Geo Teams Program Supervisor (Planning & Development Specialist Supervisor-BU)

City of Seattle, WA•Seattle, WA

45d•$59 - $68•Hybrid

About The Position

Join us in shaping Seattle's streets! At the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), we don't just move people-we connect communities, build safer streets, and create a more sustainable city. With a bold vision for the future, we're tackling big challenges: making travel safer, cutting carbon emissions, and ensuring reliable, affordable transportation for everyone-no matter who they are or where they live. Seattle is growing fast, and we're growing with it. Thanks to a historic voter-approved $1.55 billion investment in transportation in 2024, we're building sidewalks, fixing bridges, and improving transit connections to keep our city moving. We're a team of problem solvers, planners, engineers, communicators, and field crews-bringing purpose-driven work to life. Now, we need passionate, innovative talent like you. Let's build a Seattle that works for everyone-together! Are you a collaborative leader who believes government can work best when it listens deeply and partners authentically with communities? As the Geo Teams Program Supervisor, you'll shape the future of how Seattle engages with neighborhoods on transportation issues by designing, launching and leading this innovative program rooted in trust, transparency, and radical inclusivity. This is more than a management role; it's an opportunity to lead with purpose, champion equity, and deliver tangible results for the city's neighborhoods. You'll develop and oversee the Geo Teams Program, guide a three-person team of community-focused ambassadors, and build systems and processes to help SDOT better serve people who live, visit and work here. You'll coordinate across the department, build lasting relationships with civic leaders, grassroots organizations, and elected officials, and use your strategic thinking and transformational relationship-building to unite and shape a transportation system that works for all. If you're energized by advancing equity through cross-sector collaboration and ready to lead a team that's working at the intersection of transportation and community, this role offers a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in planning, urban design, environmental studies, and public administration.
Four (4) years of experience in planning and research related to land use, urban economics, human services, environmental issues, conservation, or other work directly related to City planning and development activities.
OR: An equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the position duties.
Current Washington State driver's license or evidence of equivalent mobility required.

Nice To Haves

Three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in planning, program management, social work, community development, or related areas - particularly where program management, public engagement, or systems-level thinking were critical.
Two (2) years of direct people management, including leading teams or supervising staff.
Proven ability to build and lead multi-disciplinary teams, especially in public sector, non-profit, or community-centered settings.
Master's degree in urban planning, public administration, social work, education, or related field.
Demonstrated commitment to equity, with experience advocating for historically underserved and marginalized communities.
Exceptional interpersonal, active listening, and transformational relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage and collaborate with diverse communities.
Strong communication skills and the ability to translate complex policies, data, or community needs into actionable insights and compelling presentations.
Expertise in leading equity-driven, community-based programs or initiatives.
Experience working directly with Indigenous, Black, and other communities of color on transportation, public policy, or community development efforts.
Deep knowledge of Seattle's neighborhoods, transportation system, and the historical context of transportation equity.
A proven track record of delivering measurable results in change management, particularly in large or complex organizations.
Ability to develop, communicate, and advocate for policy recommendations to executive leadership, elected officials, and public boards.
Demonstrated innovation in stakeholder engagement, conflict resolution, and advancing transformational outcomes for marginalized communities.
Multilingual or proficiency in a language other than English.
Moderate to advanced proficiency using MS applications.
Working knowledge of transportation planning, policies, multimodal transportation systems, and projects.
Working knowledge of database management and analysis, mapping software, dashboards and Adobe Creative Cloud.
Experience working across departments or agencies to align goals and deliver coordinated outcomes

Responsibilities

Leads the Geo Teams Program by setting strategy, developing systems and processes, implementing initiatives, and ensuring that outcomes advance equity and sustainability.
Builds and maintains strong community relationships through authentic engagement, centering marginalized voices to shape policies and priorities.
Serves as contact for the community, including residents, businesses, organizations, constituents, community members, elected officials and their staff, and city staff before, during and after projects are completed.
Coordinates across SDOT divisions and City departments to translate community feedback into transportation plans, projects and actions that align with funding.
Develops equity-driven policy and budget recommendations that reflect community needs and align with the Seattle Transportation Plan and levy commitments.
Supervises and coaches geographically based staff, supporting their work to build trust in communities while upholding SDOT's values of equity, sustainability, and safety.
Fosters constructive relationships with elected officials by serving as a trusted advisor and advocate for community priorities.
Manages, writes, reviews and edits both routine and advanced correspondence including emails, letters, memoranda, official documents, and reports.
Develops and delivers presentations and briefings about projects and transportation issues to community members and groups, City officials, departmental management, and other stakeholders, providing clear and concise information about project elements, project management and public engagement process, and other topics such as mitigation efforts or explanations for certain project and program decisions.
Supports departmental goals in promoting diversity and social justice by ensuring that minority and underrepresented people and their feedback, opinions, and voices are sought out and considered in all stages of project development and decision-making.