Policy & Planning Director

City of Seattle•Seattle, WA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Seattle Office of Housing (OH) increases opportunities for people of all incomes to live in Seattle by managing investments and programs that preserve and produce affordable homes, and by providing home repair and weatherization programs for lower-income residents. The Policy & Planning team oversees affordable housing policy, planning, program development, and ongoing data analysis. Its major responsibilities include oversight of the 2023 Seattle Housing Levy goals, the Levy Administrative & Financial Plan, required reporting, and stewardship of OH Housing Funding Policies. The Director provides strategic leadership for major Office efforts involving policy, data analysis, and evaluation of existing and new housing programs. The role leads policy initiatives, develops strategy, and stewards work from policy concepts through implementation and reporting. This includes oversight of legislation, memos, funding applications and reports, work plans, agreements, contracts, and other communications needed to develop and implement housing programs. The Director is also expected to support the goals of the Race and Social Justice Initiative (RSJI), model behavior that promotes RSJI, and apply an equity and inclusion lens to Office work. The Director supervises a team of four Strategic Advisors and two Data Analysts; represents OH to internal and external partners; leads strategic communications and City Council legislative strategy; and oversees analysis, planning, evaluation, and reporting for housing policies, investments, and programs. The position is a full-time civil service Manager 3, General Government role, exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act and ineligible for overtime. It offers a hybrid schedule, with employees expected to work in the office three days per week; individual schedules are agreed upon with the supervisor.

Requirements

Significant experience and expertise implementing and managing strong data analysis and evaluation methods across multiple housing programs and conducting ongoing analysis to inform discussions and decisions.
Experience in leadership roles, particularly involving housing equity policy planning, implementation, and evaluation.
Strong understanding of advocacy, policy, and/or program development.
Experience successfully leading high-priority and highly visible initiatives.
Experience advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion goals and practices.
Demonstrated commitment to stewardship of public trust and resources.
Strong leadership and strategic thinking.
Strong writing, public speaking, and presentation skills for diverse groups of constituents.
Critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Political acumen.
Ability to build respectful and collaborative relationships with people at all organizational levels.
Experience developing and managing multiple complex projects.
Ability to develop and execute a vision for Affordable Housing Policy Analysis aligned with department goals and values.
Ability to think critically, creatively, and strategically under tight deadlines.
Ability to coach, counsel, and develop employees, including employees from different racial, cultural, and demographic backgrounds.
Ability to provide direction to senior leadership in a changing environment and willingness to make difficult decisions.
Ability to provide clear expectations and direction while fostering creativity and problem-solving.
Ability to implement strategic plans and achieve results.

Responsibilities

Oversee policy analysis, development, monitoring, and reporting for existing housing investments and programs, including JumpStart/Payroll Expense Tax, the Seattle Housing Levy, Multifamily Tax Exemption, Mandatory Housing Affordability and Incentive Zoning, Weatherization, and Home Repair.
Oversee analysis, development, monitoring, and reporting for major Office policies, including Community Preference, Notice of Intent to Sell, and inclusionary zoning.
Lead strategic planning and analysis for existing and new housing programs; review policies, programs, and investments and recommend changes informed by data and evidence.
Engage community partners to examine housing policies and programs, receive ideas and input, and recommend changes based on market conditions and operating realities.
Lead City Council legislative strategy, including policy formation, document drafting, community engagement, political process, review, and adoption.
Identify strategic analyses to support OH investments, funding sources, and policy objectives; launch analytical projects that generate data and recommendations for decision-making.
Implement and maintain a data strategy across multiple programs, analyze trends and opportunities for program improvement, and communicate critical program and department data to internal and external audiences.
Oversee OH's role in data, analysis, goal-setting, and document drafting for major citywide and regional efforts.
Supervise four Strategic Advisors and two Data Analysts by organizing, planning, prioritizing, and assigning work; monitoring performance; and providing feedback and evaluations.
Collaborate with external agencies and internal teams and departments, represent and speak for OH, and provide recommendations and input on housing policy and investments.
Develop strategy and content and deliver presentations to the Mayor’s Office, Council, committees, community groups, and other key partners.
Serve as or supervise the Office of Housing City Council liaison, support legislation through City processes, and ensure Council deliverables are achieved.
Resolve complex or controversial situations through direct communication, problem-solving, and diplomacy; collaborate across workgroups, divisions, departments, and outside parties on cases and policy or procedural matters.
Use efficient processes and sound internal controls; recommend and oversee improvements to processes and procedures.
Coordinate program objectives and project delivery with the OH Director, senior leaders, and partners.
Oversee policy development, planning, research, analysis, and reporting to inform decisions and assess existing and new housing investments, programs, and policies.
Lead strategic communications and messaging by creating presentations, documents, online materials, and other communication tools.
Steward Office work from policy concepts through implementation, reporting, and strategic storytelling.
Identify, analyze, and pursue new program opportunities in collaboration with OH teams, City departments, external agencies, and partners.
Support the goals of the Race and Social Justice Initiative, model behavior that promotes it, and apply an equity and inclusion lens to Office work.