Chief of Staff (Executive 2)

City of Seattle•Seattle, WA

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Chief of Staff, classified by the City as an Executive 2, provides strategic leadership and direction for the Seattle Department of Transportation’s Office of the Director. The role oversees the flow and exchange of information, streamlines interactions with key constituents, and drives initiatives on behalf of the Director. The Chief of Staff leads external affairs, government and legislative relations, and strategic policy and operational planning. The position represents the Director with stakeholders, helps maintain relationships with the Mayor and City Council, prepares the Director for meetings and events, and coordinates enterprise strategy with the Executive Leadership Team and senior staff. The role also identifies and manages critical public-impact issues and supports department goals related to diversity and social justice. Most work takes place in a City office environment, with hybrid options currently available. Occasional offsite meetings and field visits may be required, as may overnight travel and evening or weekend work for public meetings and community events. The posted hourly salary range is $66.88–$110.35. Employment offers are contingent on verification of applicant information, including a background check. Applicants must submit both a cover letter and resume.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience.
At least 10 years of management and leadership experience in communications, public relations, governmental affairs, and/or related fields.
At least 10 years of management experience in a large-scale organization.
Current Washington State driver’s license or evidence of equivalent mobility.
Ability to work effectively in a multicultural workplace with a diverse customer base.

Nice To Haves

Inclusive, people-oriented leadership; accountability; and strong collaboration, relationship-building, and communication skills.
Ability to translate strategy into operational goals and objectives and produce measurable outcomes.
Ability to embrace and celebrate Seattle’s culture, diversity, and community values.
Strategic mindset and deep understanding of executive-level teams.
Experience serving elected officials and the public and working across department lines.
Experience with intergovernmental relations and management staff from other agencies.
Good judgment, creative and strategic thinking, program planning ability, and ability to increase productivity through cost efficiencies and system improvements.
Local government experience and commitment to progressive transportation policies and programs.
Ability to handle sensitive issues with diplomacy and poise.
Knowledge of public-sector organizational practices, including labor relations and public works contracting.

Responsibilities

Oversee all facets of the Director’s Office while meeting Mayor and City Council expectations and observing applicable City, State, and Federal laws, policies, regulations, and operating agreements.
Drive key initiatives and set SDOT’s legislative, external affairs, and government relations agenda.
Represent the Director with key stakeholders.
Ensure the Director has the information needed for meetings, conferences, and other scheduled events.
Lead the development of strategies and operational plans for external affairs, including business and community relationships, government and legislative affairs, public relations, and communications.
Oversee the flow and content of information to the Mayor and City Council and assist the Director in maintaining those relationships.
Oversee and coordinate integrated policy analysis and strategic consultation for the Director on major issues affecting the agency.
Lead enterprise strategy development with the Executive Leadership Team; oversee ELT meeting structures and agendas; and collaborate with ELT members, senior staff, and subject matter experts on policy and program recommendations that support city-wide goals.
Identify and manage critical public-impact issues requiring attention from the Director and other senior staff.
Support department goals in promoting diversity and social justice.
Provide performance management through feedback and coaching, and address performance issues in a timely and responsible manner.