Federal Contracting Strategic Advisor (Strategic Advisor 2)

City of Seattle•Seattle, WA

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) is seeking a relationship-oriented Federal Contracting Strategic Advisor to join its Finance Division. This role focuses specifically on consultant contracting and helps steward federal, state, and local funding across SDOT and partner City departments. The advisor provides contracting expertise to project managers, division directors, and executive leadership, supporting transportation and community-focused projects through compliant, efficient, and audit-ready contracting practices. The position works across functions and agencies to guide procurement strategies, interpret funding requirements, improve policies and processes, and support equitable contracting initiatives. It also helps teams deliver safe, accessible, and innovative mobility projects for Seattle residents. The position is typically performed in a hybrid work environment, with at least three days per week in a City office and two days remotely, during a regular 40-hour work week. The full salary range is $56.57–$84.88 hourly. The City offers vacation, holiday, and sick leave, as well as medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business or public administration, finance, economics, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience demonstrating the ability to perform the position duties.
Three years of professional experience in contract administration, financial analysis, project management, grant administration, or inter-agency agreements, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Work in a hybrid environment with a minimum of three days in a City office and two days remotely during a regular 40-hour work week.
Submit a completed NEOGOV online application, supplemental questionnaire responses, a cover letter, and a current résumé.
Ability to exercise independent judgment and technical expertise to ensure integrity in procurement and contracting activities.
Ability to work independently and lead teams.
Organizational skills and ability to actively manage multiple processes in a fast-paced environment, reprioritizing as circumstances change.
Intermediate to advanced skills with Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, and Access), Microsoft SharePoint, and Adobe Sign.
Excellent oral and written communication skills for audiences ranging from senior management to project managers, with broad experience in contracting policy and processes.
Ability to collaborate effectively across work environments and personality types.
Self-starting approach, attention to detail, and follow-through on work commitments.
Ability to work effectively in a multicultural workplace with a diverse customer base.

Nice To Haves

Experience with public-sector consultant contracting, including regulatory agency policies and procedures.
Experience with federal grant compliance, federal grant contracting terms and conditions, and federal audits.
Experience with federal purchasing and public works contracting methods, requirements, and restrictions.

Responsibilities

Advise SDOT directors, managers, and project managers on complex consultant contracting needs, particularly for projects supported by FHWA, WSDOT, FTA, and other public agencies.
Coach SDOT teams on developing clear, consistent, and compliant procurement strategies, collaborating with legal, financial, and agency regulatory experts.
Support development and implementation of policy and process improvements, including technology-driven improvements.
Maintain and monitor procurement planning timelines; create and update work plans and data dashboards; identify potential challenges early; and help teams navigate complex procurement issues.
Provide department-wide technical assistance to align contracting with federal, state, and City requirements, and promote grant and contract compliance through policy and procedure improvements.
Research laws, regulations, and best practices across government levels and translate findings into policy recommendations that support compliant project delivery.
Communicate with federal and state agency staff to resolve issues and questions.
Draft and update contracts, terms and conditions, procedures, and guidance documents to reflect evolving FTA, WSDOT, and SDOT procurement expectations.
Support City Women and Minority-Owned Business Enterprise (WMBE) goals and the Federal Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program.
Assist with federal audits, compliance reviews, and other audit processes, including documentation and reporting, as well as occasional purchasing activities.
Incorporate SDOT’s diversity, equity, and social justice commitments into contracting and procurement practices.