Funding Process Lead

City of Seattle•Seattle, WA

9d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Education and Early Learning (DEEL) is charged with transforming the lives of Seattle’s children, youth, and families by eliminating opportunity gaps and preparing students for kindergarten, improving academic achievement, and ensuring students graduate prepared for college and a career. DEEL strives to embed the City’s Race and Social Justice Initiative into its education objectives and seeks staff who value the importance of working together as a government and community to eliminate racial disparities and achieve racial equity. Our core values of equity, results, stewardship, transparency, and collaboration guide our work, support our operations, and hold us accountable. The Department of Education and Early Learning (DEEL) is seeking a highly skilled Funding Process Lead to support the implementation of the City of Seattle’s Families, Education, Preschool, and Promise (FEPP) Levy. This position plays a central role in coordinating complex, high-impact funding processes, including investment design and Requests for Proposals (RFPs), to ensure public investments are effectively translated into actionable funding opportunities and measurable outcomes. The role requires advanced project management, cross-functional coordination, and process improvement skills to support multiple concurrent funding initiatives. The position works closely with policy, finance, contracting, and performance teams to ensure that funding processes align with City priorities, comply with procurement requirements, and advance equitable outcomes for Seattle communities.

Requirements

Manage multiple concurrent priorities and meet deadlines
Facilitate groups, build alignment, and support decision-making
Apply equity principles in program design and implementation
Project management and organizational skills
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including preparing executive-level materials
Proficiency with project management and data tracking tools
Bachelor's Degree in Public Administration, Finance, Project Management, Computer Science or a related field. Three (3) years of professional experience in financial projects, project management, or financial analysis and operations related to City planning and development.
OR Associate Degree in Public Administration, Finance, Project Management, Computer Science or a related field. Four (4) years of professional experience in financial projects, project management, or financial analysis and operations related to City planning and development.
OR Five (5) years of professional experience in financial projects, project management, or financial analysis and operations related to City planning and development.

Responsibilities

Implementing high-quality, compliant, and timely RFP processes aligned with FEPP Levy Investments.
Translating policy and program strategies into actionable investment designs and funding opportunities.
Establishing standardized, scalable processes that improve efficiency, transparency, and equity.
Leading project management for multiple concurrent investment design processes supporting levy-funded initiatives.
Developing and managing detailed project plans, timelines, milestones, and decision frameworks.
Coordinating data analysis, financial modeling, partner engagement, and development of investment strategies.
Preparing briefing materials and recommendations for executive leadership.
Managing end-to-end RFP processes, including scoping, drafting, evaluation, award recommendation, and transition to contracting.
Developing and maintaining standardized templates, tools, and guidance to ensure clarity, consistency, and compliance.
Monitoring work products for quality, completeness, and alignment with City procurement requirements.
Collaborating with procurement, legal, and internal teams to ensure compliance and timely execution.
Convening and facilitating cross-departmental teams to ensure coordinated input and alignment across functions.
Defining roles, responsibilities, workflows, and communication protocols.
Providing technical assistance and guidance to staff and applicants regarding RFP processes and expectations.
Supporting equitable and transparent participation in funding opportunities.
Tracking progress using dashboards and workflow tools; monitor milestones and identify risks.
Conducting quality assurance reviews to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance.
Maintaining documentation to support accountability, audit readiness, and public disclosure requirements.
Identifying and escalating process risks and operational challenges.
Recommending and implementing process improvements based on data and partner feedback.
Maintaining and refining standard operating procedures, templates, and process documentation.
Applying continuous improvement and lean principles to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
Supporting broader organizational initiatives to strengthen funding and contracting practices.