengths and benefits of being part of a diverse workforce.

The work requires being comfortable working in a politically sensitive environment with multiple priorities and tight deadlines which will require work outside of regular business hours.

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. Additional InformationIn addition to completing the application at www.governmentjobs.com/careers/seattle , please upload:

• A cover letter explaining your interest and capability to perform this job
• A resume which illustrates your related skills and abilities

Our plan is to begin the selection process August 25th. Individuals are encouraged to submit their application materials expediently.

Please submit your writing sample, resume and cover letter to https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/seattle/.

Questions? Please contact Pam Inch, Senior Executive Recruiter at Pam.Inch@seattle.gov

Employment is conditioned on a review 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 above 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.